Archives for March 2008

Logarithm Equation Question 3

This is an interesting question which I came across under Additional Mathematics (A-Math):

Find the value of x.

$(log_x \sqrt{3})(log_x\sqrt{8})= \frac{3}{2}log_x\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$

Who is courageous to work on this question?

I will respond to this question when someone discusses about this question first :)

Update:

$(log_x \sqrt{3})(log_x\sqrt{8})= \frac{3}{2}log_x\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$

(Apply Power Law)

$(log_x \sqrt{3})(log_x\sqrt{8})= \frac{3}{2}log_x\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$

(multiply by 4 on both sides of equal sign)

$(log_x \sqrt{3})(log_x\sqrt{8})= \frac{3}{2}log_x\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$

(Apply Power Law)
$(log_x \sqrt{3})(log_x\sqrt{8})= \frac{3}{2}log_x\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$

$(log_x \sqrt{3})(log_x\sqrt{8})= \frac{3}{2}log_x\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$

(Apply Quotient Law)
$(log_x \sqrt{3})(log_x\sqrt{8})= \frac{3}{2}log_x\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$
$(log_x \sqrt{3})(log_x\sqrt{8})= \frac{3}{2}log_x\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$

(Factorise)

$(log_x \sqrt{3})(log_x\sqrt{8})= \frac{3}{2}log_x\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$

$(log_x8)=0 (NA)$ $or log_x3+1=0$

$log_x3=-1,3=x^-^1,3=\frac {1}{x},3x=1,x= \frac {1}{3}$

Should I Retake My O Level Maths Again?

Email from one of the students:

Basically, i am a o level graduate of 2007 and scored pretty well in my other subjects just that my maths got a D7. Even though, i appealed and got a place in polytechnic and currently going to study my favourite course that i am keen in. I tried JAE, but i failed even though i apply for design courses however i appealed again using JPAE, and i sucessfully got a place.Now what i want to ask is, do u think i should retake my o level maths again? I have just register as a private candidate for 2008 o level maths elemetary maths the old syylbas. However from small to big, i do not really have interest in maths but i hate teo see a 7 in my o level grade. What do u advise? i am really confused now, because if i were to retake i have to study my poly as well as the maths.. So what should i do? I rreally hope u can help me out here.

Now my questions to you is

"Why do you want to retake your O Level Maths?"
"What purpose does retaking serve for you and what is it you hope to achieve for this 2nd attempt?"

You need to get your purpose clear and strong so that your goal will be clear as well. Whatever is your choice, there are different consequences to bear. Are you fully ready for these?

Only you will know the answers to the above 2 questions. And only you decide on whether you should retake your o level maths again.

fyi: The old syllabus 4017 is going to be totally out of syllabus soon.

Instructions For GCE O Level 2008 Private Candidates

Due to the drawing near on closing date for the registration of 2008 GCE O Level exams, they have been a high search on this area.

I have also quite a number of emails on this as well.

I have written previously in How To Retake O Level As A Private Candidate on some of the steps involved in the registration.

All Private Candidates must be clear on the instructions of the following matters:

Click on image for a larger view.

The Complete Instructions available here.

Math Jokes #1

Recently I realized that Sean Chua, Founder of SimpleChemConcepts loves to put up Chemistry Jokes on his site. Initially I thought it was lame. But his readership proves otherwise.

So I guess everyone of us needs a little tickle now and then so I have decided to contribute some jokes on Mathematics. And I certainly hope you enjoy these laughters as much as I had.
Yummy Donut I Simply Couldn't Resist.
Teacher: What is 2k + k?
Student: 3000!

Q: Why do you rarely find mathematicians spending time at the beach?
A: Because they have sine and cosine to get a tan and don't need the sun!

Teacher: "Who can tell me what 7 times 6 is?"
Student: "It's 42!"
Teacher: "Very good! - And who can tell me what 6 times 7 is?"
Same student: "It's 24!"

Q: What does the zero say to the the eight?
A: Nice belt!

The chef instructs his apprentice: "You take two thirds of water, one third of cream, one third of broth..."
The apprentice: "But that makes four thirds already!"
"Well - just take a larger pot!"

"Students nowadays are so clueless", the math professor complains to a colleague. "Yesterday, a student came to my office hours and wanted to know if General Calculus was a Roman war hero..."

More Math Jokes from here.

F-r-e-e GCE O Level Mathematics Exam Questions Papers For Download?Just Buy A Copy In BookStores

I thought I should say a little more with relation to the earlier article I wrote on How To Create Math PowerNotes For Revision of Tests & Exams

Now, you can easily get access to Cambridge GCE O Level Elementary or Additional Maths exam questions .

For those in Singapore, just head towards any of the major bookstore to get a copy. A copy is usually less than $10. And you can use it for Sec 3 & 4 ( otherwise known as Grade 9 or 10). Buy a copy here.

Yes. It is compulsory to finish the what we called it the Ten Years Series as it consists of usually 10 years of exam questions. Some students do it several times again and again too.

If you find that you have totally done and understood everything in the Ten Years Series. You may get other schools exam papers to work on which are definitely more exciting and thus burnt more calories in the process. ;)

Personally, I suggest you to just get a copy of the Ten Years Series and Get Into Action Consistently! GCE O-Level questions are not available for free due to copyright of Cambridge.

All the best!

7 more months to go!

GCE Cambridge 2008 O Level Elementary / Additional Mathematics Exam Timetable

photo credit: Leo Kan

It's Out!

Additional Mathematics

4038/01 : 22 Oct WED 230-430pm

4038/02 : 24 Oct FRI 230-500pm

Elementary Mathematics

4016/01 : 24 Oct FRI 800-1000am

4016/02 : 30 Oct THUR 800-1030am

hmmm... this year E-Math is together with A-Math and the intervals between both the e-math papers are almost a week away.

More complete timetable available here.