Mathematicians

New studies have shown that you must study many different types of mathematics to become truly good at it. These research could affect how Math is taught in school. It is also been found that you can not simply be good at math from birth. You can not just be born with math skills others do not posses. 

For more information Bolow is the link to the article:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/12/131216102844.htm

Matrix Vocabulary Prezi

http://prezi.com/3mudcdbdekml/matrix-a-rectangular-array-of-quantities-or-expressions-in/

Gaussian Jordan

Today in Mathland we ventured on down to down town Augmentia, and learned about solving systems using matrices. There are different ways to do so, but my favorite is using Gauss Jordan Elimination. It's just like Gaussian elimination, but you take it a step further. 

In Gaussian elimination as shown above, you must follow the 3 steps.

1. Write the Augmented Matrix

2. Use ERO's to rewrite in row echelon form

3. Write system of equations and use back substitution

The difference in Gaussian Jordan Elimination, is that you solve to get all 1's on your main diagonal, but also you must make all other spaces in the Augmented Matrix equal 0. Then you won't need to back substitute because your answer will be right there in front of you. Here are some examples. 

Augmented Matrices can seem elaborate at times, but following the steps of Gaussian or Gaussian Jordan Elimination will give you clear and concise guidelines to make it as easy as possible. 

Partial Fractions

In Mathland, there is a terrible place. Very few ever venture there and for good reason. It's the complicated route of Partial Fraction Pass. Now partial fractions can be very difficult. They can be very elaborate and may include long division, but if you follow these steps you can't go wrong. 

1. Multiply by the Least Common Denominator

2. Distribute

3. Bring the like terms together

4. Factor out the variable

5. Equate

6. Solve

7. Then rewrite your answer as a partial fraction 

Venturing into the realm of partial fractions can be challenging and precarious. You must make sure you are solid on your factoring and are carefully with every step. If you are a true Mathlete, you can handle it. 

The importance of Math is being overlooked

Finnish adolescents aren't motivated to do math. And their PISA results have dropped. In Finland they are afraid literacy is getting worse and it starts with the math problems they have. Kids aren't motivated to do scholastic work especially mathematics. This could be bad for the future. 

Here's the link to the article. 

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/12/131219082752.htm

Linear Programming

Today in Mathland we took a trip to Programania and learned about Linear Programming. It's an interesting subject to learn about, but can be quite elaborate at times. If you follow these steps you'll never have a problem. 

1. Read the problem carefully

2. Write the constraints or inequalities

3. Graph the inequalities. Find the feasible region

4. Find the vertices of the feasible region

5. Write a function to find the minimum or maximum value

6. Plug the vertices into the function

7. Find the maximum or minimum

Today's trip was exhausting, but fulfilling. Now I know how to make the greatest profit. I can't wait to go back to Mathland tomorrow. 

Graphing Systems of Inequalities

Today in on adventure in Mathland, we took a little trip to Systemetropolis! We learned how to graph systems of inequalities. Graphing them can be quite extensive at times, but if you follow these rock solid steps, and you'll never be overwhelmed. 

1. Replace the inequality sign, and sketch graph of resulting equation.

2. Test one point in each of the regions formed by the graph in step 1. If the point satisfies the  inequality, shade the entire region to denote that every point in the region satisfies the inequality. 

3. A solution of a system of inequalities in X and Y is a point (x,y) that satisfies the inequality in the system. 

4. For a system of inequalities it is helpful to find the vertices of the solution region. 

My adventure today was a blast! Graphing is fun! I can't wait until I get to go back to Mathland tomorrow!

Solving Systems Using Matrices

In my exhilarating trips to Algebra City, Mathland, we learned 2 ways to solve systems. We learned how to solve by elimination and by substitution. But, there is another way. Here is a video on how to solve systems using matrices. This way can be just as useful as the others when solving systems. I remember my days back in 8th grade using matrices. In fact I had a test on solving systems using matrices. What a dreaded day in Algebra City that was. But, I studied hard and in the end did very well. It's a good skill to have. 

http://youtu.be/y28HRED15wo

Percentages Over the Years

The National Basketball Association(NBA) has a huge problem. The players free throw shooting percentage is getting worse and worse. Only 15 players shot better than 80% last year. That's an embarrassing amount and nearly an all time low. The art of making free throws is being ignored, the simple fundamentals have been overlooked, and free throwing shooting for players has become a real problem. The sport of basketball is in real trouble. 

Square Systems

This is the link to the video for my groups problem from class on Square Systems

https://www.edmodo.com/link?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.educreations.com%2Flesson%2Fview%2Fproblem-10%2F15536009%2F%3Fs%3Dpl0aeo%26amp%3Bref%3Dapp

Solving by Elimination

Today's adventure in Mathland, we took a trip to Algebra City and learned about solving systems by elimination. It's simple as long as you follow the 4 easy steps. 

1. Obtain coefficients that differ only in sign.

2. Add the equations to eliminate a variable. 

3. Back substitute to solve for the second equation. 

4. Check your solution. 

It's up to you to chose whether to solve by substitution or by elimination, but it can sometimes be easier to solve systems with equations that have coefficients by using elimination. 

Which way of solving systems do you find faster or easier?

Solve by Substitution

Today during my adventure in Mathland, I had a flashback to 8th grade and relearned how to solve by substitution. I followed the 4 simple steps. 

1. Isolate one variable in one equation.

2. Substitute the variable found in step 1 to the other equation. 

3. Solve.

4. Use back substitution to find the remaining variable. 

It's as easy as that. I hope my time in Mathland tomorrow will be equally as fun as today.