View Full Version : I hate to ask, but can anyone help me with my math?
The deadline is tomorrow, and I've not even passed step 1. This stuff makes no sense to me. I'm supposed to assign a random value and hopefully get the correct answer? I was never taught this stuff during high school, but I'm expected to know it for college. What the hell...
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/5197/mathhelp.png
Any help would be appreciated.
weskurtz81
01-31-2011, 22:11
All you do is replace the x with the value that's in the ( ) and then solve.
f(-6)= 2/3(-6)-9 (2/3*-6 then subtract 9)
f(3/2)=2/3(3/2)-9 (2/3*3/2 then subtract 9)
f(2c)=2/3(2c)-9 (2/3*2c then subtract 9)
Alright. I did the math and got the first two answers.
f=6
f(-6) = -36
f(2/3) = 4
f(2c) = ???
How do I find what c is?
it says to simplify not solve, so the most simple will include c.
it says to simplify not solve, so the most simple will include c.
I don't understand. I thought simplify is just a way to solve a problem using a series of steps? I also still don't see where the c comes in to play.
f(2c) = 2/3(2c)-9
In this particular case, you cant solve for c, but you can reduce it to the simplest form, or in other words, attempt to solve it until you cannot go any farther, at that point, it is simplified.
I don't understand. I thought simplify is just a way to solve a problem using a series of steps? I also still don't see where the c comes in to play.
Nah, as btbam said, you're just trying to make it as simple as possible. You're not trying to solve it. You might be able to solve it in certain instances, but just go as far as you can.
weskurtz81
02-01-2011, 00:51
Was on my way home, sorry.
Pretty sure the answer would be 4/3c-9 (I think).
You multiply 2/3 by 2c/1 (as any number+variable over 1 is still the same number) to get 4/3c, then you just tack -9 back on, 4/3c-9.
Was on my way home, sorry.
Pretty sure the answer would be 4/3c-9 (I think).
You multiply 2/3 by 2c/1 (as any number+variable over 1 is still the same number) to get 4/3c, then you just tack -9 back on, 4/3c-9.
That looks correct to me
weskurtz81
02-01-2011, 01:17
I think the answer you have to the first one is wrong, I am pretty sure it's -13.
f(-6)= 2/3(-6)-9... you take -6 and multiply it by .6666666666667 (which is decimal format for 2/3's, but it would be better to multiply by 2/3's if you can, which would be 2/3*-6/1=2*-6/3*1=-12/3=-4), then subtract -9. Remember you have to do things in the correct order, otherwise the answer will be way off.
I am pretty sure the second one you have is wrong as well.
f(3/2)=2/3(3/2)-9... you multiply the two fractions, 2/3*3/2 so that's 2*3/3*2=6/6=1 then you subtract 9. 1-9=-8.
Or you could have multiplied 1.5 by .6666666667 and it would have given you right around 1 (due to decimal places, multiplying fractions would be the better choice).
Think of it as another way of expressing "y= (2/3)x -9", you're given the x values to substitute in and have to find what y is.
Fijiandoce
02-01-2011, 02:10
out of curiosity
do they not teach that in the US??
my final year of high school sucked!! all sorts of fugly looking equations. the one your showing being of the easier sort.
i look at shop signs now and wish they exploded.....jus saying....**** was rough
unless there is more to the question and u simply didn't include it for our veiwing pleasure? :rolleyes:
fuzzypumpkins
02-01-2011, 02:18
first one is -13
play_b3yond_313
02-01-2011, 02:54
The most simple answer: replace what ever the "x" is with what is in the (). So, in the A,B, and C situation the "x" value would be -6, (3/2), and 2c respectively.
Answer 1: -13
Answer 2: -8
Answer 3: (4c/3) -9
Lol this is definitely taught in Michigan at 9/10th grade it must be passed to graduate.
engagequadlasr
02-01-2011, 03:46
Wow. The education system is in sad, sad shape.
If you're just starting class in college and this is beyond you, they placed you at the wrong math level. Did they make you take a placement exam?
out of curiosity
do they not teach that in the US??
my final year of high school sucked!! all sorts of fugly looking equations. the one your showing being of the easier sort.
i look at shop signs now and wish they exploded.....jus saying....**** was rough
unless there is more to the question and u simply didn't include it for our veiwing pleasure? :rolleyes:
I guess it depends on the classes you take. I was doing that kind of stuff in like...7th or 8th grade. I was doing calculus before high school ended. Not bragging, just stating that not everyone learns nothing in high school.
out of curiosity
do they not teach that in the US??
my final year of high school sucked!! all sorts of fugly looking equations. the one your showing being of the easier sort.
i look at shop signs now and wish they exploded.....jus saying....**** was rough
unless there is more to the question and u simply didn't include it for our veiwing pleasure? :rolleyes:
This is definitely taught by the first half of high-school. I guess Rapture was just never really a math guy. Everybody has different strengths. He seems to be more of a philosophizer. :D
This is definitely taught by the first half of high-school. I guess Rapture was just never really a math guy. Everybody has different strengths. He seems to be more of a philosophizer. :D
Well, the rapture is more of an esoteric topic anyway hehehe
weskurtz81
02-01-2011, 04:51
Wow. The education system is in sad, sad shape.
If you're just starting class in college and this is beyond you, they placed you at the wrong math level. Did they make you take a placement exam?
Wow, leave it to this guy to generalize the entire public education system based on a lack of mathematical knowledge of one person! The comedy never stops!!!!
Anyway, they DO teach this in high school here in the states, but like other people have expressed, Algebra might not be Raptures strong suit, or maybe Rapture didn't pay much attention during class..... who knows.
No point in using this ONE example though to generalize the ENTIRE country, well, really only one person in this thread did that.... no big surprise who that was though.
I want to quickly say thank you to those that helped me out with this. I was able to solve the other 9 questions on my own, and I got 6 of them right. I'm actually very good at math. I can solve a math problem faster than most people. I simply don't know the process and techniques to break down these algebraic problems.
Seriously, thanks again guys.
Pretty sure the answer would be 4/3c-9 (I think).
You multiply 2/3 by 2c/1 (as any number+variable over 1 is still the same number) to get 4/3c, then you just tack -9 back on, 4/3c-9.
So, if I made c 9.
2/3(2*9)-9=3
I think I understand it a bit now. Not sure how you got the simplified version though. Did you just make general guesses to narrow it down, or is there a process to it? I don't see you you got the 4/3.
I think the answer you have to the first one is wrong, I am pretty sure it's -13.
I am pretty sure the second one you have is wrong as well.
Yes. I actually worked the problem backwards than what I should have. I tried to determine f before I had even solved the right side... and that completely messed up my answer.
Wow. The education system is in sad, sad shape.
It's not the education systems fault, it's mine.
i don't see you you got the 4/3.
2 x (2/3) = (4/3)
I want to quickly say thank you to those that helped me out with this. I was able to solve the other 9 questions on my own, and I got 6 of them right. I'm actually very good at math. I can solve a math problem faster than most people. I simply don't know the process and techniques to break down these algebraic problems.
Seriously, thanks again guys.
So, if I made c 9.
2/3(2*9)-9=3
I think I understand it a bit now. Not sure how you got the simplified version though. Did you just make general guesses to narrow it down, or is there a process to it? I don't see you you got the 4/3.
Yes. I actually worked the problem backwards than what I should have. I tried to determine f before I had even solved the right side... and that completely messed up my answer.
It's not the education systems fault, it's mine.
I think you were just intimidated by the f(x) thing. You got the basics now, little practice and you should be golden. The extension of the f(x) is a bit trickier, so feel free to ask again.
This is definitely taught by the first half of high-school. I guess Rapture was just never really a math guy. Everybody has different strengths. He seems to be more of a philosophizer. :D
Over here in NJ, we were not taught any of this. I learned it in my Pre-Calc college classes.
Fijiandoce
02-01-2011, 16:17
I guess it depends on the classes you take. I was doing that kind of stuff in like...7th or 8th grade. I was doing calculus before high school ended. Not bragging, just stating that not everyone learns nothing in high school.
This is definitely taught by the first half of high-school. I guess Rapture was just never really a math guy. Everybody has different strengths. He seems to be more of a philosophizer. :D
It's not the education systems fault, it's mine.
i wasn't putting Rapture's maths skills on the spot or anything. i was simply broadening my knowledge of other education systems/curriculum's, as i've only been part of 3....:rolleyes:
take me for example, i never did fluid dynamics as it was taken out of my physics course. so my understanding on the subject is limited to the little i've read up on myself
Rapture, if it makes you feel any better, i found it a pain in the face when i was doing it ;) there was one girl who i let answer all the questions coz i was too lazy to give the full working out....and teacher didn't approve my my shortcuts :pissed: said it was risky:confused:
engagequadlasr
02-01-2011, 16:33
It's not the education systems fault, it's mine.
You'd have to elaborate on this a bit. My assumption is that you passed high school, and one of the requirements of the education system is that you have this level of math (algebra) under your belt, period. Some people don't make it as high as calculus or differential equations, but algrebra is a given. Unless your school simply didn't make you take math (which would be even MORE damning of the education system), this tells me that they just sorta shuffled you through the system to get you out of there, but didn't adequately teach you anything. Or the other alternative, they did their best to teach you but you didn't put forth the effort to learn it, and they still passed you anyways (but I can't picture this being the case since you're actively pursuing higher education).
From all angles, all I can see this as is a failure on the education system's part. Would love to hear your take on it though :)
EDIT:
It is not only against the rules, it is not nice to pick fights. Please stay on topic - Staticneuron
So, if I made c 9.
2/3(2*9)-9=3
I think I understand it a bit now. Not sure how you got the simplified version though. Did you just make general guesses to narrow it down, or is there a process to it? I don't see you you got the 4/3.
When you substitute 2c into the equation instead of x, you're left with 2/3 *2c -9 and you can simplify 2/3 *2c to just 4/3 *c