Understanding how to read mathematics formulas requires a basic comprehension of the recipe vocabulary and how to recognize recipe reading patterns. We will focus on how to read Mathematical formulas and learn how this recipe reading pattern can be used with formulas from dissimilar subjects (i.e. Algebra, Geometry, Chemistry, Physics). Knowing how to read Mathematics formulas is considerable for maximum comprehension and easy memory recall.
It is my hope that you will see a pattern with reading formulas over dissimilar subjects. Why is looking a pattern over subjects so important? Students often feel like they are learning something new each time they are introduced to a Math recipe in other class or course. Fact remains, the same methods you use to read formulas in Algebra are the exactly same methods used to read formulas in Trigonometry, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, etc. So the key is mastery of reading formulas in Algebra.
Step 1: Understand what a recipe is. What is a mathematical formula? An equation (i.e. F = ma) which expresses a general fact, rule, or principle.
Step 2: recognize and learn the basic Mathematics equation vocabulary and use as often as inherent while doing problems. A good mathematics teacher (e.g. Tutor, mentor, teacher, ...) will help you engage this vocabulary as you are working on your problems. This vocabulary is beneficial when reading Math instructions, doing word problems, or solving Math problems. Let's define a basic set of basic Math recipe (equations) vocabulary words below:
Variable - a letter or seal used in mathematical expressions to rehearse a quantity that can have dissimilar values (i.e. X or P)
Units - the parameters used to measure quantities ( i.e. Length(cm, m, in, ft), mass (g, kg, lbs, etc))
Constant - a quantity having a fixed value that does not change or vary
Coefficient - a number, symbol, or changeable placed before an unknown quantity determining the estimate of times it will be multiplied
Operations - basic mathematical processes along with increasing (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), and department (/)
Expressions-a blend one or more numbers, letters and mathematical symbols representing a quantity. (i.e. 4, 6x, 2x+4, sin(O-90))
Equation - An equation is a statement of equality in the middle of two mathematical expressions.
Solution - an reply to a problem (i.e. X = 5)
Step 3: Read formulas as a perfect plan or statement-do not Only read the letters and symbols in a formula. What do I mean? Most people make the repeated error of reading the letters in a recipe rather than reading what the letters rehearse in the formula. This may sound simple, but this easy step allows a trainee to engage the formula. By reading the letters and symbols only, one cannot connect the recipe with particular vocabulary words or even the purpose of the formula.
For example, most people read the recipe for area of a circle (A = "pi"r2) just as it is written - A equals pi r squared. Instead of just reading the letters and symbols in the formula, we advise reading formulas like A = "pi"r2 as a perfect plan using all the graphic words for each letter: The area (A) of a circle is (=) pi multiplied by the radius (r) of the circle squared. Do you see how the recipe is a perfect statement or thought? Therefore, one should read formulas as a perfect statement (thought) as often as possible. It reinforces what the recipe means in the mind of the reader. Without a clear relationship of Math formulas with their respective vocabulary, it makes applications of those formulas near impossible.
Example of formulas and the subjects where they are introduced:
Pre-Algebra - Area of Circle: A = "pi"r2
The area (A) of a circle is pi multiplied by the radius (r) of the circle squared
o A- area of the circle
o "pi" - 3.141592 - ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle
o r- the radius of the circle
Algebra - Perimeter of a Rectangle: P = 2l+ 2w
Perimeter (P) of a rectangle is(=) 2 times the length(l) of the rectangle plus 2 times the width (w) of the rectangle.
o P- perimeter of the rectangle
o l- measure of longest
o w- measure of shortest
Geometry - Triangles Interior Angles Sum Theorem: m&Eth;1 + m&Eth;2 + m&Eth;3 = 180
The measure of angle 1 (m&Eth;1), plus the measure of angle 2 (m&Eth;2) plus the measure of angle 3 (m&Eth;3) of a triangle is 180 degrees.
o m&Eth;1 - perimeter of the rectangle
o m&Eth;2 - measure of a side
o m&Eth;3 - measure of the width
Knowing the units for each quantity represented in these formulas plays a key role in solving problems, reading word problems, and clarification interpretations, but not merely reading the formulas.
Use these steps as a reference and learn how to read Mathematics formulas more confidently. Once you devotee the basics of formulas, you will be a Learner4Life in dissimilar subjects that use Math formulas!
0 comments:
Post a Comment