IntMath Newsletter: Time, equals and resources

26 Aug 2010

In this Newsletter:

1. The equal sign: more trouble than it’s worth?
2. Application: Ellipses and composite trigonometric graphs
3. Back to school tips
4. Friday math movie: Right brain math
5. Final thought: Just do it!

1. The equal sign: more trouble than it’s worth?

Suitable for: Everyone, since we all come across equal signs every day.

The equals sign causes a lot of grief. Should we replace it with more meaningful symbols? Read more: The equal sign – more trouble than it’s worth?

2. Equation of Time, an application of ellipses and composite trigonometric graphs

Suitable for: Everyone. You will come across conic sections and trigonometric graphs at some point in your math career.

The Equation of Time is an interesting application of conics and composite trigonometric curves. Read more: The Equation of Time

3. Back to school tips

Many of your are starting school again very soon. Here are some earlier articles you may find useful:

• Ten Ways to Survive the Math Blues
• How to understand math formulas
• How to learn math formulas

4. Friday math movie: Right brain math

Suitable for: Everyone.

Never could master those times tables? This right brain approach might be a solution for you. Watch the video: Right Brain Math – Times Table

5. Final thought: Just do it!

As the school year begins (for many of you), it's a good opportunity to consider how you are going to make the most of it.

The research is in: multi-tasking just means we do a lot more things, but none of them well. (See Is multi-tasking a myth? from the BBC).

Want to do well at anything (not only math)? There's a simple solution - focus.

Until next time.

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