Using the completing the square method to find the quadratic formula

This message is really just for my college algebra students.

There is a discusssion that derives the quadratic formula by completing the square at this link. You need to scroll down a little to get there.

--Blue

Russian Peasant Multiplication

Are you getting tired of using a calculator to multiply?

Why not try the Russian peasant method of multiplication? Check out this link for details.

--Blue

A note about homework assignments on Course Compass

This message is just for my students in Math 0098 and Math 0099.

You can work homework problems up until the last day of class to improve your score.

In order for changes you make to affect your score on an assignment that is past due or incomplete after the due date, you must be sure to click on the blue IMPROVE MY SCORE button when you enter the assignment. Do not click on the ONLY PRACTICE AND REVIEW button unless you do not want your work to affect your score.

Happy practicing!

--Blue

Fractals

You can see a video involving fractals by clicking on the image above.

Fractals are geometric figures that possess the property of self-similarity. That is, a close-up view of a small portion of the figure is very similar to the big picture.

You can find more fractal videos on YouTube at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuyRCfhCZT0 A video with music from The Police.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivRQDbAduoM No music here, but a discussion of some things you will find in the Mandelbrot set.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRMzglUxmOk A video from MathTV that shows you how you can make a fractal (or something close to one).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB8m85p7GsU The first 9 minutes of a much longer video.

No Cost Tutoring is available to you.

In case you haven't heard the news, you can get free math tutoring in the Student Services building near the front desk every Monday from 10:15 to 11:45 starting next week. Ms. Slocombe, who teaches classes here on the Douglas campus, with be there to assist you. Similar services are available on other campuses.

You can also get assistance from a student tutor. Uloma Owunta, and she can be contacted at 404-914-2495 or via email at uowunta@student.westcentraltech.edu. Her availability is from 12:00 to 3:45 on Tuesdays and from 9:00 to 11:00 on Fridays. Uloma's assistance is free to you, because she is working in a federal work study position. Contact her to make an appointment.

You can always come see me during office hours Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

There are a lot of resources on this blog, too. Check out some of the postings from the past.

--Blue

Math.com

Check out math.com for a lot of math resources.

I went there, and clicked on Algebra on the right. From there I went to Solving Addition & Subtraction Equations. The system took me through a four-step process:

First Glance gave me an overview of the task at hand.

In Depth discussed several examples.

Examples gave even more examples.

Workout made it possible for me to practice some problems, and it checked my work.

There are a lot of other topics that you can get help with. Plus there are a lot of places you can go to play games, find a calculator, or get information on tutoring (this costs money).

Beware of the Store section. I clicked on it and found a place where they were selling some things, and I found it difficult to get back to the main page without typing the address in again. I guess they have to make money somehow.

--Blue

Algebra Unplugged

Another book I found on my bookshelf. Back in the 1990s I used to write the month I purchased a book on the title page. Why? I don't know, to remember the moment (?) I guess (?). It turns out that I bought this book all the way back in February 1999.

Algebra Unplugged was written by Kenn Amdahal and Dr. Jim Loats. The authors use "creative analogies [to] explain the areas that are often stumbling blocks for students".* "If you or anyone is frightened by algebra, then this entertaining, simply written book is an excellent way to overcome fear."*

Most of the topics covered take up one to three pages of text. So you can read through a snippet of information between other tasks if necessary. Some of the titles for the snippets are

• Why Do We Think** We Hate Algebra?
• Great Lies About Mathematics . . .
• The Strategies;
• Rearranging;
• The Little Weenie Numbers Approach;
• Bunnies 'Do' Functions; and
• The Problem With Paper.

If you take the time to read it, you may love it!

--Blue

*Actual quotes from the back of the book where all the people who are in the know have something to say about it.

** My emphasis.