MAT221

FORMAT 

How to type division and superscripts in the threads 

This thread includes a division problem. When you type division all in a line, the top and bottom of the fraction require parentheses. 

One repeated error is that a fraction like this:

     20w - 15

----------------------

     9w2 -6w +1

when written all in a line like this,

(20w - 15) / (9w2 -6w +1)   requires parentheses around the top and bottom.

This
20w - 15 / 9w2 -6w +1 is wrong and means this: 

20w  - 15    -6w +1
          ------
           9w2

which is probably not what you mean. So, if you write fractions in a line, always use parentheses around the top and bottom! It is fine with me if you write them with a top and bottom if that is easier. 

How to make any superscript in the threads: 

First, I create my expression in Microsoft Word.

First example: Create x2.

First, create the expression in Microsoft Word. Open Microsoft Word.

 TYPE  x2

Click on the HOME tab.  

Then highlight the number or letter you want to be small and high (the 2) and click on the x2 button. (See attached.)

Then it becomes what is called a superscript and looks like x2. You can also copy and paste it from this post.

It is okay to type x^2 for x2 if this is too much of a pain. The "^" key is "shift-6." To get the "^" symbol, hold down the shift key and press the number key 6.

Second example: Create x3.

First, create the expression in Microsoft Word. Open Microsoft Word.

TYPE  x3

Then highlight the number or letter you want to be small and high (the 3) and click on the x2 button. (See attached.)

Then it becomes what is called a superscript and looks like x3. You can also copy and paste it from this post.

Always use standard math symbols in math class and do not invent your own. 

Required Resources

1. To successfully complete the Lab and Homework, read the following information:
   • Information about ALEKS
   • To successfully complete this week’s assignments, read the following chapters from the text, Elementary and Intermediate Algebra:
     •  Chapter 1 – Real Numbers and Their Properties 
       • 1.1-1.4
       • 1.5
       • 1.6-1.8

DISCUSSION 1

ting Algebraic Expressions

Read the following instructions in order to complete this discussion, and review the example of how to complete the math required for this assignment:

1. Write your birth date or the birth date of someone in your family as mm/dd/yy. (Example: March 13, 1981 is written 3/13/81, and November 7, 1967 is written 11/7/67).  
   
   
   • Now let a = the one- or two-digit month number,
     
     
   • b = the negative of the one- or two-digit day number, and
     
     
   • c = the two-digit year number.
     (Our example:  a = 3, b = -13, and c = 81 or a = 11, b = -7, and c = 67)
      
2. Use the following algebraic expressions for parts 3-5 of the discussion:
   
   
   •  
     
     
   •   
     
     
   • 
      
3. Evaluate the three given expressions using the a, b, and c from your birth date.  Make sure that b is negative when you plug in the values.
    
4. After you have your math worked out on scratch paper, go back and verbally describe the steps you took to evaluate the expressions. Make sure to use each of the vocabulary words at least once in your writing.
   • Did you notice anything interesting about the results of  and ? Was this coincidence or do you think there is a reason for this?
      
5. Incorporate the following five math vocabulary words into your discussion. Use bold font to emphasize the words in your writing (Do not write definitions for the words; use them appropriately in sentences describing your math work.):
   
   
   • Exponent
     
     
   • Integer
     
     
   • Variable
     
     
   • Lowest terms
     
     
   • Divisor

Your initial post should be 150-250 words in length. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7. Do you agree with how your classmates used the vocabulary? Did the student handle the negatives in the formulas accurately?