Hot Math Posts
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...
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 Leg Lengths and Hypotenuse of a 45 45 90 Triangle
A 45 45 90 triangle is a special right triangle because you can use short cuts to find leg length and hypotenuse length. This video solves two problems involving leg length and hypotenuse length.
How To: Determine if a point lies on a line in standard form
In this video, we learn how to determine if a point lies on a line in standard form. In order to do this, you will need to substitute the X and Y value with the ordered pair that is given. The X value is the first number and the Y value is the second number. Re-write your equation, substituting in the numbers to the appropriate spots. Now, simplify the equation by doing multiplication with the negatives and positives (if given). When you get through the equation, you will end up with the solu...
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 the area of a square or rectangle in geometry
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to find the area of a rectangle. The formula for finding the area of a rectangle is: A= b x h. The base is the horizontal bottom lie of the rectangle and the height is the vertical straight line of the rectangle. Whenever working with area, users must square the unit of measurement. To find the area of a square, multiple the side of the square twice (square it). This video will benefit those student viewers who are struggling with math, and are in nee...
How To: Solve rational expression simplification word problems
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). With this installment from Internet pedagogical superstar Salman Khan's series of free math tutorials, you'll learn how to unpack and solve word problems that require you to simplify rational expressions.
How To: Solve word problems containing radical equations
See how to unpack and solve a word problem containing radical equations with this free video math lesson from Internet pedagogical superstar Simon Khan. 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: Solve word problems involving domain and range
See how to find the domain and range of a function implied by a word problem with this free video math 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). With this installment from Internet pedagogical superstar Salman Khan's series of free math tutor...
How To: Factor trinomials by grouping in algebra
Learn how to factor trinomials using the grouping method in this free video algebra 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 study for that next big test).
How To: Figure out the domain & range of a piecewise function
Need to calculate the domain and range of a graphed piecewise function? Learn how with this free video 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 matrices to solve systems of equations on a TI83
This video shows how to use matrices to solve systems of linear equations on TI83 and TI84 series graphing calculators. 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 length of a segment using the midpoint II
First of all in the given question you have to write down the values of the total length of the line segment, PS=15. The length of the line segment, QR =3. Now you have to find the value of line segment RS. Because you know that the Q is the midpoint of the line segments PQ and QS must be equal. Therefore you can find out the length of the half of the segment using the midpoint. Subtract the value of QR from QS. Given that segment PS=15 and Q is the midpoint, you can conclude segment PQ=7.5 a...
How To: Simplify fourth roots
In this video the instructor shows how to find out the fourth roots of a number. The properties of fourth root says that for any positive number of a, its fourth roots are real. And for any negative value a, its fourth roots are not real. So split the number inside the fourth root as the product of two perfect squares and then cancel out the power with the fourth root giving its roots. As the fourth roots of a positive number are real, the answer you get is correct. But you cannot find out th...
How To: Solve percent equations
In this tutorial the instructor shows how to solve percent equations. The general form of a percent equations is that a is b% of c. As there can be three kinds of variables a, b, c, the questions involving percent equations can be of three types having one of the three variables unknown. These kind of percent statements can be solved easily by setting up an equation. So, to convert percent statement into a equation replace the unknown term with n, the 'is' term with equals sign and the '%' si...
How To: Do long division without a calculator
This video shows you step by step how to do long division without the use of a calculator. The video shows viewers two different ways to solve a division problem. It first shows how to do the problem the traditional way, then it shows how to do it according to the long division process. The long division process is where you write the whole division, multiplication, and subtraction process out showing all your work. Long division is mainly used when dividing large numbers. There are three com...
How To: Find the equation of an ellipse given a graph
Notes College Algebra teaches you how to find the equation of an ellipse given a graph. You first want to find out the center of the ellipse, which in the video is (2, -3). The major axis is parallel to the X axis. The equation is (x - h) squared/a squared plus (y - k) squared/a squared equals 1. A is the distance from the center to either of the vertices, which is 5 over here. B is the distance from the center to the top or bottom of the ellipse, which is 3. You then use these values to find...
How To: Find the slope from a set of points
To find the slope of a line you must have two points and then you must plug in the two points into the slope formula. The slope formula is m= y2-y1 over x2-x1. If the slope is a fraction be sure to reduce to the lowest. Remember if a number is divided into zero it is zero, if zero is divided into the number it is undefined. A calculator can help one remember this. Horizontal lines have slopes and vertical lines do not. Drawing the lines on a graph can help you see the actual slopes and which ...
How To: Draw a right trapezoid in Geometry
Watch this video to learn how to draw a right trapezoid using given specifications for lengths of sides. A right trapezoid is a four-sided shape with two right angles and two parallel sides. First, draw the long base. Then draw a 90 degree angle at one end of the base, using a protractor. Mark the angle to show it is 90 degrees. Then draw another 90 degree angle at the top. This is the first video in a set--to finish learning you must watch the next segment. If you watch these videos you will...
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 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: Add and subtract fractions
Don't be scared of fractions! Adding and subtracting fractions is not that hard once you understand how to do it.
How To: Add Fractions Without a LCM
This video has 7 fraction hacks that can save you time when working with fractions. The hacks are: Adding fractions without a LCM
How To: Factor a trinomial by unfoiling (trial and error)
Factorization of a trinomial can be achieved by using the standard method of appropriately "splitting the middle term" or by this method as shown in the video.
How To: Graph inequalities on a number line
In this video, we learn how to graph inequalities on a number line. Inequalities have a greater than or less than sign instead of an equal signs. Remember that these are no different than figuring out how to graph normal equations. First, you will need to remove the single numbers from each side of the equation. Continue to do math on the equation until you figure out what 'x' is. From here, draw the numbers on your graph and then find the number that 'x' is greater to or less than. Use an op...
How To: Divide and give an answer as a fraction
In this video we learn how to divide and give an answer as a fraction. If you are starting out with a simple fraction, you will simply take the number before the divide sign on the top and the second number on the bottom. If you end up with a number that is able to be simplified, make sure you take it down to it's most simple version possible. You can end up with a top heavy fraction, which means there will be whole numbers involved. Do the division to figure out how many times the bottom num...
How To: Convert top heavy fractions to mixed numbers
This is a video tutorial in the Education category where you are going to learn how to convert top heavy fractions to mixed numbers. Top heavy fractions are fractions with numerators greater than denominators. Mixed numbers are combination of whole numbers and fractions. To convert 12/5, find out how many 5s are in 12. The answer is 2 and after you remove two 5s from 12, you are left with 2. So, 12/5 is equal to 2 2/5. Similarly, in 10/3, you have three 3s in 10 and you are left with 1. So, 1...
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: Find the surface area of a cube
In this video, we learn how to find the surface area of a cube. Finding the surface area of a cube is something everyone will have to do in math. The easy formula to figure out this is: surface area= side x side x 6. Your first step to figuring out the problem is to find the length of a side. Once you have found this, you will substitute and evaluate the numbers in the equation. After this, write the units in for the problem. You will then come up with the answer of the equation with the unit...
How To: Draw an isosceles trapezoid
This is a video tutorial in the Education category where you are going to learn how to draw an isosceles trapezoid. This video demonstrates how to draw an isosceles trapezoid with a long base (B), a short base (b) and a 35 degree angle. First you draw the long base. Now center the short base at the center point of the long base and mark the end points of the short base with dots. Next draw perpendicular dotted lines from the dots extending upwards. Draw 35 degree angles from either end of the...
How To: Draw a parallelogram given base, angle & altitude
In this tutorial, we learn how to draw a parallelogram given base, angle & altitude. First, you will draw the base of the parallelogram, using your ruler to measure out the line. Next, you will draw a dotted line perpendicular to the line that you just drew that is 3 cm in length. Then, you will draw another dotted line on top of the one you just drew. This dotted line shows where the top of your parallelogram will be. Then take your protractor and draw it at the angle the problem gives you. ...
How To: Find the percent of a number
In this tutorial, we learn how to find the percent of a number. First, take the percent and convert it into a decimal. Then, multiply this by your other number. After this, you will come up with the answer to the problem. An example of this would be if you had the question: what number is 25% of 40. First, you would find the decimal of 25, which is .25. After this, you would multiply that by 40 and then come up with the correct answer, which is 10. Repeat this process for the different equati...
How To: Find how many toothpicks will be needed to form the nth figure in a sequence
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 installment from Internet pedagogical superstar Salman Khan's series of free math tutorials, you'll learn how to employ inductive reasoning to determine the number of toothpicks you'll require to generate the nth (e.g., the 50th) figure in a sequence of figures.
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: Rewrite an addition problem as a multiplication problem in math
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). With this installment from Internet pedagogical superstar Salman Khan's series of free math tutorials, you'll learn how to unpack and solve problems requiring you to multiply whole numbers.
How To: Solve permutation & combination word problems
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). With this installment from Internet pedagogical superstar Salman Khan's series of free math tutorials, you'll learn how to unpack and solve word problems invplving permutations and combinations in basic stati...
How To: Solve percentages without a calculator
Want to know how to find percentages quickly without the use of a calculator? It's easy. This free video math lesson will show you 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 study for that next big test).
How To: Apply the Pythagorean theorem
Meet the Pythagorean theorem—an indispensable tool for any budding geometer. The Pythagorean theorem will allow you to measure the hypotenuse or any other side of a right triangle when the length of its other two sides are known. For specific, step-by-step instructions on how to use this useful formula, usually given as a^2+b^2=c^2, where c^2 is equal to the length of the hypotenuse, watch this free video geometry lesson.
How To: Simplify expressions involving absolute value
Need to know how to simplify expressions involving absolute values? It's an absolute cinch. Learn how with this free video 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). With this free math tutorial, you'll learn how to divide one fraction into an...
How To: Use interval notation to express inequalities
Could you use a little help figuring out how to use interval notation to express inequalties? Watch this free video 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). With this free math tutorial, you'll learn how to give inequalities in interval nota...