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?!?