Hot Math Posts

How To: Use the order of operations in algebra

Are you looking for a simple math explanation on order of operations? Remember the following sentence: “Please excuse my dear aunt Sally.” What does this sentence have to do with math? The first letter of each word stands for an operation. “P” stands for parenthesis, “E” for exponents, “M” for multiplication, “D” for division, “A” for addition, and “S” stands for subtraction.

How To: Solve square roots in algebra

In this lesson we will learn about one of the most important concepts in algebra SQUARE ROOTS. The square root of a number m is another number n that satisfies the following formula: m = n x n. You can also say that m is the square of n. The opposite of squaring a number is finding its square root. You can use the radical symbol to indicate that the square root of m is n:

How To: Solve simple interest algebra problems

In this math lesson we will learn how to solve problems involving simple interest. When you deposit money in a savings account, the bank pays you interest at a certain rate called interest rate. There are two types of interest: simple interest and compound interest. In this lesson we will talk about simple interest. We will use the following important formula:

How To: Use simple interest and compound interest in algebra

In this math lesson you will learn about simple interest and compound interest. Whenever you want to borrow money from a bank, you have to pay interest at a certain percent rate. The main difference between compound and simple interest is the fact that the simple interest is paid only on the principal, while the compound interest is paid on both the principal and the accumulated interest The simple interest is given by the following formula:

How To: Calculate math without a calculator

Before the calculator and even the abacus was invented, there was a little instrument called the human brain that we used to do math. Remember that? While most of us turn to our trusty Ti-84s to do calculus homework or whip out our cell phone calculators to determine how much we should tip at Johnny Rocket's, it can often be much faster to use our own brains, along with a piece of paper and pencil.

How To: Calculate ordinary differential equations

MIT Professor Arthur Mattuck gives a lecture on how to calculate with ordinary differential equations (ODEs). He also covers the geometrical view of y'=f(x,y), directional fields, and integral curves. Calculate ordinary differential equations.

How To: Be a human calculator

Before we had the calculator and before we had the abacus we had the human brain to complete our math problems for us. Remember that? Well, it seems that few of us do, resorting to calculators on our phone for elementary subtraction problems and multiplication.