Archives for 2010

A-Math: How to Sketch Modulus Graph [video]

Modulus Graph Sketching_Page_01

This morning, I received an email from a student on asking how to draw a modulus graph with and without boundary condition.

What is boundary condition?
It is usually the range of values of x (otherwise known as domain) for the graph.

Though I have written a similar post in 2009 here, I feel that a video will show you clearly the step by step and important points to consider. Note that my drawing isn't perfect, afterall it's a freehand draw on my tablet, so you got to bear with my 'not so straight' lines :)

The video is about 7 minutes long. Around 6min 30s, I've included a bonus question to challenge yourself. Go ahead and answer it on the comment section.

Click here to view the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTdo_zK9XLk

Coordinate Geometry Mindmap

For today, I decided to have some fun with the online mindmap software - MindMeister to create the summary for coordinate geometry topic for Secondary 3 and 4 students.

It's a simple mindmap which includes almost all if not everything on Coordinate Geometry.

Do let me know if there's anything I've left out.

Feel free to save the image on your desktop too.

Click on image for larger view.

E-Math: Vectors - Explain why 3 points are on the same line

3 points on the same line has a term called 'Collinear'. Are you at a loss of how to go about explaining why ABC is a straight line, why ABC is on the same line, why ABC is collinear?

They all meant the same thing. Here's the template you can use everything you need to explain why ABC is a straight line in a vectors question:

To have a better understanding, it is best that you know that what's the significance of scalar multiplication of vectors, I know it's like 'eeeeeeek' but what it really means is as followed: (Not as bad as you thought)

Here's the video for step by step:

Note there's a bonus question at the end of the video. Try it and leave me your answer on the comments section.

A-Math: How to Integrate Trigonometry with Square Power [video]

Some students get really confused between differentiation and integration of Trigonometry. In fact, I personally feel that integration of Trigonometry is easier as there are only 3 general formulas (as shown). In this video, I've shown the thinking process, step by step approach on how to integrate Trigonometry with square power, an advanced concept. Hope you find the approach and explanation useful.

I would love to hear your comments.

Click on this link to view the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3ykmKa4MLU

A-Math: Binomial Theorem Checklist

checklist-am Last lesson, I recapped with my students the essence of Binomial Theorem in A-Math and upon searching my website, I found that I have written quite a number of posts on this topic.

I'm going to list down the points you need to know before you go for your exams.

Do you know

How to use the Binomial formula provided on the formula sheet? (term by term expansion, (r+1)th general term, factorial formula)
What's term independent of x?
Which term to use in a double bracket expansion?
How to apply Binomial concepts in evaluating values?

Binomial theorem is closely linked to Indices and every year, there is always one question worth 5 - 7 marks in 'O' Levels.

Hope you find this post beneficial and I would love to hear your comments on Binomial theorem. Do you like this topic or you don't? Leave me a comment.

E-Math: Quadratic Checklist

checklist-em As I'm writing this post, we are only 89 days away from GCE 'O' Level Elementary Maths Paper 1.

Personally I think in this last phase of preparation, students must feel confident by reflecting on the things they've understand all these while.

I'm going to start this checklist for both E-Math & A-Math in this countdown towards 'O' Level 2010 and I hope you find it useful & beneficial in boosting your confidence and motivating yourself to do better.

For the topic of Quadratic, do you know

How to find the intercepts ( x & y), the turning point (minimum or maximum), given a quadratic graph?
How to sketch a quadratic graph given any type of quadratic equation?
How to complete square for a quadratic equation?
How to state the minimum or maximum from a completed square equation?
The various methods to solve a quadratic equation?
How to handle a problem solving question in Paper 2 involving quadratic concepts?

Above are the main concepts you need to know for Quadratic, feel free to add on any more in the comment section so that more readers can benefit from your sharing.

Study smart & stay cool!