Math How-Tos

How To: Calculate the area of any triangle

This video will show you simply how to calculate the area of any triangle using basic geometry formulas. Since a triangle is basically half of a rectangle, the formula for calculating the area of a triangle is base times height. This video offers some insight and examples provided to you by a teacher about how to apply this formula to various types of triangles, whether they are right triangles, equilateral, isosceles, or another form of triangle. By watching this video, you will be well prep...

How To: Find equivalent fractions

In this video the tutor explains about the concept of Equivalent Fractions and how to find them. She states that equivalent fractions are fractions with same value. She explains this with an example saying that a fraction can have many forms in their unreduced states and all these fractions will have the same value which can be obtained by reducing them. She shows that we can make an equivalent fraction of any fraction by multiplying the numerator and the denominator by the same number and go...

How To: Solve mixed equation with decimal, percent & fraction

This video shows the process to solve a mixed equation with decimal, percent and fraction. The presenter explains the process in a way, which is easy to understand. The video is candid and well presented. The video shows three ways to solve the problem. This can be done by converting the equation into fractions or decimals or percents. The video explains all the three ways in detail. The video is very simple and easy to comprehend. This video is a must for people wanting to learn mathematics.

How To: Find the volume of a solid object

This video shows the process of finding the volume of solid. The video is simple and easy to comprehend. The video takes the example of a rectangular solid and a solid cylinder to explain the method to find the volume. The video shows the step by step method to find the volume. The first step involves finding the area of base. After this, the area is multiplied by the height to find the volume. The unit of measurement is also taken into account in the video.

How To: Graph an inequality on a number line

Need a little help in understanding the number line and graphing an inequality? Great! Here you will learn a valuable lesson with this how to do video. A basic tutorial, it explains what kind of dot to use when you are graphing inequalities. Then it shows you how to place the dot on the line and where to draw the line in answer to the problem. If you are just beginning your pre-algebra, then this quick video will get you pointed in the right direction.

How To: Multiply mixed numbers

A guy from the website Math Problem Generator explains, in this video, how to easily multiply mixed fraction numbers. First, he demonstrates that you need to convert both of the numbers to improper fractions. Then he shows that you need to multiply the two resulting numbers together. The resulting fraction is also improper, so it needs to be converted back to a mixed number fraction. In the example that he provides, he shows that one and a half multiplied by one and a third becomes two and a ...

How To: Convert units

In this tutorial the instructor shows how to convert lengths between different units. He show a two step approach where in the first step he setups a relation between centimeters and meters showing that 100 cm equals 1 meter. Now he writes it down in a fraction form and equates it to another similar centimeter upon meter fraction where the value in meters in unknown. Now he cross multiplies and solves the fractions giving the result of the unknown meters. This video clearly explains how to co...

How To: Find the sides of a 30-60-90 right triangle

Does your geometry homework have you stumped about finding the sides of a 30-60-90 right triangle? Have no fear, in this excellent video, Davitily from Math Problem Generator explains the process step by step using easy to follow examples. The video covers common examples and tricky snags that you are likely to encounter on your next math class exam. Stop scratching your head over finding the legs and hypotenuse in your geometry or trigonometry homework by watching this informative video.

How To: Understand basic probability with examples

This is a very basic overview of probability, possibly intended for an eleven year old. It is a very good introduction to probability for one that has never encountered probability before. The instructor is not always clear in his intentions. Someone watching this video would learn about probability, ratios, percentages, and fraction. There is a set of required knowledge to understand what the instructor is talking about. The instructor uses very nice diagrams and also gives nice explanations...

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: Calculate average acceleration

In this video the author explains how to calculate average acceleration along with some real world examples. Now if we subtract the starting speed of a moving vehicle from its maximum speed and divide it by the time taken to reach the maximum speed from the initial speed you will obtain the average acceleration of the vehicle. The author shows this with a racing video example. If you want compute the average acceleration of a moving object watch this video and use the simple method explained ...

How To: Solve temperature subtraction problems (integers)

An educational video from free math tutoring that shows an easy way to calculate differences of temperature. Many times people commit simple mistakes in subtracting temperatures that lead to illogical results. This video explains a very common pitfall and at the same time, clears up an important concept in temperature subtraction.

How To: Solve an equation by the distributive property

In this simple tutorial the tutor shows how to solve equation by the distributive property. He states that when there is a number which is multiplied to a full equation, we have to multiply each and every term of that equation by that multiplying number. This is called the distributive property as the value is distributed to each and every term inside the equation. He goes on and solves a problem based on this property to give a clear idea of the property. This video shows how to solve equati...

How To: Plot a real number on a number line

This video tells you how to plot a real number on a number line. For example consider -3.1. You know -3.1 lies between -3 and -4. You also know -3.1 lies very close or next to 3. So all you have to do is, put a point just before -3. Now you have marked -3.1 on a number line. Similarly you can point any real number on a number line. It is quite an easy job to plot real numbers on a number line.

How To: Do long division quickly

In this `Math Made Easy' tutorial the instructor shows how to perform Long Division. He gives a simple four step approach where in the first step he shows to divide the first left most number by the divisor and this gives the quotient. Now he shows to multiply the quotient with the divisor to get a value which is to be subtracted from the original divided number. Now in the third step he shows how to bring down the next digit and finally in the last step he asks to perform the same procedure ...

How To: Multiply similar radicals

This video shows how to multiply similar radicals. The basics of doing this is to multiply the root of the radicals. For instance, if you have the cubed root of 14 multiplied by the cubed root of 3, you would only multiply the root numbers. Thus, your answer would be the cubed root of 42. The exercises in this video show a few basic examples, but they can help you down the road when completing more complex problems that involve multiplying similar radicals.

How To: Understand the properties of a parallelogram

This video describes the properties of a parallelogram. It states that it is a quadrilateral, meaning that the four angles inside have to add up to 360 degrees. Both sides of the parallelogram are always going to be parallel. Also, both sides are congruent, as well as the opposite angles. It also has two diagonals that intersect at a midpoint. This video will teach you the main properties of a parallelogram and help you better understand its angles and the physical makeup of it.

How To: Multiply two fractions together

This video demonstrates the simplest method for multiplying fractions. According to the tutor, one should first identify the highest common factor with which to reduce the two fractions, by themselves, and in relation to each other. The numerators of the two fractions are multiplied and the product is written down as the numerator of the resultant. The same operation is carried out on the denominators of the two fractions, resulting in the denominator of the resultant fraction. The final answ...

How To: Solve multi-step equations with absolute values

This educational math video describes the steps necessary to solve an equation involving absolute values. "Absolute value" refers to the magnitude of a quantity and is always expressed as a positive number. You can think of absolute value as the distance a number would be from zero if plotted on a number line. Positive 17 and negative 17 both have the same absolute value because both are 17 units from zero on a number line. Because of this, all absolute value problems have two answers, one wh...

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: Do multiplication

For people who are learning how to multiply, this video will show you easily how to multiply numbers with more than one decimal place. Starting with your rightmost digit on your bottom number, multiply with your top number as if you were doing a simple multiplication problem. After you have finished, place a 0 below the rightmost number of your product as a place holder and continue to multiply with your next digit in the bottom number. After you have completed this for all your numbers, you ...

How To: Find the area of a ring w/ the areas of 2 circles

Doina Popovici's video explains how to calculate the area of a ring. She takes us really slow, down to all the steps of this process. It's very important that she explains every math formula and operation so you cannot get lost into this solving. The video uses nice pictures and colors in order to make learning easier and nicer for those who are interested. At the end of the video you'll surely be able to solve by yourself a problem like that and your appetite for geometry will grow significa...

How To: Find an inscribed angle w/ corresponding arc degree

In this tutorial the instructor shows how to find an inscribed angle when its corresponding arc degree is given. He shows how to do this with the help of an example. He states that the angle of arc degree is always twice the angle of its corresponding inscribed angle. So now to find out the angle of the inscribed angle we just need to divide the corresponding arc degree by two. In this video the instructor shows a simple way to find the inscribed angle when its corresponding arc degree is given.

How To: Subtract fractions with common demoninators

A simple video showing how to subtract fractions with common denominators. The denominators is the bottom number of a fraction and the numerator is the top number. So in the fraction of one half 1 is the numerator and 2 is the denominator. If you have fractions with same denominator you can subtract the numerators to find the difference. After the subtracting the numerators add the common denominator to complete the fraction. So five sevenths subtracted by one seventh equals four sevenths. If...

How To: Understand & calculate percentages with word problems

This video begins with teaching of percentage lesson. He is also teaching conversion of percentage to decimal and vise verse. This teaching is using advanced technology note pad when he goes on writing on pad that will display on screen. He is telling that percent 35% in decimal it is .35 and if decimal 2 it is 20% in percent. And he was teaching how to convert fraction to percent by taking one example 7/8 , to convert this first we have to divide 7 by 8 then we get answer .875 then to conver...

How To: Divide two fractions quickly and easily

Need to learn how to divide two fractions? This one minute instructional video will teach you the steps to teach you how to divide. It will take you through the simple process and will make it much clearer. With notes on the side of each step learning to divide will become a breeze. Highlighted notes and numbered steps will make it possible for you to learn the simple process of dividing two fraction and that will later on help you tackle bigger division problems.

How To: Solve for fractions with common denominators

This a simple video illustrating the process of addition involving fractions which have common denominators. The method is really quite easy and straightforward, as demonstrated by this video. One has to simply take the denominator of the sum as the same which is the common denominator of the two fractions being added. Then, one has to take the two numerators, add the, and write their sum as the numerator of the fraction which forms the sum. Finally, the resultant fraction should be reduced b...

How To: Measure angles with a protractor in Geometry

Confused with how to use your protractor for Geometry homework? In this helpful video, Doug Simmons from free math tutoring provides easy to understand classroom examples explaining how to use both sets of numbers on your protractor. Provides easy to remember rules that will keep you from fumbling with the common confusions of protractor use. Doug also explains common mistakes that you should avoid in order to start getting the right answers in your math problems. Finally, math tutorials at y...

How To: Calculate percentage with a calculator

This easy to understand video gives us two ways to calculate a percentage using a calculator. The video first shows us how to use the percent key on the calculator using the example of figuring out how much to tip at a restaurant. We can also convert a percentage to decimals before entering the information in the calculator and then just use simple multiplication. The instructions are easy to follow, as the video is less than a minute of watching someone use a calculator.

How To: Calculate percentages by example

In this tutorial the author explains of how to find percentages using examples. He explains that x percent of some number y is x multiplied by y and divided by 100. He goes on and explains this concept with numerous examples. He suggests a short cut to movie the decimal point of a number two digits to the left to divide that number by 100. The author demonstrates many more similar tricks and short cuts using which one can easily solve percentage problems. So if you are looking for a good tuto...

How To: Understand and find x and y intercepts

In this tutorial the author explains about the concept of X and Y intercepts in coordinate geometry. She uses a graph consisting of a line to explain the concept. She tells that Y intercept of a line is nothing but the value of Y coordinate where the line crosses the Y axis. Similarly she tells that X intercept is the x coordinate of the point where the line crosses the x axis. She demonstrates this example using a graph tool. In this video the tutor shows how to find the X intercept and Y in...

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: Evaluate expressions

Having trouble with evaluating expressions at school? This short and easy educational video will take you through the steps that will lead you to accomplishing these problems. It explains the easy process of substitution that will lead you to be able to evaluate the expression that will finally give you the answer. After viewing this video you will be able to tackle any problem dealing with evaluating expressions and will help you along with tackling other math problems in the future.

How To: Apply the 4th Law of Exponents

This how-to video is about Fourth Law of Exponents. Before going to see this let's first know what the fourth law of exponent says. The fourth law of exponents says that "any value other than zero brought to an exponent of zero is equal to one".

How To: Multiply integers

This video shows the basics of multiplying integers. The main point that people can struggle with is the variation of signs. When multiplying integers you must always be aware of the positive and negative numbers. When you multiply two numbers that have the same signs, both positive or both negative numbers, this will always generate a positive answer. If there is one positive and one negative number this will always lead to a negative answer. This video shows very basic problems of multiplyi...

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: Find coordinates (ordered pair)

This video tells you how to identify the coordinates of an ordered pair from a given point. An ordered pair is denoted by (x, y). Normally a graph has two axis, the x and the y axis. Consider a point on the graph. It will surely be the intersection of two values and one value will be from the x axis and the other valve from the y axis. Find the two corresponding values of the given intersection point. The value on the x axis will be x and the value from the y axis will be y. Now you have got ...