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Dividing by variable when solving algebraic equation
#31
RE: Dividing by variable when solving algebraic equation
(October 26, 2016 at 2:48 am)Alex K Wrote: I'm teaching my 11th graders quadratic functions right now, they are not amused. Question: you have 100 meters of fence to fence in a rectangular area, but one of the sides doesn't need a fence because there's a wall already. So the question is, how long and wide do you choose your corral to maximize the area.

How most physics questions used to sound to me:

A ball is falling from 25m. The mass of the ball is 2kg. Calculate the exact time of the plane landing in Bangladesh if the sun is seen on the north side of the sky and the course of Euro is 2$.
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#32
RE: Dividing by variable when solving algebraic equation
I'd estimate 46?
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#33
RE: Dividing by variable when solving algebraic equation
Lol Big Grin

It was touch and go for a while, but I pulled through Tongue
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#34
RE: Dividing by variable when solving algebraic equation
(October 26, 2016 at 7:37 am)robvalue Wrote: I like questions like that though, because they show a simple application of maths to a real situation where guesswork would only get you so far.

For those that are interested, this is how you get the answer:



Once you get to the formula for A in terms of x, there's an alternate method that doesn't involve using calculus. You can complete the square instead, and then pick the relevant value for x to give what is obviously the maximum value for A.
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Please visit my website here! It's got lots of information about atheism/theism and support for new atheists.

Index of useful threads and discussions
Index of my best videos
Quickstart guide to the forum
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#35
RE: Dividing by variable when solving algebraic equation
(October 25, 2016 at 9:58 pm)FallentoReason Wrote:
(October 25, 2016 at 9:54 pm)Fireball Wrote: Could I have an example?

Any equation where the constant is positive will do.

E.g. x^2 + 4

Let's test where it intersects the x axis:

x^2 + 4 = 0

=> x^2 = -4

therefore, x = 2i

Blush Thanks! Next time, I'll pour more coffee down the inside of my neck before I ask a question. I taught algebra for a couple of years. My brain obviously had checked out for parts unknown while reading this thread. Smile
If you get to thinking you’re a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else’s dog around.
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#36
RE: Dividing by variable when solving algebraic equation
(October 26, 2016 at 11:12 am)Vic Wrote:
(October 26, 2016 at 2:48 am)Alex K Wrote: I'm teaching my 11th graders quadratic functions  right now, they are not amused.  Question: you have 100 meters of fence to fence in a rectangular area, but one of the sides doesn't need a fence because there's a wall already. So the question is, how long and wide do you choose your corral to maximize the area.

How most physics questions used to sound to me:

A ball is falling from 25m. The mass of the ball is 2kg. Calculate the exact time of the plane landing in Bangladesh if the sun is seen on the north side of the sky and the course of Euro is 2$.

It is exactly 42.
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#37
RE: Dividing by variable when solving algebraic equation
irrational Wrote:I know for all you math masters out there, this is basic stuff.

I'm far from a being a math master myself.  For me at least, I think math is cool and am interested in gaining a basic understanding of it.  That being said, I thought your post was pretty cool.  I've often found that when I'm struggling with a problem, it is due to my lack of familiarity with the basics, such as having an incomplete understanding of particular terms in definitions or being a bit rusty in fundamental algebra, trig, or calc concepts (etc.).  Furthermore, I've learned to value the instances where I have the humility to crack open the books, engage in research, or pick another person's brain: this helps me avoid the trap of using the same problematic thinking, which got me confused in the first place.  

P.S. Thanks for the cool thread and good luck with your math endeavors, sir.











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#38
RE: Dividing by variable when solving algebraic equation
I have a secret to solve any algebra problem. Multiply both sides by zero.

0 = 0

Done.
I don't believe you. Get over it.
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#39
RE: Dividing by variable when solving algebraic equation
(October 27, 2016 at 2:06 am)Jesster Wrote: I have a secret to solve any algebra problem. Multiply both sides by zero.

0 = 0

Done.

But then what would be the solution? Tongue
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#40
RE: Dividing by variable when solving algebraic equation
(October 27, 2016 at 2:09 am)Irrational Wrote:
(October 27, 2016 at 2:06 am)Jesster Wrote: I have a secret to solve any algebra problem. Multiply both sides by zero.

0 = 0

Done.

But then what would be the solution? Tongue

ZERO

Sheesh. It's like you weren't even listening. Big Grin
I don't believe you. Get over it.
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