Showing posts with label Basics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Basics. Show all posts

Friday, January 20, 2012

Math Tutoring - 3 Basics Steps to expert Reading Mathematics Formulas

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!

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Chemistry Basics

Chemistry is said to be an inviting subject. Of course, many of us are grappling to memorize the periodic table: the atomic amount and mass, yet for some they deem it as practice.

I love Chemistry that is why when I was in high school I was a member of the Science Club. We had experiments, and we asked a lot of questions about the "Why's of Things." Maybe, I was just too curios and curious in all of God's creations and gifts to man.

Check this:

Atoms are the construction blocks of chemistry. They are the smallest component of anything; molecules.

Chemists study the behavior and characteristics of substances. These are called the properties of a substance. All substances are made ups of tiny particles called atoms. A substance the size of a pinhead contains billions of atoms.

An atom is the smallest unit of a substance that can exist and keep the properties of that substance. There are over 100 separate types of atoms, known as elements. Each element has its own chemical name and a shortened name known as a chemical symbol.

Most symbols are abbreviations of the chemical name, like h for hydrogen. However, some symbols come from other languages. For example, the chemical sticker for gold, Au, comes from its Latin name, aurum.

The states of matter define how things move and how we can differentiate one substance from another.

Substances are divided into solid, liquids or gases. These are known as the states of matter. It is potential for a substance to move from one state to another. It is known as a turn of state. It normally occurs because of a turn in the power of a substance as a supervene of heating or cooling.

Many substances can exist in more than one state. In a chemical reaction, it is leading to know in which state the varied chemicals are being used. This is done by placing the sticker (s) for solid, (l) for liquid, and (g) for gas after the name of the substances.

Evidence of molecules

The molecules in liquids and gases are continually inviting in a wholly random way. This can be seen when smoke molecules are viewed under a microscope. They move in a random zigzag fashion because they are being hit by invisible air molecules. This movement is known as "Brownian motion."

The gradual missing of two or more separate gases or liquids is called diffusion. This mixing is caused by molecules of separate substances colliding and intermingling. This is why you can smell perfumes (whose molecules diffuse through the air) from some distance away.

So to sass the kid's question: Is water liquid or solid? Many substances can exist in more than one state. It is liquid when it flows freely and solid in the form of ice - until the turn again.

Now, tell me about the Snowman.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Chemistry Blood Tests - The Basics

The medical/hospital laboratory is divided into departments, such as Hematology, Microbiology, Blood Banking, and Chemistry. This narrative discusses typical Chemistry tests your physician might order.

Chemistry tests can be ordered singly, such as glucose (blood sugar), or in groups called "panels." different labs offer different panels. Typically, the following panels will be offered.

  • Liver panel-tests for a variety of liver enzymes. If the liver is damaged or diseased, the liver cells release their enzymes. If these enzyme levels are high in the blood, it indicates liver damage or disease. This panel screens for hepatitis, blocked bile duct, or liver function. It commonly consists of protein, bilirubin, and the enzymes Sgot (also known as Ast), Sgpt (also known as Alt), and Alkaline Phosphatase.
  • Kidney panel--tests for kidney disease or damage. Consists of Bun (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine and electrolytes. Tells the physician if the kidney is functioning properly.
  • Cholesterol panel-consists of triglycerides (also known as fats or lipids), cholesterol, and two types of cholesterol called Hdl and Ldl. Hdl is the "good" cholesterol and Ldl is the "bad" cholesterol. You need to be fasting for this test.
  • Electrolyte panel-consists of sodium (Na), Chloride (Cl), Potassium (K), and carbon dioxide (Co2). Abnormal electrolyte levels can indicate a variety of problems such as dehydration or diseases such as Addison's or Cushing's.
  • Cardiac panel. This panel tests for heart damage. When the cardiac (heart) tissue is damaged, the cardiac cells release their enzymes, elevating the blood levels of those enzymes. The enzymes are called Cpk, Sgot (Ast) and Ldh.
  • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel. Assorted labs offer different panels. They can have 6 tests, 12 tests, or 20 tests. The latter would run tests for Assorted organ function such as kidney, liver, and heart, surface the entire body. different labs will have different names for this panel.
  • Fbs stands for Fasting Blood Sugar, which is the same as glucose. This test will be ordered separately, or in a panel. Tests for diabetes.
  • Abg stands for Arterial Blood Gas. The above tests are done on venous blood. A cut off draw is needed for arterial blood, where a specially trained nurse, respiratory therapist, or lab tech will go into an artery to draw blood. This is a specialized draw which tests for the pH of the arterial blood, and the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. General arterial blood pH is 7.38 to 7.42. A high pH may indicate a hyperventilator.