Yeah, so this is my 1st "blag" posting:
Ok, My first week of advanced math was rather confusing. I know that most of this was taught in Algebra, but honestly, my brain still feels a little rusty after several months without math class. I also happen to be horrible at memorizing steps and formulas, so I hope that with a little bit of extra studying before a test, i'll score decently.
Also, while I'm here ranting about our first week, I want to thank Amy for her explanation on completing the square. I thought I was doing it properly, but I kept on forgetting this part:
Take half of the coefficient on the x-term (divide it by two, and keeping the sign), and then square it. Add the squared value to both sides of the equation:
So, here's what you're really here for, what I get and what I don't.
- I understand these concepts: Distance Formula, Midpoint Formula, Imaginary numbers chart (i need to memorize it though), completing the square (thanks to Amy), quadratic formula (i know how to use it, I just don't have it memorized after all these years), standard form, point form
- I kinda understand these concepts: Synthetic Division, Polynomials, Factoring, slope-intercept form.
- And then, there's parabolas. I absolutely don't get these: they are my mortal enemies, they keep me up at night, and the horrible thing is, they're the only conic section I learned about in my Non-Honors Algebra II class. The rest of the conic sections look even scarier.
So, since I'll be of no help in my attempts at explaining parabolas, and I don't want to explain something that someone else reflected on, I'll be expaining the midpoint formula.
First, you'll need 2 coordinates: like (2,4) & (1,3)
Define the x & y coordinates as: (x1,y1) (x2,y2)
Therefore:
x1=2
y1=4
x2=1
y2=3
now, add your x-values together, and divide the sum of your x-values by 2. This is the final x-value of your midpoint.
add your y-values together, and divide the sum of your y-values by 2. This is the final y-value of your midpoint.
If you did everything correctly, the midpoint of (2,4) & (1,3) should have come out to:
(1.5, 3.5)
Don't panic if you get a half in your answer, as midpoints can be halves.
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So that about wraps up my blog, but before I go, I would like to be added to the pool of people who would like help on *cringes* parabolas. Could we have a review on them Monday?
