This is the third installment of factoring in algebra. I first start with a video on “the Combo”, a combination of the two factorings that we have seen so far. Then, with a second video, I start on factoring trinomials by looking at the simple trinomial. Please watch the two videos below:

Using a little bit of pattern awareness, one can convert decimals to fractions very easily. Make sure that you see the Math Tricks section on Saturday, where I will use some of these ideas. Please click on the comic to enlarge if needed.
 

How to convert fractions to decimals to per cents and back, is this week’s topic.

This is a game that is fun to play and uses only paper and pencil.  On top of that, it really exercises your ability to use logic! Please click on the file name below to see the pdf file.
A Math “Mastermind” Game

Another way to multiply quickly in your head, is to multiply in parts. Read on by clicking the file name below to see the pdf file/
Multiplying in Parts

Using nothing more than grade 9 or grade 10 trigonometry, plus our observation skills, we can find the distance that Venus is from the Sun. Please click on the file name below to see the pdf file.
Using Trigonometry to Find Planetary Distances

Better known as a Poet, a Philosopher, an Astronomer who improved the calendar, and a Statesman and General, Omar Khayyam was also a very good mathematician. Read on, by clicking on the file name below to see the pdf file.
Omar Khayyam, a Surprising Mathematician

Each Wednesday starting last week and carrying on for the next few weeks, I’ll bring you a different type of factoring.  Watch the video below:

Instead of adding, when skip counting, look what happens when you multiply. Please click on the comic if you need to enlarge it.
 

We’re going to talk a lot about patterns this week, and about the tables that you memorize, such as the times tables. Read each post this week, so that you can see how this concept carries on throughout the grades. Please click on the comic if it needs enlarging.