Finding Miles Per Gallon

Finding the miles per gallon is kind of important. Especially if your cars gas gauge has always been like, "full, full, full, 3/4 full, 3/4 full, 1/2 full, 1/2 full, 1/2 full, 1/4 full - BAM EMPTY!" 

(If I know how many gallons I put in last, and how many miles I get for each one of those gallons, then I can know pretty accurately how far I can go!) 

That's how all of my car's gauges have seemed to work. Clearly, it is not me.

This is a good thing to know even if you have a better car then mine. You can plan trips and cost much more efficiently. 

(For regular viewers of this blog: I realize I was going to do an Algebra 1 class. That's not not happening, but right now we all needed a break. It is summer after all!)

Okay, so mileage is miles per gallon so it is just that. How many miles you go per gallon of gas. You can figure things like, oh my car gets 30 miles to the gallon, so if I fill up with 15 gallons, I can get 450 miles before I need gas. Good to know, right? Especially on your summer road trips.

Here are your steps:

1. Fill car completely with gas (none of this just put in $20 worth)

2. Hit the Trip Odometer button - You know the one that tells you how far you go. Make it all zeros.

3. Drive normal

4. Get gas again when needed and look at these two things: 

                          1. The miles on the trip that you reset 

                          2. The amount of gallons you put in the car (watch the pump or look to your                                         receipt)

5. Remember how it says Miles PER Gallon. Now take those miles and divide by how many gallons you just filled up.

Here's the video to explain it better:
How to Find your Gas Mileage

 Click Here

The reason you have to use the trip in your car and fill up completely is because you are keeping track of the miles you go, but you won't know for sure how many gallons you use until you fill up again. Think about it. 

Now of course it is not exact, but close enough to make an good estimate. Now my 2004 all wheel drive vehicle usually gets 20 miles per gallon here with my mostly in town driving. When I drive road trips on highways and less stops I can sometimes get 22 miles per gallon. Start keeping track, I DARE YOU!

For real, I used to check mine every single time, but now that I have 2 kids, I probably check it only half the time. Kids really do change you....

Drive Carefully!

Algebra 1 Chapter 1 Sections 3

Hey there!
If you're following me periodically you'll notice I took some time off. Life got a bit crazy. You probably don't need to hear a list, but I do like to list things, so too bad, here it is: The kids were sick for about a week, then I was sick for a week, then there was some extra traveling stuff for work, along with a child's 4 year old birthday weekend, then the party weekend, and my husband out of town for a few nights, and a few other things that were time consuming  yet too boring to list. So, there is the partial list, and you could say things happened! I do, however, want to continue this Algebra 1 series of explanations and videos!
I know I can do it, just like you can learn this math too! Sorry for the MIA month!
Let's get to it!

Algebra 1
Chapter 1

Section 3 - Properties of Real Numbers and Using the Number Line

Real Numbers include: Natural Numbers, Whole Numbers, Integers, Rational and Irrational Numbers, basically everything you've probably heard of in your life.

If a number is not real, it is called an imaginary number. We do NOT need to worry about imaginary numbers just yet. Just know they are used somewhere later, and try to get over the  name. :) Thanks!

Here's the diagram of terms that will be explained.

This is the list of stuff we will be discussing in the video.

                                       Can you determine where a number would fit?

Can you place numbers in order from least to greatest?

Properties of Real Numbers and Using a Number Line - Video

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This section was pretty quick! Don't forget to like the video! 

More to come...   :) 

Algebra 1 - Chapter 1 - Sections 1 and 2

Algebra 1 - You CAN do this.

I have decided to go through what you would need to know if you were to take an Algebra 1 class in High School. I will go through the topics, and put the videos here. I'm hoping this will help to organize this subject that many find hard to grasp. I'm going to keep it simple. I will try not to talk too Math-y. If you know what I mean. (I'm kind of making my own chapters based on what I've taught before and how I feel things go together, but by the end of all of this you will see most if not all of what is in an Algebra 1 class.)

I am asking a couple few from you as you follow this. 

1. Your attitude needs to be: I can do this. Attitude is everything. Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right. Sick of teachers saying this? Well, probably because you're sick of them being right....

2. You need to watch the videos (and maybe re-watch) and do the couple of practice problems that are in the videos. If you're not trying them on your own and thinking through the problem, then you won't be able to move on to the next. Redoing the same problems actually will help you A LOT. Do it, then wait and do it again. If you're in a class, then definitely do the homework!

3. If you like the video explanation, please let me know with a like, a comment, and/or a share. Also, if you need more explanation, please leave that in a comment as well either here or on the video.

I really want to make this useful to everyone, and get people to stop being intimidated by Math!~

Here goes!!!

Chapter 1  
Sections 1 and 2 in videos in under 28 minutes!


Section 1 Topics
(about a 9 minute video)

- Variables
- Algebraic expressions
- Numerical expressions

Video explanation with some example problems

click

Section 2 Topics

 - Order of Operations (about 9 minutes)

- Evaluating Expressions (about 8 minutes)

Order of Operations Video

click

Evaluating Expressions Video

click

Here's a reminder of the exponent rules VIDEO. 

To be continued...

Interest Rates- What will you earn?

Hey everyone!

     Have you thought of investing or wondered how much you would owe on that interest rate if it was compounded annually, quarterly, etc?

     Don't be stuck to a person or a computer calculator to find this out. Make sure it's being calculated correctly. Ask them what formula they use. I'll show you a couple different formula's, and even if they don't use the same ones, you'll be able to get the idea and be able to plug the correct numbers in, and solve for the missing value. There can only be one missing value, or something else is missing. Good explanation, right? HAHA! I know. It's a bit general to get so detailed so let me just give you one example of how I knew I needed to ask more questions.

    Here's my story: We changed banks to make it more convenient for the location, and they were giving away about $150 to switch, so that sweetened the deal. Well, with the switch they did a free refinancing application for our house, meaning they were trying to take over our loan and see if they could give us a better interest rate/payment. The girl was telling us that it was going to be $150 less per month to go with them. She also said it was a 20 year mortgage, we have 28 years left on this one, and she said the interest rate was 4 percentage points higher. Umm, yes, read flag, right?

So to recap, she said, 4% higher interest rate, 8 years less payments, and $150 less a month.                
      Something as in everything was not right. When Justin told me this, I said, "No. That's wrong." I went into the bank to sign my paperwork for the accounts and she said the same thing. I asked to look at how they figured it out. The girl could not tell me, she just showed me the computer calculator that she plugged the numbers into. I asked if it was everything, taxes, and home owners insurance, as she had assured Justin it was. She said,"Yes, but not like your cable bill or electric, anything like that." Right then I realized, she had no idea what she was talking about, and she thought that I had bought 2 houses within 5 years and not understood that I don't pay for my cable on my mortgage bill. Long story short, the real lady that had our case got back to us and it would have been $250 more a month then what we already pay, and that number that was given was not including the two things I had asked about.

    Now I'm not going to get into how to calculate house payments just yet, but you can get the idea of how number sense and understanding how raising and interest rate and putting it over a shorter amount of time would NOT lower a payment. Sometimes people, just wow....

Okay, so her's what we're doing: Simple Interest and Finding the Total amount when given the principle, rate, time, and how it's compounded. VIDEO

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Exponents- More basics

Exponents

What do they mean?
They mean that you will be multiplying the same thing (the base) by itself as many times as that exponent says. Examples:

Also, you might have noticed that anything raised to the zero power is equal to 1, not zero, as most people would guess. I will show you why in this video.

There is also the problem of having negative exponents. That can be switched to positive and most textbooks will want you to answer with only positive exponents. Check out the example below to see how you would switch you answer, and the video will explain it.

Don't forget to to watch the previous video once again to understand short cuts to exponents.


Video on - Exponents - What it Means- Zero Power - Getting Rid of Negative Exponents

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This is a short blog this time, with not much to say, but the video will hopefully show a lot in a little time! Thanks for your support!

Exponents- It's All About that Base

     Exponents, the little number above and to the right of the regular number or variable, or both. It really means how many of that number you will multiply. Why, you ask, would you ever need this? Well, you'll use it for many many things, so understanding the basics is necessary. You'll need this when dealing with science, really big or really small things. You'll also need to understand exponents when dealing with different interest rates, which is something most of us will deal with at some point.

The video shows you what the rules are listed below, and there's a guest star in it today!

Click here to see the Introduction to Exponents Rules
                                Click
Exponents:
1. With adding and subtracting- You don't do anything to exponents when the operation is addition or subtraction. You can only add or subtract the coefficient's if they have the same base to the same exponent - see video

2. With Multiplying (must have the same base)- you will add the exponents and KEEP that base. If there are coefficients, numbers in front of a variable, then you multiply those like normal.

3. With Dividing (must have the same base) - you will subtract exponents, top subtract bottom and KEEP that base. If there are coefficients, numbers in front of a variable, then you divide those like normal.


More exponent rules to come later. Lindsey and I just wanted to give you the introduction.

It's all about that base. Lindsey will tell you! Please watch the video if you haven't already. This one has a guest who is a good singer. ;)

Have a great day!

Order of Operations

Why learn order of operations?
So you don't have to be that person that gets the Facebook feed problem wrong, but posts the answer as if they are correct. Please! Just kidding, clearly, that is only one reason, as there are many other reasons! Reasons: to be well rounded, to know what you're doing in your math class, to know what your children or grandchildren are doing in their classes, etc....

Side note: If you're needing real help with Math (or any subject) please check out this site: WyzAnt Tutoring and get a free $20 off  your first tutoring session! This site connects you with real people in your area, with different backgrounds and prices. Don't wait any longer! 

     The order of operations is needed to do any type of math class. If you forgot it, well, it's here. If you think it's too hard, then please don't ever drive a car, build anything, or cook around fire, because usually those take steps. Oh, so you're saying you can follow steps? Then you can follow the order of operations. Done and done.

    You know the drill. Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally. Aka, PEMDAS. Aka:

Parentheses (grouping symbols from the inside out)
Exponents
Multiply and Divide - from left to right
Add and Subtract - from left to right

     Now, notice how I put the multiplication and division on the same line, and the addition and subtraction on the same line? That is because it's exactly how it says it is right there. You do not do multiplication first, even though it seems that way.
     Same with addition and subtraction. I wish there was a better way to remember this, maybe: PE (MD)(AS), but that doesn't look right, so maybe: Please Excuse MarylanD's AppleS. Somehow you must remember that the MD and the AS happen from left to right not in the order you see the letters. I tried to make the letters in the same words with that second idea. What did you think? No go? I hope that video made it all clear. Be sure to watch it!

     One other thing. Parentheses stand for all grouping symbols from the inside out. Therefore if you had brackets with parentheses within, you would do the parentheses within. Also, a fraction bar with numbers on the top or bottom, act as a grouping symbol (as seen in the video). Other that that, there's not really anything else to think about, expect the order. Check out the video with examples. I DARE you to even work some out before me. GO, if you  haven't already! Go again, if you didn't work them out before me, and try them on your own. :)

Here's the video link again, in case you missed it. :) Video.

What is Pi, Anyway!?

It's Pi Day!!!!!! 3.14   Get it? March 14th. 3/14.  :)

The best part is pi is really equal to 3.14159......and even more if we had time...BUT the year after it this year (the 15) goes right with the number of pi, so that's exciting! Well...

     Anyway, today's date is 3/14/15. Yes this is special to a math teacher and/or math nerd. If you had me as a teacher, you know it all too well, but you probably loved it, because we ate pie to celebrate. After measuring some stuff of course, I wasn't that nice! Even my family knows how nerdy I am, and I got a Pi-Pie Pan for Christmas one year. (Thank you, Tommy!)

Christmas 2009

    But, what is pi? Where does this number come from?
   
    It has no pattern to the decimals and it never ends! This makes it an irrational number. That means if you know the numbers it's because you have memorized them. Good job! I haven't done that.
     I'll tell you what Pi is, but only if you remember it for the rest of your LIVES!! Just kidding, but not really. The video is about 2 minutes. Watch it for Pi Day!

PI-Day Video on What is pi?

click

 

Here's a brief written explanation:

 This is for every single circle in the world! That's the outside divided by line through the middle of the inside. Also known as the circumference divided by the diameter, or the ratio of the circumference to the diameter.

 Examples include: bottom of pencil holders, bottoms of cups, pizza, circular cookies, and of course pie! ANYTHING THAT IS A CIRCLE! I have told people this before, students, my sister, etc., and some did not believe me. I hope you believed it!

Have a great Pi Day, everyone!!

 

Solving For a Variable- Multiple Steps-

     We are going to continue on with more algebra, so for those of you who are still thinking you can't do it, please stop the doubt! Remember it's all about how you look at it. I realize you may not have practiced it and you won't until you need to. That's fine. But please know that these explanations are here, and there are many other videos and other help out there. Please stop making excuses if you want to improve on something in your life, but your math skills are holding you back. You can look at these blogs/videos now, and just know that they are do-able, and do-able for you!

     Okay, here is what you already can get/have gotten from the blog:
1. Solving for a Variable in 1 Step Equations

2. Solving for a Variable - Step 2 of Algebra Awareness

3. More Algebra - Combining Like Terms 

     Now we will take this a step further. Remember, it's another step. Do NOT try running before walking. Yes, it's a baby reference, and it's over-used, and I said it.  

     Here is what you will learn to solve; 2x - 1 + 3x = 19 and stuff like 7x + 4 = 2x - 6 + x .

Here are the steps: 

1. Combine like terms on both sides of the equal sign separately (Forgot how? click here)

2. Get all your numbers to one side of the equal sign and variables to the other side of the equal sign (Moving around an equal sign is when you do the opposite, same as Solving for a Variable - step 2)

3. Now get the variable by itself (If it's multiplied) (If it's divided) 

Try the practice problems in the video. You CAN do this! 

Video- Solving For a Variable - Multiple Steps - 

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Shopping Tips - Figuring Out Discounts and Sales Tax in TWO steps

Shopping is fun. Real shopping. Not grocery shopping, since that's clearly survival. I'm talking clothes, or fun household stuff or outdoor stuff or toy shopping, etc.. I totally intend to do these 'shoppings' when this teaching degree is paid for. ;)

I would like to share with you the easiest way to make sure your items are discounted properly. If you have discounts for groceries, you can use this too, but I just wanted to think about fun stuff!  Now I have a real problem with people standing there in the aisles of stores thinking so hard. I know right!~? Me have a problem with people over-analyzing math!? HA!
Kind of like this post about finding the tip, right?
Here's that video.

Now, let's get serious, because shopping, is serious.

If you see a sign that says an item is discounted by 20%, and has a sales tax of 6%,  most people will do the following steps to find the complete total:

(I'm hoping this will become your old way.)
1. Take total and find 20% (multiply it by .20)
2. Subtract that 20% from the total- for the NEW Total
3. Take NEW Total and multiply it by .06 to get the Sales Tax 
4. Take and add NEW Total and the  Sales Tax to find the Complete Total

This always will work, so if you love it, then you can always use it. That being said, I don't know why you would do that again after I show you this. I'm going to do the same problem, quicker. You know you have your cell phone when you're shopping. It has a calculator, so do these steps instead. 

First if it's a 20% discount then you're paying 80% of the total.. .right?
If it's a 30% discount then you're paying 70% of the total... see what we're doing here?
If it's a 25% discount then you're paying 75% of the total. You got it now right!?

Now, let's get serious, because shopping, is serious.

(I'm hoping this becomes your new way.)
If you see a sign that says an item is discounted by 20%, and has a sales tax of 6%,  
THIS IS WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

1. Take the total and find 80% of it (multiply by .80) for the NEW Total
2. The the NEW Total and multiply it by 1.06 - for the 6% sales tax  to find the Complete Total

That 1.06 means you take 1 (100%) and the extra .06 (6%) of the NEW Total.

If you have 7% sales tax you would do 1.07, 9% would be 1.09 and so on.

Here's the video with one example and one to try on your own.

VIDEO- Figuring out Discounts and Sales Tax in Two Steps

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I do realize that their are signs in most places telling you the amount the discount is now, but sometimes those don't have that one thing you want on there. You also should always check, as sometimes things are wrong. You CAN be smarter than a sign. You got this! :)

Negative Numbers - The Simpler Way to Remember

You might be doing some Math for the first time in forever, (Yes, I have watched Frozen, a lot, and if you have too, then you know what I'm talking about.) and negative numbers might be unclear to you and annoying. You must understand how they work in order to get other problems correct. It might seem too easy for you, but trust me, it's these little mistakes that stop people from doing math, and it SHOULDN'T!

These problem areas can be worked on for maybe 30 minutes, or maybe 10 minutes, 3 times a week for 3 weeks and completely fixed. Yes, I totally made up those times, because I do not know you and your situation. You can be the judge of that. Here's what I'm going to show you today.

1. How to add and subtract with negative numbers

2. How to multiply and divide with negative numbers

Let's get right to it. 

How to Add and Subtract with Negative Numbers

1. Change all subtractions to adding the opposite

2. If they are the same sign, add and use that sign

3. If they are different signs, (act like they're positive) subtract smallest from largest, and use the sign of the larger one

Please note, for these steps to work you must do the first one correctly. Please watch this video to ensure you understand. 

VIDEO on Adding and Subtracting with Negative Numbers

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Next: How to Multiply and Divide with Negative Numbers 

1. Ignore the signs and multiply and/or divide from left to right

2. It the problem started with an even amount of negative values then the product is positive

3. If the problem started with an odd amount of negative values, then the product is negative

You can also do this step by step, but the odd and even number seems to be the easiest, especially if you don't use it for a while.
Please watch the video to ensure you understand.

VIDEO on Multiplying and Dividing with Negative Numbers

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I hope this has helped you! Remember this will all build up to allow you to do more and more math. Share with your friends who claim they can't learn it, and let me know your feedback! Thanks! 

More Algebra - Combining Like Terms

When you're looking at a problem, your problem, your child's or grandchild's problem, you might ask yourself this:

Why can't I solve for 'x'?

That would be if you were given a problem like this:  2x + 3 + 5x -1

Why can't you find what x is? 

Well, that's because it's different from these problems that we've already went over:

Solving for a Variable with one thing happening to it, such as 2x = 6     or 

Solving for a Variable with two things happening to it, such as 2x + 1= 7

Here, in this new problem given, there is NO equal sign. That's what makes it different. 

You cannot solve if there is no equal sign.

So, why, you ask, do you need to do anything? Well, because we will be adding to this, but right now you can combine the like terms and simplify it. We'll use simplifying to solve for a variable again. 

Simplifying or Combining like terms means, putting together everything that is alike. Here's a situation you might be able to relate to:

You're a teacher. You're sick of your students always being on their cell phones in class. So, you collect them from each class.
Your first class of the day has: 10 iphones, 12 other smartphones, and 6 not so smart phones

Your second class of the day has: 12 iphones, 7 other smartphones and 3 not so smart phones

Now you could combine your 'like terms' by saying you have a total of 22 iphones, 19 other smartphones and 9 not so smart phones. 

Okay, you can do that, now you can do it with algebra terms. 

Like Terms means it has the same variable with the same exponent, or no variable at all.

Steps: 

1. Look at the first term you see, and find all others like it

2. Add or subtract depending on the sign directly in front of each term

3. Cross out as you add and subtract, until all things alike are together

Now you have Simplified this Expression. 

Look at you learning (or relearning) all these terms! :)

Now check out the video! You'll need to do this to solve for bigger and better things!!

VIDEO on Combining Like Terms

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Remember you may need more practice, or re-watch the video and try the problems until you're comfortable. Thank you all for your feedback! 

Fractions. Stop the Dread! Seriously, Just Stop.

Fractions are here. They are not changing. They don't care if you hate them.

They always have the same rules or steps to figure them out. You are the one who can either choose to conquer them, or to stop reading now and continue the fear towards them. KEEP READING! Obviously, I want you to keep reading, and then watch the videos. Why? Because you can do it. The way you look at fractions may be the only thing holding you back. You can follow steps in real life, you can follow steps with fractions. The last video is actually the shortest and easiest, so don't quit before that one! Actually, just don't quit.

Think of it this way:

Are you afraid of this: 5  ?

Yes, the number 5. (Don't say yes, just to be that person.)
Okay, then you do not need to be afraid of this: 1/5.

One number over another with a bar between is nothing to be afraid of.
Let's do this!

WARNING: You must know your multiplication tables through 10s (12s are better, but so are 15s, so do what you can.) If you don't know these, then please go memorize them. I can't teach memorization. I can't, and I won't. 

Adding and Subtracting Fractions:

Steps:
1. Get denominators (bottoms) the same, by multiplying the top and bottom of that fraction by the same thing. 
(Why step 1? Why, you ask? Because you can't add apples and oranges together and then call them all apples or all oranges. That makes no sense, but you can chop them all up and call them fruit salad bowls, or chunks. Yes, a sad fruit salad, but a fruit salad nonetheless, and that's why step 1 happens.)

2. Add or subtract the top part, and keep the bottoms the same.

3. Reduce (divide the top and bottom by the same things)

VIDEO of Adding and Subtracting Fractions

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Now Adding and Subtracting with Mixed Numbers and Fractions... WHAT?! 
TIME OUT
You just did the above and got it, this has 1 more step. You CAN do one more step. I just know it.
This is more real life. If you ever measure anything with a ruler, you may need this.

Steps:
1. Change mixed numbers to fractions (multiply bottom by whole number and add top, this is the new top, keep bottom number the same)

2. Get denominators (bottoms) the same, by multiplying the top and bottom of that fraction by the same thing
3. Add or subtract the top part, and keep the bottoms the same.
4. Reduce (divide the top and bottom by the same things)

Ohhh, you're saying those last three steps look the same as what you did above!? Yes. They are.
DONE.
Actually, here's the video. Watch it, then be done.

VIDEO of Adding and Subtracting with Fractions and Mixed Numbers

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Multiplying and Dividing Fractions:
-When multiplying fractions, they care not about your bottoms, nor your tops. - That's just a little saying to help you remember it. You know you smiled. :)
Multiplying:
Steps
1. Multiply straight across the top and straight across the bottom
2. Reduce
BAM- Done

Dividing
Steps:
1. Flip the second Fraction. (Ex. 2/3 becomes 3/2)
2. Multiply straight across the tops and bottoms
3. Reduce

VIDEO of Multiplying and Dividing Fractions

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Remember if you really want to do better you will need to practice. A simple search for these things will definitely bring up more practice problems for you. Even if you don't practice this, I hope you realize that you CAN do it. Right? Please say YES! Thanks for listening!

Solving for a Variable- Step 2 of Algebra Awareness

First, thanks for reading when it says Algebra up there in the title.

Second, here is what you're going to be able to solve after today: 2x - 1 = 6

(Not ready for that? Start Here.)

Everyone is at a different math level, but I want you all to be comfortable before moving on to more. Yes, you will be able to do this and more without crying. This is not a place for babies! I do love babies, so it's not that. 

When solving today you will always remember your goal.

Goal: To get the variable by itself. 

Here is how I want you to think of these problems. 

Your variable is your present (like a birthday present). It's been put in a box, and wrapped up with wrapping paper. You must remove the paper from the outside first, then the box. I know you can open a present.

Let's do it. 

Steps: 

1. Look on only the side of the equal sign. 

2. Get rid of the thing furthest away from the variable. (Remember same side of equal sign.)

3. Get red of the thing right next to the variable. 

*by "get rid" it means do the opposite operation- (adding - subtracting, etc.) - and do the same to the opposite side

VIDEO: Solving for a variable with 2 things happening to it

Too much for you right now?
Recall this POST with videos at the end, and come back to this one when you're comfortable. 

Afraid of Math? You can change this!

Is not being able to do Math holding you back from furthering your education?
Is it holding you back from helping your children with their school work?
Is that, in turn, holding your children back from being able to do Math at the level you wish they could?

You CAN change all of this.
You do not have to be afraid.

Being afraid of a spider, yes, that makes sense. I get that one.
I'm only afraid of a spider if it's coming towards me. Yes, I may scream a bit if it's large no matter what direction it's going, but anything close to me, coming at me, is scream-worthy. I hope you agree.
Numbers do not "come at" you. You can attack first. You have control!
(Sound too cheesy? Too bad!)

You have the power. Here are some things you should know:

1. You may have lost some skills. If you have not done math in a long time, then you have lost a lot of what you may have known. It's okay. If you don't use it, you lose it. The thing is, you can get it back.

2. You will need to work. Short cuts, shorter videos, less practice, sound too good to be true? Then you know it is. Be ready to pay attention and practice. You wouldn't go out and play in a competitive basketball game without practicing (I hope), so why do you think you can be good at other things without practice?

3. You will need to change your attitude. I know some of your parents and teachers (especially if you had me) told you that "Attitude Is Everything". (I had that banner in my classroom for 6 years.) If you say you can't do it, then you can't. Start telling yourself you can, but also do the work or that won't work either.

The Plan 
Read the blogs, watch the videos, remember you can do math, and try, try and try again.

Here's a sample video. Just try it!
                                             
                                                  Here's how to find percentages faster. 

Why am I doing this? 
I realize I can't make everyone like math, but I do think I can make many realize they can do it.
So help me out! Let's change the world's Math attitude, one person at a time! :)
Seriously. Right now.

Check out the previous blog for beginners, and watch for the one about fractions (Coming soon!) so you can stop bad mouthing them. THANKS!

Solving for a Variable in 1 step Equations

So, you say you don't know how to do Algebra. Letters in with numbers is dumb, right? 

Well, turns out a variable, usually "x", is just holding the spot for what you're missing.

Meaning  3x = 6 is a sentence that's really saying: Three times "what" is equal to six. 

That's all. Stop thinking so hard about it, and MOST of all, STOP saying letters don't belong with numbers. 

If you hate it that much, then use a question mark every time you don't know something. I, however, would get really sick of making that shape with the dot beneath (?), but that's just me. 

These videos are titled of what they are, so please watch to get a full understanding.
DO NOT just give up. That will never get you what you need, and it's annoying. Thanks.

(Recall your motivational post.)

Videos include details on:
Solving for a variable in 1 step, when it is being multiplied, divided, added or subtracted from. Then there is an extra practice video.

Steps:
1. Figure out what is happening to your variable. (Is it being multiplied, added to, divided by, subtracted from) 
2. Do the opposite operation. (If it's being multiplied, then you divide.etc.)
3. Do the same thing to the other side of the equal sign. 

The videos are separated by operations.

Click on the links to view!

First video - Solving when the variable is being multiplied by something.

Second video - Solving when something is being added to the variable.

Third video - Solving when something is being subtracted from the variable.

Fourth video - Solving when the variable is being divided by something.

Fifth video - All together, do you know what to do?!?