singaporeolevelmaths

Simple Tips for Better Maths Results!

Archives for February 2008

Logarithm Equation Question 1

I met a student and she passed me this paper with this Lg question on it, asking me on the solution for solving this equation :\lg(x-2)=(lg3)^2

Coincidentally, I was asking a few O Level students of mine on which are the "Killer A-Maths Topics" for them. Logarithm, Indices, Surds is one of the common topic which is ranked high on their list.

Now back to the question.

PS:lg = log_{10}

Notice that right hand side of the equal sign is something you can compute using the calculator hence,

\lg(x-2)=(lg3)^2
(x-2)= 10^{(lg3)^2}

Use your calculator to find out the value of 10^{(lg3)^2} and the value is 1.69 ( round off to 3 significant figure) so the answer for this question is

x = 1.69 + 2<br> =3.69<br>

I will be coming out with a series of posts on Logarithms since it is a "hot" topic for students :-) Subscribe to my feeds to be updated of this post.

E-Maths Note: Quadratic Equations & Graphs Series Revisit

I have discussed about Quadratic Equations and Graphs previously in Features of Quadratic Equations and Graphs , Different representations of quadratic equations and their significance

This is really an important topic for students taking E-Math (elementary math) , more so for A-Math (additional math) as well.

Be sure that you know the basic of recognizing if a given equation is quadratic, how the quadratic equation looks like, the 5 main features of a quadratic graph, the different methods to solve a quadratic equation.

For students taking A-Math, you would definitely need to know more about the discriminant, sum or product of roots.

I would be elaborating more on methods to solve a quadratic equation and tips on discriminant so be sure you follow the blog by subscribing to the feed here.

Tips on Operations of Standard Forms

Operations of Standard Forms refer to + -×÷

+ -
Golden Rule #1: Change everything to the bigger powerGolden Rule #2: Factorise

Click on image for bigger view

×÷

Golden Rule #1: Group numbers together, Group bases together
Golden Rule #2: Apply Power Laws

Click on image for bigger view

Converting Square Root to Fractional Indice

I was going through Indices with some of the students recently when I notice this common misconception.
\sqrt{a} is read as Square Root which means the "default" number outside the square root sign is 2 NOT 1 which a couple of students have thought about.

indiceslaw

I am going to write some tips on operations of standard form questions so I strongly suggest you subscribe to my feed if you have not done so,so that you will be posted when I write a new post .

What else do you want on this blog?

Hello everyone,

I know there are on average over 100 readers viewing this blog on a regular basis. Some of you are facing challenges with Math, some are good with the subject but seeking more easier learning methods,some of you are parents or tutors looking for inspiration for your child or yourself.

So I am writing this post to gather from you - my valued readers what else do you want to see on this site in addition to what you see. As you can see, this site is nothing more than my many years of teaching experience of different types of students and some of the strategies which have proven to have worked effectively for them. But this is what I think would be useful only.

The important thing is that you must find them beneficial. So tell me what else do you want to read about, the improvements to the structure of the site so that this blog is more friendly for you for all levels.

"Tell Me What Else You Want On This Blog"

LoudspeakerPhoto by Meg Pickard

I look forward in hearing from you! Simply drop me a comment in the space below.

Cheers,

alwaysLovely

PS: "It's only when you ask, that you will get"