Math How-Tos
How To: Graph a line using points and slope
Given a point through which a line passes and the value of its slope you can graph the line. To do this first plot the given line. Now taking the slope and using the rise over run method plot a second point. Connect these two points and this gives you the graph of the line. Extend this line further on both sides to get the complete line. The point where this line cuts the x-axes is called the x-intercept and the point where this line cuts the y-axes is called the y-intercept. The important po...
How To: Add fractions with unlike denominators
Watch this video to learn how to add fractions with different denominators. Use the least common denominator method to add the different fractions together. After watching this 2 part video, you'll be more than satisfied with your ability to do this simple math trick! Put it into practice, and pretty soon you'll spit out answers in seconds!
How To: Solve a system of linear equations through graphing
This video shows the method to solve a pair of linear equations by plotting their graph. Look for points of intersection of the two graphs which is the solution. Let us solve 5x-y=6 and 2x+y=8. Writing the equations of lines in slope intercept form, we get y=5x-6 and y=-2x+8. Now we plot the two lines. For the slope 5 or 5/1, we go up 5 units and left 1 units from the point of intersection on the y axis. For -2 or -2/1, we go down 2 units and left 1 units from the point of intersection on the...
How To: Find surface area and volume of a sphere
In this how to video, you will learn how to find the volume of a sphere and surface area. Let's say you need to find the volume of a sphere with a surface area of 200 cm cubed. You will need to know the formulas for surface area and volume of a sphere. The formula for surface area is 4 pi r squared. The formula for volume is 4/3 pi r cubed. Plug in the surface area of 200 cm cubed and plug it into the formula. You should get an answer of about 3.99 cm. Now you just have to solve for the radiu...
How To: Find the median of a set of numbers
This is a how-to-video which demonstrates techniques to find the median of number in a series. This demonstration takes the following example.
How To: Add fractions with mixed numbers using math
When you start out using fractions, one of the first things you will learn is how to add and subtract them. In this tutorial, made specifically for beginners, you will learn the basics of adding fractions with mixed numbers. This is really not very hard and if you follow along with the step by step presented in this tutorial, you will have the hang of it in no time. Once you master this step, you will be well on your way to an A in your math class!
How To: Add or subtract fractions with different denominators
In this tutorial, you will learn about fractions. Fractions may look scary, but they are relatively easy to handle if you take your time. In this particular video, learn how to add or subtract fractions that have different denominators. You will learn how to reduce common fractions to the lowest common demoninator in order to fit them into your equations and how to find the answer.
How To: Calculate probability in "at least one" problems
Calculating probablities can be used to help us make decision. PatrickJMT explains how to calculate probability in an "either A or not A" scenario. The probability of A plus the probability of not A is equal to one. Therefore, the probability of A is equal to one minus the probability of not A ; P(A)= 1 - P(not A). The probability of a major earthquake in San Francisco over a period of time is used as an example. The probablity of an earthquake of a magnitude of 7.5 or greater in San Francisc...
How To: Find the entire length of a segment using the midpoint
This video shows the method to find the length of the total segment using the midpoint. Let the total line segment be PS. Let Q be the midpoint of PS. Let R be a point on the line segment QS. The first step involves the use of midpoint to find out the length of QS. We are given that QR = 1 and RS = 4.5. QS is equal to QR plus RS which is equal to 5.5. Now since Q is the midpoint of PS the total length of the segment PS is equal to twice the length of the segment QS. This is equal to 11 units....
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: Work with decimal numbers in prealgebra
You can do simple decimal calculation with out using a calculator once you understand the basic concept of decimals. In decimal equations when you have various operations between decimal numbers, you have to go by the order of operations in simplifying it. The order of operations states that you have to first divide, then multiply and at last add or subtract the remaining terms. You have to work the operations from left to right. Use a calculator only when you are required to multiply or divi...
How To: Change improper fractions into mixed numbers
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 change top-heavy improper fractions into mixed numbers.
How To: Graph linear equations using a table
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). With this free video math lesson, you'll learn how to graph a system of linear equations using a T-Chart.
How To: Find a percent of a number
Having trouble figuring out percentages? If so, you'd be well served to give this free math lesson 100% of your attention. After watching it, you'll be able to answer questions like, "What's 25% of 38?" or "What's 38% of 25?" For more information on calculating percentages with simple arithmetic, watch this free video guide.
How To: Graph x & y intercepts on a TI-84 Plus calculator
In this video the teacher shows us how to use a TI-84 plus graphing calculator to graph a function, adjust the view window, and determine the values of several types of critical points on the graph such as x-intercept, y-intercept, local maximums, and local minimums. After entering the function in the Y= editor she presses the ZOOM button and selects Z-Standard this adjusts the view window to a range of -10 to 10 on both axis. To find each of the critical points requested the teacher uses the...
How To: Use differentiation equations to solve for position
This video teaches how to use calculus find the position, velocity and acceleration of an object. Imagine an object moving on a straight line. It's position at any time (t) is given as s(t) pronounced "s of t". It's velocity is v(t)= s'(t) which is the derivative of s(t). It's acceleration a(t) is the derivative of its velocity v'(t). If we look at it from a different perspective we are differentiating. The derivative of the position is its velocity, the derivative of its velocity is it accel...
How To: Find the average value of a function over an interval
When you have to find the average of two or five numbers then you have to add all the numbers and then divide then by two or five respectively. However in the case of the function you have infinite many values over any interval. But it is not possible to add all and then divide by infinity. Therefore you have to calculate in a different way. Imagine that you have to find the average of y=f(x). Then you have to average it from the interval from ‘a’ to ‘b’. The inner area under the curve shall ...
How To: Approximate the area under a curve using rectangles
The idea of finding the area under a curve is an important fundamental concept in calculus. Consider a function y = f(x). Now the area under the curve is to be calculated. The area under a curve problem is stated as 'Let f(x) be non negative on [a, b]. Find the area of the region lying beneath the curve y = f(x) and above the x-axes, from x = a to x = b. Note that finding the area under a curve will imply that you are dealing with a non negative function. The way to approach is to divide the ...
How To: Use a formula to find the area of a parallelogram
This video shows us how to use a formula to find the area of a parallelogram. The formula for finding the area of parallelogram is the same as finding the area of rectangle or a square which is equal to length time’s breadth. But the parallelogram looks a bit different and the parallelogram is basically a rectangle but it is not at right angles. If you draw two altitudes then it is a rectangle with two triangles and if you cut one of the triangles and paste it next to another triangle then we...
How To: Solve complex indefinite integrals in calculus
In this video the math teacher explains the meaning of the indefinite integral formula in calculus by stating it in terms of antiderivatives. He then shows in general terms how this indefinite integral formula has a related derivative formula, i.e. if the derivative of F(x) is f(x) then the indefinite integral of f(x) is F(x) plus a constant term (C). With this general relationship the teacher takes us through three related examples where he converts a derivative formula to an integral formul...
How To: Use differential equations to represent growth
This video shows the method to use differential equations to represent growth. Consider the function y=multiple of C & e raised to kx or Ce^(kx). Differentiating it with respect to x, we get dy/dx=kCe^(kx) or ky. So, the solution of the differential equation dy/dx=ky is Ce^(kx). There are two possibilities in the function y=e^(kx). It can be exponentially growth or decay function. This depends on the value of k. If k is greater than 0 or k>0, we get an exponential growth function. On the othe...
How To: Antidifferentiate functions with radicals in calculus
This video demonstrates how to do anti-differentiate functions with radicals in calculus. To simply problems, try to substitute. For example, in the problem, the integral of x times the square root of x plus 2 dx. You can substitute w for everything underneath the radical: i.e. x + 2. When you simplify, it becomes: the integral of x times the square root of w dw. Now, you need to get rid of the x, which you can do with a substitution: w – 2 = x. Now, plug in the values and simplify it.
How To: Find density using the water displacement method
To find out the density of any given object there is a simple equation, mass divided by the volume equals the density. In this video a lady is showing how to get the volume of three objects using water. First the objects are measured on a scale to find out how much they weigh, the mass. Next each one of the objects is placed into a measured amount of water to find out the volume. Before you place the object into the water you will want to know just how much water in there. That way when the o...
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: Find the graph of a square root function
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). With this installment from Internet pedagogical superstar Salman Khan's series of free math tutorials, you'll learn how to sketch the graph a square root function.
How To: Use the quadratic formula on a graphing calculator
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). With this installment from Internet pedagogical superstar Salman Khan's series of free math tutorials, you'll learn how to work with the quadratic formula on your graphing calculator.
How To: Divide decimal numbers by whole numbers in basic math
Your first step is to bring your decimal point up to the top of the equation. The you divide the whole number into the decimal number. In this instance, 5 into 1.25. 5 goes into 1 0 times, so you put the zero in the first space. 5 goes into 12 twice, so you place a 2 up top, after the decimal. Then you subtract 10 from the 12 to leave you with a 2. This then gets added on to the 5, so you divide 2 into 25 giving you 5. So your answer is 0.15. You can then do this for any whole number and frac...
How To: Rationalize a denominator
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). With this installment from Internet pedagogical superstar Salman Khan's series of free math tutorials, you'll learn how to rationalize a denominator.
How To: Make calculations with the Pythagorean theorem
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). With this installment from Internet pedagogical superstar Salman Khan's series of free math tutorials, you'll learn how to solve problems with the Pythagorean theorem in geometry.
How To: Solve a complicated radical equation in algebra
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). With this installment from Internet pedagogical superstar Salman Khan's series of free math tutorials, you'll learn how to solve a complex radical equation in algebra.
How To: Chart data with a box and whisker plot
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). With this installment from Internet pedagogical superstar Salman Khan's series of free statistics tutorials, you'll learn how to use visualize data by graphing it in a box-and-whisker diagram.
How To: Measure dispersion with range, variance & std dev
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). With this installment from Internet pedagogical superstar Salman Khan's series of free math tutorials, you'll learn how to use statistical range, variance and standard deviation to measure dispersion in a data set.
How To: Solve rational equations in algebra
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). With this installment from Internet pedagogical superstar Salman Khan's series of free math tutorials, you'll learn how to solve an equation in which to rational expressions are said to equal each other.
How To: Add rational expressions in algebra
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). With this three-part installment from Internet pedagogical superstar Salman Khan's series of free math tutorials, you'll learn how to sum rational expressions in algebra.
How To: Simplify rational expressions in algebra
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). With this two-part installment from Internet pedagogical superstar Salman Khan's series of free math tutorials, you'll learn how to simplify rational expressions in algebra.
How To: Graph radical functions in college algebra
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). With this two-part installment from Internet pedagogical superstar Salman Khan's series of free math tutorials, you'll learn how to graph a rational function in college-level algebra.
How To: Find the asymptote of a rational function in algebra
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 calculate the asymptote of a rational function in college-level algebra.
How To: Solve math problems using proportions
Proportions or ratios are fundamental concepts of mathematics. A proportions is an equation that states that two ratios are equal. Hence proportion can be written in two ways as a:b=c:d or a/b=c/d. In these equations a and d are called as extremes and b,c are called as means. So when working with proportions we can state that product of the means is equal to the product of the extremes i.e. a*d = b*c. This is obtained by cross multiplying the second form of proportions. In mathematics you are...
How To: Find the circumference of a circle using basic math
This video teaches us the method to find the circumference of a circle given its radius. The video tells us to find the answer in terms of pi and also to the decimals value. The formula to find the circumference is two times the product of pi and the radius. The first step involves the drawing the circle and marking the radius. The radius of the circle in the video is 6.5 cm. Now use the formula to find the circumference. Substitute the value of the radius in the formula of circumference. We ...
How To: Figure out the area of quadrilaterals
Quadrilaterals are four sided shapes that are closed. They are polygons. Quadrilaterals can be classified broadly in two ways. If the quadrilateral has a two pair of parallel sides then it falls in to the parallelogram category. Further now it can be broken down in to other shapes like square, rectangle, rhombus. If it has only one pair of parallel side then it falls into the trapezoid category. To compute the are of a trapezoid first you need to know the lengths of the parallel sides. Add th...