Math Science Experiments Humanities Teaching Legal Issues Education WonderHowTo
iOS 18 Tips, Tricks, How-Tos, News

How To: Find a slope of a line parallel/perpendicular to it

This video tells you how to find a slope of a parallel / perpendicular to it. In the equation y = mx + c, m is the slope. To calculate the slope of a line that is parallel to another line, you have to consider the rule m1 = m2 which means slope of the first line m1 is equal to the second line m2, if both the lines are parallel. Take the equation y = 2/3x - 7.2/3 is the slope. According to the rule m1 = 2/3 and so m2 = 2/3.Now to calculate the slope of perpendicular line you have another rule ...

How To: Find the perimeter & area of a complex figure

In this video tutorial the author shows how to find the perimeter and area of a complex figure. He shows that a complex figure can be subdivided into standard geometric figures. In the current example he divides the complex figure into a rectangle and a triangle. Now he computes the perimeter by adding the three sides of the rectangle and the two sides of the triangle. Similarly he computes the individual areas of the rectangle and the triangle and finally adds then up to find the area of the...

Use the quadratic equation: finding the mirror point

In this video the tutor shows how to find the mirror point using a quadratic equation. He says that to graph a parabola you need to find the mirror point symmetrical to the Y-intercept. Now he explains how to find a mirror point using an example with sample values. He begins with saying that the Y-coordinate of the mirror point is same as the Y-coordinate of the Y-intercept. Now you have to find the x coordinate of the mirror point which he shows that it is double the x-coordinate of the vert...

How To: Use and find x & y-intercepts in algebra

A straight line can be represented in the form of a liner equation containing two variables x and y. When the equation is graphed on a pair of coordinate axes, the line passes cut through the axes in two points. The point where the line cuts the x-axes is called as its x coordinate and the point where the line cuts the y-axes is called as its y coordinate. In this way a line has x-intercept and y-intercept. The x-intercept of a line lies on x axes and is in the form (a,0). Similarly the y-int...

How To: Multiply & Divide Numbers (Basic Elementary Math)

Adding and subtracting may be the easiest of mathematical operations, but once you get it down, multiplication and division can be just as easy. That's why it's called elementary arithmetic. If it were harder, it would be called college algebra or trigonometry. But it's not— it's basic math, and once you get your head around the numbers, you'll never hate math class again! (Okay, maybe you will.)

How To: Find and sketch the domain of a multivariable function

Looking for a primer on how to find and sketch the domain of a function z = f(x, y) in calculus? Learn how with this free video calc lesson. From Ramanujan to calculus co-creator Gottfried Leibniz, many of the world's best and brightest mathematical minds have belonged to autodidacts. And, thanks to the Internet, it's easier than ever to follow in their footsteps (or just finish your homework or study for that next big test).

How To: Find the slope of a line given 2 points with fractions

In this video tutorial the instructor shows how to find the slope of a line given two points with fractional values. To do this first name your two points as point 1 with coordinates as x1, y1 and point 2 with coordinates x2, y2. Then substitute the values in the equation of the slope which is slope m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1). Now all you have to do is simply the fraction after substituting the point values. Be careful about the signs while substituting in the formula. Now finally after solvin...

How To: Use ">" (greater than) and "<" (less than) symbols

In this video the author explains how to identify the less than (<) and greater than (>) symbols and when to use them. She explains to us to relate the numbers to animals stating that the smaller numbers are smaller animals and bigger numbers are bigger animals. Now she tells us to imagine that smaller animals are eaten up by the larger animals. So she shows a smaller number comes on the left side of '<' sign and bigger number comes on the right side of '<' sign stating that the bigger number...

How To: Find the standard deviation with the Z-Score formula

In this tutorial, we learn how to find the standard deviation with the Z-Score formula. First, take your problem and write it out one by one underneath each other. Then, you will need to substitute the numbers in for the variables that are in the problem. Once you do this, you will follow the basic rules of math to find out what the answer to the problem is appropriately. Once you have done this, finish off the problem to find the answer, then you will have found the standard deviation using ...

How To: Find standard deviation

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to calculate the standard deviation of a data set. The standard deviation of a statistical population, a data set, or a probability distribution is the square root of its variance. To calculate the standard deviation, users will need to follow these steps. 1) Find the mean of the data. 2) Subtract the mean from each data point. 3) Square each of the values you got in step 2. 4) Then find the mean of the values you get from step 3. 5) Finally, square r...

How To: Find the percentage of a number easily

In this arithmetic basics tutorial the author shows how to find the percentage of a number. He says that hundred percentage of number is the same number. He says that if we find the percentage of a number where the percentage is less that 100, then the value of the number reduces. Similarly if we find the percentage of a number where the percentage is more than 100, then the value will be more than the original number. He says that to find the percentage of a number we need to mark a decimal ...

How To: Find extra points for a parabola (quadractic equation)

This is a mathematical educational video on how to find extra points for a parabola. In the first two examples there is no need for finding extra points as they have five points and have zeros of the parabola. In example 3 we need to find extra points. The equation is y=4xsquare-4x+4. You can take x= -1 and get the value for y. You will get a point now. Similarly you can substitute -2 for x in the same equation and get the value for y. Now you get another point. Now you can draw the parabola.

How To: Write a sum/difference of logarithms as a logarithm

To write the sum or difference of logarithms as a single logarithm, you will need to learn a few rules. The rules are ln AB = ln A + ln B. This is the addition rule. The multiplication rule of logarithm states that ln A/b = ln A - ln B. The third rule of logarithms that deals with exponents states that ln (M power r) = r * ln M. Using these three rules you can simplify any expression that involves logarithms to arrive at a single logarithm. The instructor shows how to apply these rules to a f...

How To: Simplify a quadratic formula result

In this video the tutor shows how to simplify a quadratic formula result. You can solve a quadratic equation using the quadratic formula. The first thing you have to do when given the quadratic equation is bring all the terms to one side so that you have a zero on the other side of the equals to sign. Now the formula to calculate the roots of the quadratic equation ax*x + bx + c = 0 is x = (-b + root of(b*b - 4*a*c) ) / 2 * a. The other root can be obtained by using the minus sign before the ...

How To: Write a slope-intercept equation given an X-Y table

In this tutorial the author shows how to derive a slope-intercept equation of a line given an X-Y table. He explains that the general form of slope intercept form which is y = m*x + b. Now he intends to find value of slope, i.e. m first. Now slope is change in y over change in x. He computes the slope using the X-Y values from the table. Next he substitutes a pair of x, y value in the equation to compute the value of y intercept b. Now finally substituting the values in the equation the slop-...

How To: Determine if you have a function

In this tutorial, we learn how to determine if you have a function. You will start off with two functions and their points. The 'x' values make up the domain of the function and the 'y' values make up the range. The input values are the domain and the output are the range. If you're checking to see if you have a function, you will need one 'y' for every 'x'. This means that each value has another one that goes with it. Each of the points need to have one partner with them, no more and no less...

How To: Add fractions with unlike denominators

In order to add fractions that are not alike, you will need to find the lowest common denominator. This is the least common multiple of the fractions. To add 2/3 plus 1/5, you will need to find the lowest common denominator. Here, it is best to think of all of the multiples of the denominators. If it helps, make a list. For 3, it is 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, etc. For five, the multiples are 5, 15, 20, 25, etc.

How To: Graph a parabola properly in vertex form

This video shows viewers who are interested in mathematics how to graph a parabola whose formula is displayed in vertex form, or the form y=a(x-h)^2+k, where the vertex is (h, k). After determining the vertex, plot it on your graph. After graphing your vertex, your axis of symmetry would be x= h, or the x-coordinate of your vertex. The a value in your equation will act as your slope in this case, and your should graph the two points which correspond to this slope on your plot 1 unit away on e...

How To: Cancel out in basic algebra

This video gives you brief tutorial on simplifying expressions, or canceling out common factors. He starts out by answering the question "What is canceling?" and demonstrates a basic example. You find the greatest common factor between the numerator and denominator, which you then divide both by. This can also be done if you have variables in your fraction. He then shows it can be done the same way if you have binomials in your fractions. However, you must be careful that the denominator does...

How To: Use a TI-89 to calculate nCr

This video shows you how to do a mathematical representation on computing the nCr function using a TI-89 calculator. You can write the nCr notation in different forms. It can be simplified from nCr to C(n,r). The symbol can either be read "n choose r" or "n taken r at a time" which are from it's probability applications. On the example to find "26 choose 17", go to the Home screen of the TI-89 calculator and then go 2nd 5 which is Math. Go choose probability and then to nCr to type in (26,17)...

How To: Complete a proof involving segments

This video from Yay Math! is a geometry lesson on how to complete a proof involving segments. He draws a line segment with four points labeled A, B, C and D. The problem is as follows: Given: AC is equivalent to BD. Prove that AB is equivalent to CD. The first statement of proof is the given. Next, you need to define the congruent segments and state that they're equal in measurement. Next, break down the segments: AC=AB+BC, and BD=BC+CD. This is called segment addition postulate. The end of t...

How To: Graph half an ellipse

If you are given an equation of ellipse in the form of a function whose value is a square root, you may need to simplify it to make it look like the equation of an ellipse. Now equate the function to a variable y and perform squaring on both sides to remove the radical. Now simplify the equation and get it in the form of (x*x)/(a*a) + (y*y)/(b*b) = 1 which is the general form of an ellipse. Now you will have the x and y intercepts which are a and b respectively. Using this values graph the eq...

How To: Convert recurring decimals to fractions

In this video we learn how to convert recurring decimals to fractions. Start off by writing out the decimal with the dot next to it to show that it's recurring. This means that the number goes on forever and doesn't stop. To convert this to a fraction, write down the number as the numerator. On the bottom you will put the number 9 always. Now, you can divide these two numbers with each other using a calculator. Once you do this, you will get the correct answer. Once you divide it out, you wil...

How To: Solve simple algebraic equations

This is a great series of videos showing you how to solve simple algebraic equations. The first video demonstrates solving equations using addition or subtraction, the second deals with solving equations using multiplication or division, and the third shows how to solve multistep equations.

How To: Square expressions involving radicals

Here we look at squaring expressions that involve radicals because people tend to make some common mistakes while solving such expressions. Take 5 times the square root of y quantity squared, the answer here is not 5y. Here's the reason, square means to multiply something with itself so the square of 5 root y would be 5 root y into 5 root y. So 5 x 5 is 25 and under root y into under root y equals just y so the answer will be 25y.

How To: Find the x & y intercepts of rational functions

In this tutorial the instructor shows how to find the x and y intercepts of rational functions. Finding the intercepts of a rational function is similar to finding the intercepts of other normal equations. You can find the x intercept of the equation by setting the value of y to zero and solving the equation. Similarly you can solve the y intercept by setting the value of x to zero and solving the equation. Now while solving this rational function for intercepts if you face a situation where ...

How To: Calculate the age of the universe w/ Hubble's constant

This is a great instructional video on how to calculate the age of Universe from Hubble's constant. The speed the galaxy moves away from us is directly proportional to the distance from us. Now think of big bang theory. Hubble's constant is equal to velocity over distance. 1 over Hubble's constant is equal to distance over velocity that is equal to time. Time equals to 1over 71. If you change it into all the same units words it is one over 71000 or 3.09x 10 to the power of 22. It is 3.09x10 t...

How To: Convert percents to decimals in math

There will be a time when the need to know how to convert a percent to a decimal will arise. Maybe it will be when trying to calculate a percentage discount on an item to be purchased. The item is 30% off, but what does that mean? How do you calculate the discount if the original price is $92? Learn how to easily convert percent to decimal by following these easy instructions. Percentage means "per 100." In other words, 50% means 50 per 100. The easiest way to convert percentage to decimal is...

How To: Graph by using an X-Y table

In this video the author shows how to graph using an X-Y table. He shows how to do this with a sample equation. He builds a table of x, y values where he takes sample values for x like -1, 0, 1 and now he substitutes these values in the equation of the line and obtains the corresponding y values. Now finally he has an x, y value table which now he shows how to plot it on a coordinate plane. He plots all the three pairs on the graph and connects them with a line finally obtaining the resultant...

How To: Multiply simple fractions

Watch this video to learn how to multiply fractions by fractions. First multiply the top numbers together. For example, if you have 3/5 * 4/7, multiply 3 * 4 and put your product on top of the fraction you will get as a product. Next, multiply the bottom numbers together and put them on the bottom of your resulting fraction. Next see if you can reduce your product to simplify it. You could also do the reducing step first by canceling out any common factors in the numerators and denominators o...

How To: Use the percentile formula in Statistics

In this tutorial the instructor explains the percentile formula. He says that the percentile formula is used to find the percentile rank of a data point in a group of data. He takes an example that consists of the lengths of puppies. Now he intends to find out the percentile rank of any puppy in the group. He shows that the formulate to compute a percentile rank of a particular puppy is rank R = 100 * (N< + (1/2)N= )/ Nt, where N< is the number of puppies whose length is less that the length ...

How To: Find the midpoint of two points using formula

Find the midpoint of two points using a easy formula. Each coordinate has a x and y. X being the first number and y being the second number. So using the formula of x one plus x two then divide the sum by two. Using the same formula with the y coordinates. After plugging the numbers in the formula add the two x coordinates and divide by two. If you follow the same steps for the y coordinate take the two numbers and you have the midpoint of your two coordinates.

How To: Add and subtract variables

Math Problem Generator gives a video about how to add and subtract variables. All you have to do is combine the coefficient, which is the number that comes before the variable. The numbers are added or subtracted but the variable remains the same. In the video, the example given is 9x + 6x - x. First you add 9x + 6x, giving you 15x. The equation is now 15x - x. If a variable has no number written in front of it, that means the value is 1. So the equation is 15x - 1x and that is equal to 14x.

How To: Understand the basics of exponent laws

Before you can effectively use exponents, it is necessary to understand the laws behind them. First, in order to multiply a number raised to an exponent, by that number raised to another exponent, just add the exponents: for example, 2^5 * 2^2 is 2^(5+2), or 2^7. In short, a^m * a^n = a^(m+n). Similarly, dividing a number raised to an exponent by that number raised to another exponent can be done by subtracting the exponents: a^m / a^n = a^(m-n). To raise a number raised by an exponent to ano...

How To: Find the vertical asymptotes of rational functions

To find a vertical asymptote, you are trying to find values of x that produce 0 in the denominator but not in the numerator. If 0/0 occurs, that means you have a "hole" in the graph. A vertical asymptote is a place in the graph of infinite discontinuity, where the graph spikes off to positive or negative infinity. To find the vertical asymptote, set the denominator equal to zero and solve for x. Check that the values also do not give a zero in the nominator. If the values work, you have found...

Prev Page