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?

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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.