Matrix and Matrices

Matrix is the singular for the plural Matrices.

Today I'll hopefully clear some doubts on inverse matrices and identity matrices. My next post will cover their usefulness in solving simultaneous equations.... so keep a look out. :)

Fighting On...

You have never really lost the battle until you admit defeat. If I have a dream, I will fight for it. If I desire something, I will work towards it. When troubles come my way, I reach for the stars, [When you reach for the stars, you may not get one, but you won't come up with a hand full of mud, either." -- Leo Burnett ]

We must persist.
["There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other. -- Douglas Everett, American Hockey Player ]
Keep practicing...

Remainder Theorem

You sit in the examination hall and stare at the alien language infront of you - math. You wonder why you put yourself through all these and feel like giving up. The questions doesn't make sense to you, you rack your brains and still find it's nothing even remotely close to what you heard in class.

Your teacher tells you, "that means you need more practice". Your parents tell you, that you need to pay more attention in class. However, I'd say, "you need exposure".

Below is a video on factor and remainder theorem with a sample question and solution for you to expose yourself to. (:
http://www.youtube.com/v/JQAUFwqXLLI

Quadratic Equations, Inequalities and Roots of Equations

The topic tile is a mouthful. But do not fret, this simple video I uploaded should explain things. Again if you have any questions feel free to contact me at liauteach@gmail.com

Solve some partial fractions

Hi, here are some questions you can try to put your skills on partial fraction to good use.

Eamil me (liauteach@gmail.com) for the worked solutions.

Colourful Covers

Today's post is with regards to the topic on Partial Fractions.

One way of finding the unknown numerators in partial fractions is to use the cover-up rule, which I will demonstrate.

Note: the example used involves an improper fraction (numerator smaller than denominator) with distinct linear factors.
Linear meaning the highest power of x is only one, there is no x square or x cube.
Factors of a quadratic (or any other polynomial equation) in the case below, (x+2)(x-2) are factors of

Synthetic or Organic?

No we are not talking about food or hair products. We are discussing a quick and nifty way to solving polynomial equations.

I shall not waste your time, so let's get down to solving this.

There are 3 methods to solving this; the first part is the same for all 3 methods. You try random values of x, such as -1, 0 or 1 and see which gets you zero.

In this case, if you used x=1, then 2+5-11+4=0. And wah la!, (x-1) is a factor.

Note: if you subbed x=? and that ? makes your equation ZERO, then (x-?) is a factor.

Now this is where things start to differ.

Method 1: Solving by Long division

Method 2: Synthetic

The solution is, x=1 or x=1/2 or x=-4 (Ans)

Headstart to A

Have you ever wondered why you just couldn’t motivate yourself to score that A you desire?

I guess it’s because you find the task of getting that desired grade daunting. You look around you and notice that hey!, many of your friends are like you. You then begin to feel safe as you realise you are part of a majority. What makes matters worse, is that, those who score, are totally unlike you; you can never imagine yourself being like them.

Here are 5 things you can do to change that mindset and learn Math the way you like it.

1. Set aside a little time a day to visit this blog, challenge your mind and attempt the questions

2. Share this blog with your friends and talk about that math question you could, or could not solve at night

3. Be bold and start asking for help when you encounter difficulty. You can consult your teachers at school or send me an email at liauteach@gmail.com

4. Look for a tutor you can relate with; one who can make you passionate and excited about math

5. DO NOT procrastinate, if you cannot do all 5, at least do no. 1.