This topic is taught in Secondary 3 after introduction of Indices Law.

In solving indices equation involving the same base, one of the common techniques is by Substitution. But before you can do substitution, you need to apply indices law to ‘break down’ the equation. This process of breaking down is sometimes challenging for students. Knowing how to solve quadratic equation is also essential.

Sometimes, solving Indices Equation will also involve the concept of taking lg on both sides as well.

In the following example, you will Substitution and ‘Breaking down’ in action: (more…)

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This is my first attempt this year to produce a video. Should the response be good, I will use video to share more tips and strategies with my audience, so please leave me a comment.

Please pardon me the ‘echo’ effect in my introduction and also the low resolution. I was using my new logitech webcam :D

I’m working towards producing better quality videos. Share tips on this if you have any. Would appreciate it.

For more posts on matrix, please refer to the related posts below.

I look forward in hearing your comments and the answer to the question in the video.

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Differentiation is a big thing in fact major chapter for all Secondary 4 ‘O’ level students.

Read all about the basics Differentiation techniques here. (Examples included) I would like to share one question from my A-Math Ultimate Leap Programme (weekly coaching class) which has 2 different approaches to solve it.

Example:

Very often, I notice students will jump into Quotient rule whenever a fraction is given. Just like this student here:

May I suggest that you pause for 3 seconds to think about the approach. Ask yourself ‘Is there anything I can simplify?’

Here’s another student who pauses:

Notice this student spends his time simplifying before applying chain rule in differentiation.

I hope you enjoy this example. Both students are correct in their answers, which one do you prefer more? A or B?

chain rule, differentiation, quotient rule, shortcut Hide

One of the interesting questions I discuss with my students every year before major examinations is

‘What foods would you recommend for brain?’

Photo Credit: Bob.Fornal

Generally, I have heard about ‘berries’ and fish help in memory.

It wasn’t until recently that I came across an interesting article on Pickthebrain.com

Here’s a summary of the foods recommended in the article:

1. Herb: Rosemary
2. Tea (Yes! The beverage)
3. Fruits & Vegetables; colors for boosting memory are dark red, blue and green.
4. Fish & Nuts
5. Dessert: Honey

More details here: ‘5 Foods To Remember For Better Memory‘.

So are there any specific foods you take to better your memory? I would love to hear from you! Leave me a comment.

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Photo Credit:purpleslog

In today post,I’m going to talk about some concepts related to everyday life, we call this everyday Math. As you see the image on the side, you know I’m going to talk about money and where is money being ’stored’? Well, safely in the bank! So have you wondered why banks give you interest (peanuts though) for doing you a service of keeping your money safely? Should they charge you?

Today we are going to discuss about interest, compound interest in particular. I would strongly suggest you read these 2 posts before attempting the question first.

1. Simple & Compound Interest
2. Formula Usage on Simple & Compound Interest

These 2 posts discuss the basic concepts on the differences between Simple and Compound Interest as well as what you should note when using the formulas.

I came across the following question while doing an exampaper analysis for my student recently and it so coincides with the topics I want to discuss this week.

Example:

Do the question yourself and check your level of understanding. It should take you 2 minutes.

Spot the error!

Common mistake (click here for image). Did you make this mistake too? Do you know where the error is?

Lesson Learnt

The correct working is shown here. (click)

Test out your understanding

If the original question is modified to compounded half-yearly with the principle amount of $75 000 being deposited at the same rate of 1.8% per annum, calculate the total amount at the end of 1 year. What would be your answer? Leave your answer in the comment section.

compound interest, compound interest formula Hide