singaporeolevelmaths

Simple Tips for Better Maths Results!

Archives for 2008

About Me :-)

I think it is important to add a little more taste to this blog other than the Math Strategies (A-Math and E-Math) that I have been posting on.

I decide to write more about me as a result of a MSN conversation (Oh yes, I do MSN) with one of my previous students. She is someone whom I taught when I was in a learning centre. Here's part of the conversation

B : "So what are you doing now?"

Me: " You can read more here www.singaporeolevelmaths.com"

B: wow! you still teaching Math. Is it really that fun to teach Math?

Me: "Absolutely"

To many, Math is perhaps a subject just to pass and get through.

To me, teaching and Coaching Math taught me lessons way beyond the formulas, step by step solutions, diagrams, complicated - hard to make sense topics ...

To be honest, I am not that of Math Olympiad type though I did take part in this sort of competitions when I was younger. Those sort of questions can really make you sweat literally.

I do not read Math journals, I do not have a PhD in Math either, I do not walk around memorizing formulas... so what exactly do I do? [Read more...] about About Me :-)

Urgent:To All Subscribers of singaporeolevelmaths

Update: Email with the confirmation link has been sent out. If you wish to continue to receive more Math Strategies and Tips, Click on the confirmation link in the email.

Dear Subscribers who have received the Strategy On Being A Squaring Expert.

Thank you for all the feedback so far. I hope that you have gained more knowledge and fun in picking up the information.

In order for us to serve you better, we are making some changes and as part of this process, you will be serving an email with a confirm link in the next few days.

For you to continue learning more Math Tips & Strategies and for us to ensure delivery of these Math Tips & Strategies to your email account, you need to click on that confirm link else you will not be receiving anymore information from us.

We look forward in continuing providing you with more Power Math Tips & Strategies.

:)

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.

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}

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.