I always try to look at any number that I see, such as the 961 in a license plate like BHY 961.  I then try to analyze it to see if it fits into any patterns. Today’s factoring lesson leads to a neat Math trick/pattern that may surprise you. Please click on the file name [...]

It is useful to look up at night every once in while, to see the stars and get to know them. I was lucky enough in my second year of University to choose Astronomy 101 as one of my courses. Although, I did not pursue Astronomy any further, as I chose Mathematics, I have for [...]

George Boole developed an algebra of logic in the the mid 19th Century, however it did not become really “useful” until the 20th century and the advent of computers. Please click on the file name to see the pdf file.
George Boole and His “Boolean Algebra”

Yesterday, we looked at what I define as a “type 2″ equation. These are equations where the variable, or the unknown, appear on both sides of the equals sign.  Today, I bring in a shortcut, plus extend this idea into working with equations with powers and roots as well. Please click on the file name [...]

I define “type 2″ equations as those have the unknown, or variable, appearing more than once, in both sides of the equals sign. I will show, this week, the “classical” method to solve these. Next week, I will show how a little “fellow” can help us simplify these steps.  Please click on the comic strip [...]

Last Monday, we learned what algebra is, and this Monday we see what an equation is and see some examples with balance beams and in algebraic form. Please click on the comic strip to enlarge if necessary.

I love a good simulation game. This one, I have known for about 20 years and the thing I like about it is that with only two main rules, it simulates driving a car really well. Please click on the file name to see the pdf file.
Car Race Simulation Game

There are many ways to check one’s arithmetic, such as the “look in the back of the book” method, however we don’t always have a book. Casting out 9’s, with a bit of practice, is a quick way to check you arithmetic.  Please click on the file name to see the pdf file.
Checking Your Work [...]

One of the great gambling games is the game called “craps”. It is played with 2 dice, and is found in most casinos.  Here are some of the probabilities that are involved with this game. Please click on the file name to see the pdf file.
Probability in the Game of “Craps”

Noticing a pattern with exponents, John Napier invented logarithms. William Oughtred used this idea to produce the slide rule, and for the next 360 years or so, we all had a way to do large or unruly calculations. Please click on the file name below, to see the the pdf file.
John Napier, the “Father” of [...]