We see math everywhere. Whether it is from calculating gas prices, to measuring salt, to shaped blocks, we see something to do with math every second of every part of our lives. This weekend I had the chance to play a fun game on a math website. The game was a little tricky at first until I figured out how to work it. The game starts and you need to plug in numbers in these little bubles. The are bubles at every single corner of the game, which is shaped as a square. There are four numbers in each corner already filled in for you. Your job is to plug in the number that fits in the buble in between your top and bottom bubble. If the top buble is 10 and the bottom bubble is 2, the middle bubble is 8. This is because 8 is the difference between 10 and 2. Then your answer adds on to another set of mathmatical problems that adds on to another set that it tied to the center 4 bubbles.
I figured each proble out by subtracting the smallest number from the biggest. This worked every time. I even did a decimal, money, and another bubble game using trickier numbers. I really liked this game because it helped my brain get back into the swing of things on the weekend. It helped me to remember my math tools while not in school. I am very gald I played this game!!!
When graphing equations, why is there is always a dot? Either a decimal, a circle to represent something, or a mulitplication sign. Luckily, I've got your back so there is no need to worry. When graphing inequalities or equations, there is always a graph with a dot to represent a number. Sometimes the dot is filled in, that means that what you are trying to solve for, could be equal to that number. If the problem states that the number is between 35 and 40 that means could fill in that bubble. You would do that because it is between but ALSO including. The number could be 35 or 40!!! Sometimes you need to look into the sentence. That means to take a closer look at the problem and look at what is wants you to do.
See, equations and inequaltities are a lot easier than you think. Just read your problem over and think about what it is asking you to do. Is it including or no? Does it want you to graph it or not? See! Ask yourself those questions! You'll see what a difference it makes!
We see numbers everywhere, and we use them too! We see numbers for gas prices, school work, signs, money. A lot of the time, we see either numbers, fractions, or deciamls. A few days ago, I blogged about deciamls and fractions, so we know a little about those and how to translate them.
Sometimes we see numbers behind the decimal point and we get confused, look at it this way. There are millions and millions of numbers behind 1 and in front of 0. That means there is no whole number. To be translated more... that means we have no number in front of the decimal point of to the left of the fraction. Like this...
.50 That means we have half of 1 because it is not 0 but it is not 1.
.75 We have three-quarters of 1 but it is not yet 1 nor 0.
There are so many little numbers in between 1 and 0. If you look closely and make exact measurments when measuring, you'll come across many of them. Remember, fractions and decimals are just pieces, pieces of anything, and you'll see them anywhere. You just have to look just close enough.
Volume is the amount of cubic units you can fit inside an object. We normally use volume for 3 dimensional objects like cubes. In oder to find the volume of something you multiply its length, its width, and its heighth to come to a conclusion about its volume. Like a cube, if the cube's length was 6 units, and it height was 6 units, and its width was 6 units; you would multiply its length, width, and heighth. So 6x6x6x=216 cubic units.
What if the object you were measuring was and irregular object? What would you do then? The rules would be the same. If you had an irregular object, all you would need to do would be to find its length, width,and heighth and multiply them. Just like we did for the cube. See, volume is really easier than people think. Just remember length, width, and heighth all multiplied together equal your volume! Don't forget the cubic units!
In math, there are so many different ways to solve equations and math problems. One of my favorites though is the Order of Operations. I think this a such a useful technique because it tells you the order in which to solve problems. No, not your everyday problems, math problems! Anytime I'm doing a math problem I'm am always looking for places where I can use the Order of Operations. Most of the time I use the Order of Operations when I am trying to solve expressions or equations. Another method I like is rounding. I don't use it a lot but when I do, it is useful. I like how if the number is greater then 5 you move that number up one. If it is less than 4, it stays the same. All of these methods I find very useful, and I sure hope you do too!
Volume is the amount of cubic units you can fit inside an object. We normally use volume for 3 dimensional objects like cubes. In oder to find the volume of something you multiply its length, its width, and its heighth to come to a conclusion about its volume. Like a cube, if the cube's length was 6 units, and it height was 6 units, and its width was 6 units; you would multiply its length, width, and heighth. So 6x6x6x=216 cubic units.
What if the object you were measuring was and irregular object? What would you do then? The rules would be the same. If you had an irregular object, all you would need to do would be to find its length, width,and heighth and multiply them. Just like we did for the cube. See, volume is really easier than people think. Just remember length, width, and heighth all multiplied together equal your volume! Don't forget the cubic units!
Ever wonder why fractions and being confused always somehow tie together? Well, first, you need to calm down. Something students frequently get confused about is why when denominators get bigger the decimal gets smaller! Just listen, a fraction, is a peice of something. Like, for instance, 1/4 in decimal form is .25. They are the exact same thing, just represented in two different ways. If you have a piece of pie, split into 4 peices for you and you 3 friends; and you wanted to each get a piece, you and your 3 friends would all get 1/4 of the pie. In deciaml form you would get .25 piece of the pie, and so would you friends. Now look at this,
1/4 = .25
Really a fration is a number being divided. So in this case, you would need to "read" the fraction. 1/4...is 1 divided by 4. 1 divided by 4 is .25. If you wanted it for a fraction it would be 1/4. Let's say you have a pie slipt into 2 pieces for you and your brother. Your brother and you each get...what??? Do the math.
1/2 = .50 Because 1 divided by 2 equals 1/2 in fraction form and .50 in deciaml form! See, fractions are fantastic!!!
This week in Algebra, we have started learning about "Pirate Treasure." In order to get to the treasure, you have to go through a series of confusing steps to get to your treasure. Your treasure is hidden under any palm tree on the island of "37 Palm Trees." It's your job to get the treasure, all you have to do is figure our the equation, and fast! Working backwards was tricky for me at first, but after a while I got the hang of it. Not only do you work backwards, you also take the opposite of the term you are working with!
Algebra is a tricky class where you use lots of patterns, puzzles, and lots more mathmatical tools that help you along the way. For now, though, Arrr!!!
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