Hot Math Posts

How To: Find the area of a rectangle using geometry

This video shows how to compute the area of a rectangle given the length of one of its sides and its diagonal. First start by drawing the picture of the rectangle. Now draw the diagonal and label the known lengths. In the diagram, the diagonal and two sides of the rectangle form a right-angled triangle. The breadth of the rectangle can be computed using the Pythagorean theorem. Finally, compute the area of the rectangle by multiplying its length to its breadth.

How To: Find the formula of a piecewise function given a graph

This video shows how to find the formula of a piecewise function when given a graph. The first step is to write a definition for the graph, which is done by identifying the different domains shown in the graph. The second step is writing formulas for each domain specified by the lines in the graph. The point-slope formula is used to identify the slope and y-intercept for the leftmost domain, which has a sloped line. A point and horizontal line make for simpler equations in the other pieces of...

How To: Perform long division

Having trouble with long division?? This educational instruction video will teach you how to correctly perform long division. The easy to follow steps will teach you the right technique and you will be able to solve those pesky long division problems in a flash. So if you want to improve your math skills or you just want to learn how to perform long division, watch this easy to follow instructional video that will teach you the simple way of tackling long division problems.

How To: Find the perimeter of a parallelogram

One thing that you will need to know in order to pass Geometry is how to find the perimeter of a parallelogram. Parallelograms are quadrilaterals with two pairs of parallel sides. It is not difficult to find their perimeter, but you will need to know a few steps. Check out this video for tips on how to do this in your math class and ace that big test.

How To: Find the volume of a cylinder quickly

In this video the tutor shows how to find the volume of a cylinder. He relates the cylinder to real world examples of cans etc. Now he states the formula of the volume of the cylinder as the area of the base circle multiplied by the height of the cylinder. So the formula turns out to be V = Pi * r * r * h, where r is the radius of the base circle and h is the height of the cylinder. He solves a sample example to give you the idea of the problem. This video shows you how to find out the volume...

How To: Calculate the area of complex shapes

Watch this video to learn how to calculate the area inside complex figures--shapes composed of multiple smaller, simpler shapes. The first step is to break the shape into its simpler component shapes. Then, using the information you have about the large shape, find all information you can about the smaller ones: base, height, etc. Next, find the areas of the smaller component shapes. Finally, add the areas of each of the component shapes together to find the area of the complex shape. Now you...

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: Find a number given Its percent

This how-to video is about how to find a number when its percent is given. This video is really helpful and effective in finding the number when the percent is given, the following steps are explained in the video to find the number when its percent is given:

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: Evaluate logarithms using a calculator TI-83

A video to help calculator users find the natural logarithm (log base e, or "ln") and standard logarithm (log base 10, or simply "log") of any number using a TI-83 calculator (works for any issue of the TI-83 calculator or even a TI-84 calculator). Turn on your calculator. To find the natural log of a number, press the "ln" button (the third button from the bottom left), enter the number you want to find the natural log of, press the ")" (closed parenthesis) button, then press enter. The same...

How To: Find the area of a circle with a given radius

This video describes how to find the area of a circle given a radius of 4cm. The video begins by describing the formulas needed to find the area of the circle. The narrator cautions the viewer on a few common mistakes that people frequently make while using these formulas, such as not properly squaring the radius of the circle. The solution to the formula for a 4cm radius is 50.24 cm^2. The video then demonstrates that this value makes sense by overlaying a grid onto the circle and visually s...

How To: Find the circumference of a circle

Use a simple mathematical formula to find the circumference of a circle. The circumference of a circle can be determined by using the formula 2 times pi times the circle's radius. Pi is equal to 3.14. If a circle's radius is 10 centimeters, first multiply pi times 2. Pi, or 3.14, times 2 is 6.28. The next step then is to multiply 6.28 times the circle's radius. Since the circle's radius is 10 centimeters, multiply it by 6.28. This gives you 60.28. 60.28 inches, then, is the circumference of t...

How To: Add and subtract rational expressions in algebra

In this math tutorial, you'll be trained in the arcane art of adding and subtracting rational expressions by finding the common denominator. A skill many discard upon leaving middle school, it is used by the villians who operate under the acronym "SAT" to test those caught blank minded and whose minds are unrationalized.

How To: Do normal probability calculations on a calculator

Probability computation is a complex process and even using a calculator can be difficult. But normal probability calculations can be performed quickly with the help of calculator once you know how to use it. So when you have to calculate a probability from a normal distribution you can use the functions on your scientific calculator. You can use the normal CDF function from you calculator to compute the area under a normal curve. The function requires lower band and upper band values, the me...

How To: Multiply fractions with mixed numbers

This video teaches the viewer how to multiply fractions with mixed numbers. You would first need to multiply the denominator by the whole number, and then add the product to the numerator. This number is your new numerator and the new denominator is the same as before. For example, 2 1/5 = 11/5. Now you have an equation with fractions and no whole numbers. You may now proceed to multiply straight across. Multiply the numerators together to create a new numerator and do the same for the denomi...

How To: Divide small numbers by big numbers

This is a mathematical educational video on how to divide a small number by a larger number. You are aware that it is easy to divide a larger number by a small number. For example, if you want to divide 379 by 9 it is easy to do so. But if you have to divide 9 by 379 it is a bit difficult. You have to add a zero and see if you can divide. You need to add one more zero so that you can divide 900 by 379. But you should know that the answer would start like this 0.0 as we have added 2 zeros alre...

How To: Find the surface area of a pyramid

Finding the surface area of a pyramid is a bit different than finding the surface area of a 2D triangle. But, don't be scared, it is not as hard as it sounds. Have a look at this tutorial, and learn exactly how to find the area of a 3D object, specifically a pyramid. The good news is that once you have grasped the area of a flat triangle, that of its 3D counterpart should be pretty easy to learn.

How To: Convert fractions to decimals quickly and easily

This video shows you how to easily convert a fraction to decimals. To convert a fraction to a decimal, you simply divide the numerator by the denominator. You first need to move the decimal point in the divisor to the right until it is a whole number. Then, you have to move the decimal point in the dividend to the right by the same number of places the decimal point was moved. Then divide the new dividend by the new divisor. Please note you may need to move the decimal point two places to the...

How To: Remember "greater than" & "less than" symbols

This video shows you how to easily remember "greater than" and "less than" math symbols. The first thing you have to remember is that "less than" symbol looks like the letter L ("less than" symbol is "<"). When you see this sign, remember that < looks like L and means "less than". The other symbol, "greater than" does not look like the letter L, therefore it cannot be "less than" and it's easier to remember. The "greater than" symbol is ">". That's it! Good Luck!

How To: Subtract mixed numbers with borrowing

This video teaches you to subtract mixed numbers with borrowing. Consider 2 mixed numbers. For example 8 and 2/7 and the other 5 and 4/5.You have to subtract 5 and 4/5 from 8 and 2/7. First you have to convert the fractions to their common denominator. To equate the denominators of these two fractions you have to multiply the first denominator with the numerator and the denominator of the second fraction and also multiply the numerator and denominator of the first fraction with the denominato...

How To: Find the volume of a swimming pool

In this video, we learn how to find the volume of a swimming pool. To do this, you will first need to find the measurements of all the sides that are on the pool. After this, you will plug in the measurements that you found into the equation to find the volume. This equation is: V=AH, volume= area(height). So, plug in the area and the height to the equation for A and H and then multiply these two together. Once you do this, you will find the answer! Don't forget to label the units on the fina...

How To: Multiply Numbers by 9 Using Nothing but Your Fingers

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. With this free math tutorial, you'll learn how to calculate the area of a triangle by formula. In this clip, you'll learn an easy finger-counting trick for quickly calculating multiples of 9.

How To: Factor quadratic expressions using trial and error

Sometimes there's no better way to factor a quadratic equation than by simple brute-force trial and error. Watch this free video algebra lesson to see how it's done. 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 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: 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: Solve an equation with a radical under a radical

In this video the instructor shows how to solve an equation with a radical under a radical. If you have an equation with a square root on both sides, with one of the sides having another inner square root under the original square root, it can be a little tricky to solve it.

How To: Find the equation of a line given 2 points

This tutorial teaches you how to find a mathematical equation of a line given 2 points that exists on the line. The tutorial starts off with 2 points labeled (2,-4) and (3,6). The first step is to determine the slope of the line using the formula given in the tutorial in blue. The slope is then solved as 'm'. Plug the slope and the points into another formula given in green. The tutorial maker provides a tip that one can use x1 and y1 or x2 and y2, however, it must be consistent. After, solve...

How To: Find the area of a hexagon

In this video you can learn how to find the area of a hexagon. Visualize that the hexagon is made up of six equilateral triangles, with each side of the hexagon as the base for a different triangle. Determine the length of any triangle side by measuring it. Each side should be equal in length to any other side. L will represent this number. Determine the height of any triangle. This can be done by putting one end of your ruler at the halfway point on any side of any triangle and the other end...

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: Calculate percentages in your head

This video explains how to calculate percentages in your head. To calculate a percentage in your head, start by breaking the percentage off into smaller units. For example 25% is 10 + 10 + 5. 30% is 10, 10, and 10. Now you have numbers you can easily work with in your head. Find 10% of the number. This is easily done by one of two methods. You can either move the decimal point one place to the left or you can drop the last number. Dropping the last number sometimes gives you an estimate, thou...

How To: Find the volume of a cone quickly

For people who are interested in math or who need to know how to find the volume of a cone for any reason, whether it be homework or architecture, this video will show you how to do so. The formula for finding the volume of a cone is (1/3) pi x radius^2 x height. You can find the radius of your cone by finding half the length across the center of the circle which is the cone's base. After plugging in all the values into this equation, you will be able to find the volume of any cone when given...

How To: Find the area of a triangle when given 2 sides & angle

This video shows you how to easily find the area of a triangle when you know the length of 2 sides and the angle between them. The first thing you have to do is mark the sides of the triangle by a, b, c, where a is the side between A and B, b is the side between B and C and c is the side between C and A. If you know 2 of these 3 sides an you know the angle between them you can find the area of the triangle very simple: Area= (a x b x sin c)/2, where a, b are the two sides and c is the angle b...

How To: Find a missing angle outside of a triangle

For people who are having problems with certain parts of geometry, this video will offer you advice on how to find a missing angle on the outside of a triangle when you are provided with the measurements of the other two angles in the triangle. Since the sum of the angles in a triangle is always 180 degrees, you should first take the sum of the other two angles and then subtract this from 180 in order to find the measurement of the missing angle in the triangle. Next, since there are also 180...

How To: Find y-intercept with an equation in point slope form

In this tutorial the instructor shows how to find the Y-Intercept given the equation of the line in Point-Slope form. He shows how to do this with an example. He tells to substitute the value of x to zero to find out Y-Intercept as Y-Intercept is nothing but the point where the line meets x-axis, where the value of x co-ordinate is zero. By watching this simple tutorial you can easily compute the Y-intercept of an equation in point slope form.