August 2012 - Page 3 of 7 - Math and Multimedia

Approximating Square Root of Numbers by Averaging

August 18, 2012 GB High School Algebra, High School Mathematics

There are several algorithms developed to manually calculate the square root of a number. My favorite is the method of averaging, which is probably the least complicated. In this method, the number is divided by the nearest square root estimate, and then the quotient and the square root estimate are averaged. The result is the new estimate.

Sounds complicated? Not really.

Example: Approximate $\sqrt{24}$ .

Note: Using a calculator, $\sqrt{24} \approx 4.8989794855$ .

Solution

We know that $\sqrt{24}$ is between $4^2$ and $5^2$ . Between the two, it is nearer to $5^2$ . So, the first estimate is $5$ . Next, we divide $24$ by the first estimate and “average” it with the quotient . » Read more

5 comments approximating square root, calculating square root by hand, computing square root by hand, square root, square root manual computation

Grading Test Papers Like a Boss

August 16, 2012 GB Fun and Jokes, Math Lite

If you enjoyed Teaching Math Like a Boss, I’m sure you will also enjoy grading mathematics test papers like a boss. If you’re teaching mathematics, I’m sure you have encountered answers like the one shown below. Too bad I didn’t collect similar test papers before.

Photo Credit: No Tension to Be Happy (Facebook Page)

One comment funny math answer, funny math exams, funny math test paper, funny test paper

Daum: An Excellent Equation Editor Alternative

August 15, 2012 GB Resources and Freebies, Teaching Tools, Web 2.0 Technology

If you are working with lots of equations and you are looking for a Latex, MS or Open Office Equation Editor alternative, you may want to check out the Daum Equation Editor.

Daum Equation is a free Google Chrome app WYSIWYG equation editor. The application generates tex code that you can save and reuse later, and the mathematical expressions created can also be saved as pictures. In addition, Daum supports text input, task history, as well as copy and paste. Watch the (voiceless?) video below to see how it works. » Read more

9 comments equation editor, free chrome app, latex typesetting, wysiwyg equation editor, WYSIWYG Latex editor

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