# Why you can add equations using the Addition Method to solve a system of equations

For the longest time, I never understood how the Addition Method solved a system of simultaneous equations. What I mean to say is that I could carry out the method's steps, but I didn't understand why adding two equations was legal. It seemed unintuitive to me. For example, take this system of two linear equations: … Continue reading Why you can add equations using the Addition Method to solve a system of equations

# Cubic Polynomial Word Problem: Jenny and the Magic Bean

Here is a PDF version of a math problem I recently created. You'll have to know how to factor cubic polynomials, so you may want to brush up on that first, or use this problem as a refresher. Just click on the link below to open it up. If you get stuck, a full solution … Continue reading Cubic Polynomial Word Problem: Jenny and the Magic Bean

# Kinky Adventures in LaTeX Land: The Sum and Product of Roots of a Quadratic Equation

?????????🐒🐶🐱🐳🐿🐥????????? \equiv \newline \pi r^2  $latex \equiv \newline \pi r^2 &s=4$ ?????????🙈😬🙄😮????????? One of the things I don't like about blogging is how long it can take to put together a blog post, even after it has been written, edited and polished. Aside from all the formatting required to make an entry look the way I … Continue reading Kinky Adventures in LaTeX Land: The Sum and Product of Roots of a Quadratic Equation

# To cross multiply or not cross multiply

When I was in Grade 7 our homeroom/math teacher told the class in a hushed voice, “Don’t cross multiply.” At the time I didn’t understand what he meant, nor did I likely understand what cross multiplication was. Ever since I have occasionally wondered why he would admonish students from using such a useful tool. Cross-multiplication … Continue reading To cross multiply or not cross multiply

# Algebraic Expressions vs Algebraic Equations

Give the algebraic expression that represents the perimeter of the following polygon.  Over the last five years working as a tutor I have seen many students struggle with a problem like the one above. To answer it we must remember that the perimeter of any shape can be found by adding up its side-lengths. With side-lengths that … Continue reading Algebraic Expressions vs Algebraic Equations