The Algebra Distributive Property – A Simple Introduction

Logic, Mathematics
The algebra distributive property lets you multiply a sum by multiplying each part separately and then adding those amounts together. These words are bound to confuse the reader, so let’s consider an example that will demonstrate what we mean. The Example We want to multiply 4x7. Let’s write it as (4)(7). Then, (4)(7) = 28 Now let’s replace 4 with its equivalent, 3+1. And let’s replace 7 with its equivalent, 5+2. Then, (3+1)(5+2) = 28 This seems to be a pretty strange way to write 4x7, doesn’t it? Yet in mathematics – in algebra-style notation – it is just as correct as 4x7. In this form, we can hopefully explain in an understandable way, how the algebra distributive property works. Refer to the diagram to see how we can do…
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Constants and Variables: A Simple Introduction to Algebra

Logic, Mathematics
Please bear with me on this article. You see, I am a chemist, not a mathematician. Yet, as an individual who struggled with the concepts behind algebra (yet I grasped it soon enough to ace it), I can understand how others – intelligent individuals – can find algebra disconcerting. What are constants and variables? Two Basic Participants - Constants and Variables There are two primary participants in algebra – variables (which change) and constants (which do not change). Constants are specific numbers that never change. 27 is always 27. 43-1/4 is always 43-1/4. It never changes; it is constant. So let’s consider your age. Your age changes! This year you may be 16. Next year, you will be 17. Age is variable. Let’s write an equation. Your First Algebra Equation…
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Algebra for Beginners: Student Perspective

Mathematics
Have you gone past arithmetic and tried algebra for beginners? Having opted for the “college prep program” at high school, I took Algebra I, freshman year. My instructor was Miss Diamond. She wore those black lace-up shoes elderly women wore then. She was not unkind, although she was rather out of touch with some of the students—including me. It was the first days of class, and, despite seeking her help, I wasn’t getting the concepts. So I turned to the student seated behind me. In about five minutes—perhaps less—he set me straight with his algebra for beginners. I became one of the best students in the class. The principles are easy. Constant -vs- Variable The simplest concept was also the most difficult for me, as paradoxical as that may sound.…
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More High School Math

Mathematics
[caption id="attachment_5627" align="alignright" width="400"] Calculations[/caption] The most practical math for people to understand is undoubtedly high school math, rather than college math. After all, how much calculus is used when you go grocery shopping, get your plumbing fixed, or you go skiing on the weekend? High School Math You've got to love it. Here's the first high school math problem. Problem 1: Simplify the mathematical expression: (x-2y3)4 (x-3y4)-2 Simplifying the first parenthetical expression, we get (x-8y12) It is the powers we multiply when powers are raised to powers. Doing similarly with the second parenthetical expression, we get for that (x6y-8) The equation now reads, (x-8y12) (x6y-8) When we multiply numbers, we add and subtract powers. This gives, (x-2y4) [Answer] ------------------------- Problem 2: 2/10 divided by n equals 3-1/2. What does…
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Secondary School Math Problems Plus Solutions

Mathematics
[caption id="attachment_5613" align="alignright" width="480"] Fractal[/caption] For some, it's actually fun when they come across secondary school math problems plus solutions. It's because they are no longer accountable, since they graduated years ago. Math Problems Plus Solutions Problem 1: Find the slope intercept form of the line passing through the point (– 1, 5) and parallel to the line – 6x – 7y = – 3. The line given is rewritten (in slope-intercept form, y = mx + b) as y = – 6/7 x + 3/7 Thus the slope m = – 6/7 Now two lines are parallel if they have the same slope. So, y = – 6/7 x + b is the formula for the new line, with the intercept not yet solved. We do so by inserting…
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Sample High School Math Problems with Answers

Mathematics
[caption id="attachment_5578" align="alignright" width="440"] Fractal - CCA Share Alike 3.0 Unported by Wolfgang Beyer[/caption] Want some sample high school math problems with answers? Well then here you go! High School Math Problems Problem 1:     A change purse has 100 nickels and dimes. The total value of the coins is $7. How many coins of each type does the purse contain? If the number of nickels is N and the number of dimes is D, then 5N + 10D = 700 (the 5, 10 and 700 representing the number of cents) However, N + D = 100 (the number of nickels plus the number of dimes equals 100) So, solving for N for both equations, we get as the result N = – 2D + 140 and N = 100 – D…
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Distance, Velocity, and Acceleration

Mathematics, Physics
[caption id="attachment_3512" align="alignright" width="440"] Porsche 911 image - CCA 2 Generic[/caption] Do you know the relationships between distance, velocity, and acceleration? In learning about a matter, the primary obstacle is likely to be understanding the concept of it. For instance, as a young teen, I was introduced to algebra. Algebra is the first form of mathematics that contains not only numbers, but letters as well. Numbers are constant (after all, 3 is three), but letters are used to indicate variance in value, i.e. they are variables. Distance The concept of distance is so very simple, it is taken for granted. But should it be? Some young ones may not fully comprehend the concept of distance. That being said, we will assume here that the reader and his or her pupil…
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