Science Experiments Humanities Teaching Legal Issues Education WonderHowTo

Math How-Tos

iOS 17 Tips, Tricks, How-Tos, News

How To: Identify similar terms in polynomials

In this tutorial the instructor shows how to identify similar terms in a polynomial equation. He states that in similar terms the variables and their exponents are exactly the same but they may differ in the co-efficient. He shows how to identify similar terms by using some examples. He shows that a change is even the co-efficient makes them dissimilar terms. Similar terms can be further added as the variable of both the terms is same. This video gives an idea of what similar terms are and ho...

How To: Find measure of an exterior angle of a regular polygon

This tutorial the shows how to find out the measure of an exterior angle of a regular polygon. He shows the formula to find it which is 360/n, where n is the number of sides of the regular polygon. He goes on further to explain the formula by taking an 18-sided regular polygon as example and computes its exterior angle as 360/18, which is 20 degrees. If you are looking to compute the exterior angel of a regular polygon, follow the procedure given in this tutorial.

How To: Find the equation of the axis of symmetry

This video is about the Equation of Axis of Symmetry, The video is about the equation which is x = 3/4. In order to score correct marks for this equation, the gentleman in the video describes how and where to write x = 3/4, he says it has to be written on the graph, and the video contains the example graph. It is quite an interesting educational video, especially for those doing mathematics and want to learn more online, this video is very useful for students. There is more about the equation...

How To: Simplify using the distributive property

Algebra can be difficult to wrap your head around sometimes. When it comes to Algebra, you'll need as many solving short cuts as you can get. Here is an excellent video that will teach you how to simplify Algebraic expressions using the distributive property. This informative tutorial will give you a step by step run down on how to solve an expression. It includes four different examples to help you get an idea of how this method works. So before you raise your hand in class, take a look at t...

How To: Multiply fractions with canceling

This video will show you how to carry out multiplication of fractions using cancellation, which will make your fraction multiplication problems simpler to solve. You will need to look at the numerator of the first fraction and the denominator of the second fraction and see if you can find a common factor between the two numbers. If one does exist, you can simply divide both numbers by that common factor and simplify. Repeat this for the other numerator and denominator and if possible, your fr...

How To: Find the area of a circle using squares

In this video the instructor shows how to calculate the area of a circle using squares. She starts with the formula of the circumference which she says is circumference C = Pi * D, where D is the diameter of the circle. Now she says that you can turn the shape of circle into a square and compute the area of the square there by calculating the area of the original circle. She shows how to do this by cutting up the square into sectors and arranging them in the form of a rough square and calcula...

How To: Find a missing side of a triangle, similar to another

In this tutorial the author shows how to find out the missing side of a triangle which is similar to an other triangle. He explains the concept of similar triangle using diagrams and by showing that similar triangles have equal corresponding angles and parallel sides. Now he labels sides of similar triangles and intends to find out the length of unknown side. Now in similar triangles, as the lengths of sides are proportionate he shows how to write a equation of proportion and solve it finding...

How To: Simplify a radical expression

Doug Simms online shows how to simplify the radical in a mathematical equation. If you need to brush up on your learning this video can help. Start by finding what is the largest square of the number in your radical. If that number can be solved then solve it, put the answer outside the box and the remainder in the radical. There are some great examples to follow including what to do if your number has a solution, or if there are two factors that your equation can create.

How To: Divide fractions as taught by a 6th grader

In this video title 'A Quick Look at Dividing Fractions', the tutor Phillip shows how to divide fractions. He says that division of two fraction is nothing but multiplication of the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction. So essentially the initial division turns out to be a multiplication operation which is very easy to perform with fractions. He solves a small example to illustrate his rule. This video is a simple and easy to follow tutorial on how to perform division on fr...

How To: Prove angle-side-angle congruency

This is a tutorial about how to prove the congruency (equality) of two triangles when the values of two angles and an included side of each triangle is given. The author of this video instructs the viewer that it should be first determined whether the values of two angles of one triangle are the same as those of two angles of the other triangle. Then one must seek to determine the equality of sides included in those angles in both the triangles. When it is found that these three values in one...

How To: Find the surface area of a rectangular prism quickly

Do you need help in math? Unable to calculate the surface area of a rectangular prism? This video helps you understand how to calculate the surface area of a rectangular prism. By showing each step required to calculate the surface area of a prism and a detailed explanation of each step, anyone will be able to learn how to successfully calculate the surface area of a rectangular prism. By the end of the video, you can also calculate the surface area of a rectangular prism.

How To: Change fractions to decimals to percents

If you're looking for a quick way to refresh your memory or that of your students regarding percents, decimals and fractions then this video is a sure fire way. While it is a bit fast paced, this tutorial offers a step by step reintroduction to the math part of ourselves that we each adore. Infused with minor comedic scenes to keep the viewer interested Roadside Ron does a thorough job in teaching the most basic of math steps which opens the window for other math problems. Clear and concise t...

How To: Plug vertices Into the optimization function

This video is one of the amazing videos in which we can see the use of the vertices in real application. The video gives a clear explanation on how to use vertices into optimization function. This is a not only basic example in mathematics but also an important foundation for the advanced problems in mathematics. Viewers can gain a clear idea about the vertices and how they are used in an optimization function. This is a very essential part of mathematics which every student should learn abou...

How To: Deal with polynomials or "giant fractions"

Do the polynomials, or "giant fractions" in your high school math homework have you puzzled? Let Doug Simms, an expert tutor from free math tutoring, walk you through some easy to follow chalkboard examples. He addresses common snags and challenges in the equation simplification process, as well as some great advice about the kinds of problems that you are likely to see on your math exams. There is no reason to go it alone when Doug Simms is waiting to help you in this free video!

How To: Understand & calculate density

In this episode of Science Theater Dr. Carlson helps you understand the concept behind Density and how it relates to Mass and volume and how to calculate the Density of a substance if its Mass and Volume are known. The Density of various metals is demonstrated using aluminum, tin, zinc, lead and copper of the same mass but different sizes. The easiest way to measure the density of a substance is also mentioned. Next, Dr. Carlson measures his own density using a scale and a bathtub.

How To: Calculate your GPA step by step

Ever wanted to know what your GPA score is? Your GPA is your grade point average, which is a measure of a students achievement in college. This means all your grades are averaged and your are given a cumulative "GPA". Most colleges and universities will figure up your scores for you but you can learn to do it on your own so that you can keep checking up on your scores and stay at the top of your game. This can be beneficial to students looking to better their grades.

How To: Find a slope of a straight line with: Ax + By + C = 0

In this video the instructor shows how to find the slope of an equation which is in the form Ax + By + C = 0. He says that the formula to find the slope of a line in the above form is slope m = -A/B, where A and B are the numeric constants of the variables x and y in the given equation. He goes on and further shows how to do this with a couple of examples. He shows how to reduce any equation into the general form and how to apply the slope formula then. This video shows how to find the slope ...

How To: Solve a linear equation

This video explains how to solve a single variable linear equation. Keep in mind that your equation should be in the form ax + b = c. The goal is to solve for x. Isolate the variable. Begin by subtracting b from both sides of the equation. Look at your new equation. It should now be in the form ax = c - b. Solve for x by dividing both sides by a. Your expression is now in the form x = (c - b)/a. You have solved the expression for x.

How To: Find the percentage of a number easily

In this arithmetic basics tutorial the author shows how to find the percentage of a number. He says that hundred percentage of number is the same number. He says that if we find the percentage of a number where the percentage is less that 100, then the value of the number reduces. Similarly if we find the percentage of a number where the percentage is more than 100, then the value will be more than the original number. He says that to find the percentage of a number we need to mark a decimal ...

How To: Find the perimeter of a rectangle

For people who are learning geometry and would like to be able to find the perimeter of a rectangle, this video provides and quick and simple tutorial which provides the formula as well as a good example. The formula for finding the perimeter of a rectangle is simple the sum of all sides, or l+l+w+w, where l is the length and w is the width of the rectangle. After attaining the values of the length and width of the rectangle, you can simply plug in the values to this equation in order to find...

How To: Calculate the area of a circle given the radius

This video is about how-to calculate the area of a circle. It is in a very simple, and in an elementary school point of view. Of course, it can be done with either metric or imperial measures, as explained in the video. Only thing is that, it truly explains the simplicity of the calculation in every sense, which means, if you are not going for the ultimate knowledge on how things exist and survive in the form they are in, this video should be helpful. A grown man (woman) can't learn anything ...

How To: Evaluate fractions containing variables

This video is a great one on learning about evaluating fractions. The voice explains how to first plug in the numbers given for each variable in the fractions. He also explains the importance of simplifying the top and bottom first before simplifying the entire fraction. He also explains ways that would not be helpful in solving the problem and comparing that with the correct way. Then he notes the use of your simple math rules to find the answer. Excellent video for viewers.

How To: Find the standard error of the mean

In this video the tutor explains about the standard error of the mean. He starts explaining by drawing the diagram of a distribution and now he takes ten samples from the distribution and starts plotting them. He says that in theory if we do it infinite times then we can obtain the sampling distribution of the sampling mean. For the example he takes the number of samples as 10. Now depending on these values of n we can get different sampling distributions. Now he intends to find the mean of t...

How To: Find the volume of a rectangular prism quickly

In this video, you will see the steps for finding the volume of a rectangular prism written on a white board. The steps are labeled along the right side. A blue cursor boxes the steps as they are introduced on the board. The formula for finding volume is written along the top left. Colored arrows point out the measurements. Each step is presented in a colored format so it is easy to follow the steps. The final answer is circled in yellow so it is a cinch to compare your answer with the correc...

How To: Solve coordinate proofs as taught by students

This video shows the viewer about different shapes and what properties they have. it is very help full to anyone who is learning geometry or who wants to learn geometry. This video also shows a picture as the person labels then so you can see what he means by like opposite sides are parallel. The video covers all the basic shapes as well as showing that some shapes are more specific versions of other shapes, by showing that they have the same properties as well as different properties.

How To: Find the area of a triangle

In this video, learn how to calculate one of the most important puzzlers in math - the area of a triangle. This is one of the first things you will learn in geometry and is helpful in math as well as science classes. Check out this tutorial if you are having trouble grasping this concept. This video will show you how to calculate the area of a triangle easily and in detail. Master this and you will pass that next test for sure!

How To: Subtract integers

Subtracting integers is easy to do after watching this video. In this math tutorial, the narrator explains and illustrates the process of subtracting integers. He explains the rules of converting the plus and minus signs to make addition and subtraction easier to understand. Following the steps explained in this video will make these math problems a breeze.

How To: Rotate a shape about the origin 90° counter-clockwise

Davitily thinks that you can learn to rotate the images quite easily. In this video Davitily explains the process of rotating a geometrical shape about the origin. This rotation is counter-clockwise. Davitily explains the various steps involved in this process. Two steps are explained in this process. The explanation is very simple and done in a very interesting manner. This video is the perfect choice for people wanting to learn the rotation of shapes. This video is a must for people interes...

How To: Plot an ordered pair

How do you plot an ordered pair on a x, y grid? This video will explain everything, from the very basic idea to how to actual application. In this step by step tutorial, the viewers will be exposed to the techniques and skills required to accurately plot an ordered pair on the x, y grid. Each instruction is given with much clarity and explanation. Therefore, the viewers should have absolutely no problem plotting by themselves after viewing this tutorial video.

How To: Understand the central limit theorem

Central limit theorum is easily one of the most fundamental and profound concepts in statistics and perhaps in mathematics as a whole. In probability theory, the central limit theorum (CLT) states conditions under which the mean of a suffiently large number of independent random large variables (each with finite means and variance) will be normally distributed, approximately. Huh? If you are having trouble understanding central limit theorum and need help trying to solve it, check out this tu...

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: Apply the 2nd Law of Exponents

Having trouble dividing exponents? Doug Simms from Free Math Tutoring provides an excellent tutorial on applying the 2nd Law of Exponents. If you need to know how to divide polynomials, watch this video covering easy to follow examples explaining and demonstrating the 2nd Law of Exponents. In this first part of a two video series, Doug's student explains how to subtract the exponents within a polynomial in a simple example that will help you leap over this common math homework hurdle.

How To: Convert decimals to percents in math

This video is about the mathematical calculation to convert decimal to percentages. In this video, step by step calculations are shown. Let us take an example of a number; say 0.345, and we want to convert this decimal number to a percentage. Then we have to shift the decimal to two places to right side. We then get the answer in percentage but don't forget to put the sign at last. This video has made it easier for me to make my children understand about the decimals and percentages.

How To: Deal with brackets in polynomials

This how-to video shows viewers how to solve math problems with brackets in polynomials. The person in the video teaches people how to solve the problem with a positive sign before the brackets. This segment does not show how to solve the trickier problem where there is a negative sign in front of the brackets. The tutor shows everything from removing the bracket due to the positive sign, to combining the similar terms for the result of the problem. This video can help anybody deal with brack...

How To: Carry digits to add multiple digit numbers

This video tutorial shows you the next step as a follow up from the last video, this one teaching you how to carry numbers so that you can add multiple digit numbers. When learning anything you want to go through and do a warm-up so that you get your mind ready to learn something new. Using the places in mathematics it teaches you the easy way to learn or teach advanced addition. After watching this video you should be able to go through any addition regardless of how many places there are in...

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: Solve a system of equations with the comparison method

In this video tutorial the instructor shows how to solve equations by the comparison method. In this method he isolates either the x or y variables in both the equations and now compares the other side of equations directly to derive the value of the other variable. Now this derived value of the variable can be used by substituting it in one of the original variables to derive the value of the other variable. He goes on and shows how to do this with an example by solving it. This video gives ...