The graph shown above portrays the conversion factor from inches to centimeters. In this case, x represents the amount of inches in the equation. Y represents the centimeters. Each point on this graph represents the amount of inches per centimeter. Using this equation, I plugged 12 in for the x. 12x2.54=30.45.
Absolute value is how far away a number is from zero. For example, the absolute value of 2.5, as shown in the picture above, is 2.5. This is because it is five spaces away from zero. It is impossible to have negative absolute values because a person can't be negative spaces away from zero. Therefore, the absolute value of -8 is 8, and not -8.
Some absolute value equations have two solutions. This is because when the solution of an absolute value equation is found, the mathematician cannot be sure of whether the original number was a positive or a negative number. For example, in the equation |x+4|=8, the answer could either be x=4 or x=-4. Plugging in these two answers for x shows that either answer could be correct. To find the first answer (x=4), one must first subtract 4 from each side, and is left with the answer, x=4. To find the second answer, one must subtract four from each side, and is left with x=-4. Some equations only have one solution. If you plug in both of the numbers, and only one of the numbers produces an answer equal to the original answer, only one solution is present. It is also possible to have no solutions. This is expressed in an equation such as |2|=-2, because the absolute value of a number can never equal a negative. In elementary school, math was mediocre. The equations were easy to the point that I didn't enjoy the class. I enjoyed long division and anything I considered challenging at the time, but the large majority of class was spent sleeping or passing time as the easiest subjects were explained over and over and over. It was just too boring. Middle school, on the other hand, posed new challenges. In sixth grade, math was difficult at some points, but mainly because I took a nap in Mr. Kristin's room every day. Once I figured out what was going on, that class was also a breeze. To be honest I don't have any memory of seventh grade math, which is slightly concerning. I have no recollection of any events that took place, what we may have learned, and even which students were in my class. I'm assuming it was easy, or else I feel like I would actually remember something... Eighth grade was when I actually began to enjoy math. Algebra was fun enough that I didn't sleep in class, challenging enough that I was motivated to do the work, but easy enough to actually be fun. However, I despised geometry. I passed the class with an A, but it was far more difficult to me than any other math class. I simply did not see the point of the majority of that class, and all of the equations were just confusing and gross. I really didn't like that class. I'm very excited to get back to math that I enjoy.
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
April 2015
Categories |