IntMath Newsletter: Solving log equations, graphs
By Murray Bourne, 28 Oct 2013
28 Oct 2013
In this Newsletter:
1. When does log(x − 3) = log x − log 3?
2. Updated math interactives
3. IntMath poll
4. Math puzzles
5. Friday math movie - Smart failure
6. Final thought - Learning to learn
1. When does log(x-3) = log x - log 3?
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A recent comment from a Twitter colleague got me thinking about the value of graphical solutions of equations. When does log(x-3) = log x - log 3? Do you agree with me? |
2. Updated math interactives
These are the latest conversions I've done from Flash to mobile-friendly javascript.
a. Mortgage calculator with graph
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The most expensive thing most people buy is a house. It's a good idea to know what will happen when it comes to the mortgage you'll be paying back for much of your working life. |
b. Graphing calculator
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You can now save a link to any graph you produce with this calculator. (After you've created your own graph and sized it how you like, a link will appear which you can include in an email or wherever.) |
3. IntMath Poll
The IntMath Poll during Sep/Oct asked readers:
Generally, how do you feel about school?
It's sad that for many students, school is not a happy place. At least the majority of respondents said either they like it or are neutral.
I hate it and can’t wait to finish 28%
I really love school 26%
It’s OK 22%
I enjoy it 18%
I don’t like it 6%
Total votes: 3100
Current IntMath Poll: With so many students unhappy at school, how can we improve it? You can give your opinion on any (inner) page of IntMath.com.
4. Math puzzles
The puzzle in the last IntMath Newsletter asked about the sum of an infinite series.
Correct answers with explanation were given by Tomas, Don and Mawanda but my vote for the clearest answer is Mawanda's.
New math puzzle
Find the least 2 positive integers having the remainders 2, 3, 2 when divided by 3, 5, 7 respectively.
Leave your responses here.
5. Friday math movie: Smart failure for a fast-changing world
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We don't deal with failure properly in most educational settings. This talk gives some options for improving that. |
6. Final thought: Learning to learn
Most teachers (and parents) tell students to "study hard". But even though some students put a lot of time into study, some produce better outcomes than others.
In a 2011 study, researchers found that if students knew more about their own learning approach, the more likely they were to do well. Also, those who used a variety of learning strategies did better than those who stuck to one or two.
How many of the following successful learning strategies can you say "yes" to?
- I draw pictures or diagrams to help me understand.
- I make up questions that I try to answer.
- When I am learning something new, I think back to what I already know about it.
- I discuss what I am learning with others.
- I practice things over and over until I know them well.
- I think about my thinking, to check if I understand the idea.
- When I don't understand something I go back over it again.
- I make a note of things that I don't understand very wel, so that I can follow them up.
- When I have finished an activity I look back to see how well I did.
- I organize my time to manage my learning.
- I make plans for how to do the activities.
For the ones you said "no" to, why not give them a try?
Until next time, enjoy whatever you learn.
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