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Archive for March 2008

Mar/08

26

Simple Interest And Compound Interest

Given a choice between the 2 different types of interest, which will you choose? This is taught under Elementary Mathematics (E-Math)

Before you make the smart choice, let’s examine the differences between these 2 different types of interest through an example.

CASE OF SIMPLE INTEREST

alwaysLovely deposited $1000 into Bank A for 2 years which pays a simple interest of 10% p.a.( per annum –> per year). How much will she get at the end of 2 years?

1 year –>10% , 2 years –> 20%

Total interest earned for 2 years = 1000 * 20% = $200

Total amount = $1000 + $200 = $1200

CASE OF COMPOUND INTEREST

alwaysLovely deposited $1000 into Bank B for 2 years which pays a compound interest of 10% p.a. How much will she get at the end of 2 years?

Interest earned in Year 1 = 1000 * 10% = $100

Principal Amount for Year 2 = $1000 + $100 = $1100

Interest earned in Year 2 = 1100 * 10% = $110 /*Interest is calculated based on the new principal amount*/

Total amount received for 2 years = $1000 + $100 + $110 = $1210

So which is better, Bank A or Bank B ?

Check out the next post on Formulae Usage on Simple And Compound Interest which will reduce your time to reach your correct answer.

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Mar/08

24

Logarithm Equation Question 3

This is an interesting question which I came across under Additional Mathematics (A-Math):

Find the value of x.

(log_x \sqrt{3})(log_x\sqrt{8})= \frac{3}{2}log_x\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}

Who is courageous to work on this question?

I will respond to this question when someone discusses about this question first :)

Update:

(log_x \sqrt{3})(log_x\sqrt{8})= \frac{3}{2}log_x\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}

(Apply Power Law)

(log_x \sqrt{3})(log_x\sqrt{8})= \frac{3}{2}log_x\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}

(log_x \sqrt{3})(log_x\sqrt{8})= \frac{3}{2}log_x\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}

(multiply by 4 on both sides of equal sign)

(log_x \sqrt{3})(log_x\sqrt{8})= \frac{3}{2}log_x\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}

(Apply Power Law)
(log_x \sqrt{3})(log_x\sqrt{8})= \frac{3}{2}log_x\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}

(log_x \sqrt{3})(log_x\sqrt{8})= \frac{3}{2}log_x\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}

(Apply Quotient Law)
(log_x \sqrt{3})(log_x\sqrt{8})= \frac{3}{2}log_x\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}
(log_x \sqrt{3})(log_x\sqrt{8})= \frac{3}{2}log_x\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}

(Factorise)

(log_x \sqrt{3})(log_x\sqrt{8})= \frac{3}{2}log_x\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}

(log_x8)=0 (NA)or log_x3+1=0

log_x3=-1,3=x^-^1,3=\frac {1}{x},3x=1,x= \frac {1}{3}

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Mar/08

23

Should I Retake My O Level Maths Again?

Email from one of the students:

Basically, i am a o level graduate of 2007 and scored pretty well in my other subjects just that my maths got a D7. Even though, i appealed and got a place in polytechnic and currently going to study my favourite course that i am keen in. I tried JAE, but i failed even though i apply for design courses however i appealed again using JPAE, and i sucessfully got a place.Now what i want to ask is, do u think i should retake my o level maths again? I have just register as a private candidate for 2008 o level maths elemetary maths the old syylbas. However from small to big, i do not really have interest in maths but i hate teo see a 7 in my o level grade. What do u advise? i am really confused now, because if i were to retake i have to study my poly as well as the maths.. So what should i do? I rreally hope u can help me out here.

Now my questions to you is

  1. “Why do you want to retake your O Level Maths?”
  2. “What purpose does retaking serve for you and what is it you hope to achieve for this 2nd attempt?”

You need to get your purpose clear and strong so that your goal will be clear as well. Whatever is your choice, there are different consequences to bear. Are you fully ready for these?

Only you will know the answers to the above 2 questions. And only you decide on whether you should retake your o level maths again.

fyi: The old syllabus 4017 is going to be totally out of syllabus soon.

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Due to the drawing near on closing date for the registration of 2008 GCE O Level exams, they have been a high search on this area.

I have also quite a number of emails on this as well.

I have written previously in How To Retake O Level As A Private Candidate on some of the steps involved in the registration.

All Private Candidates must be clear on the instructions of the following matters:
instructions-privatecandidate.png
Click on image for a larger view.

The Complete Instructions available here.

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Mar/08

20

Math Jokes #1

Recently I realized that Sean Chua, Founder of SimpleChemConcepts loves to put up Chemistry Jokes on his site. Initially I thought it was lame. But his readership proves otherwise.

So I guess everyone of us needs a little tickle now and then so I have decided to contribute some jokes on Mathematics. And I certainly hope you enjoy these laughters as much as I had.
smileydonut.jpg Yummy Donut I Simply Couldn’t Resist.
Teacher: What is 2k + k?
Student: 3000!

Q: Why do you rarely find mathematicians spending time at the beach?
A: Because they have sine and cosine to get a tan and don’t need the sun!

Teacher: “Who can tell me what 7 times 6 is?”
Student: “It’s 42!”
Teacher: “Very good! – And who can tell me what 6 times 7 is?”
Same student: “It’s 24!”

Q: What does the zero say to the the eight?
A: Nice belt!

The chef instructs his apprentice: “You take two thirds of water, one third of cream, one third of broth…”
The apprentice: “But that makes four thirds already!”
“Well – just take a larger pot!”

“Students nowadays are so clueless”, the math professor complains to a colleague. “Yesterday, a student came to my office hours and wanted to know if General Calculus was a Roman war hero…”

More Math Jokes from here.

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About Ai Ling

Hi, my name is Ai Ling Ong and I'm a professional Math Trainer specializing in GCE 'O' level Mathematics (Additional & Elementary). More than 10 years of teaching experience, I have coached hundreds of students more than 80 schools in Singapore. Read more about me here
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