Obviously, math knowledge is more than just knowledge. The trick to this subject is in the application. Since this isn’t a how-to book, but a terminology-based review, further math study will be important. Use this list like a checklist, noting what you’ve already learned in school and elsewhere. Any areas that were skipped can be learned on your own, either by using a user-friendly book like Everything You Need to Ace Math in One Big Fat Notebook by Workman Publishing or by taking advantage of the wonders of YouTube.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS: ARITHMETIC AND MEASUREMENT
How to add and subtract large numbers without using a calculator or writing instruments: Break the numbers into ones, tens and hundreds. For example, 72 + 83 becomes 70 + 80, then 2 + 3, then 150 + 5.
How to round numbers up or down: The two main rules that apply when rounding numbers to the nearest ones, fives, tens, hundreds, etc. are: 1. Round the number up if it is past the halfway point and down if it is less than the halfway point; and 2. Round numbers that are at the halfway point up, not down. For example, 56 rounded to the nearest multiple of 10 is 60, and 55 is also 60.
- Adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing
- Memorizing the times tables up to 12
- Recognizing common shapes
- Solving basic story problems
- Using a calculator
- Using a ruler and drawing compass
- Calculating map distances
- Deciphering information on line graphs, bar graphs, circle graphs, tables and Venn diagrams
- Adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions, decimals and positive and negative numbers
ESSENTIAL SKILLS: ALGEBRA
- Using algebraic symbols
- Solving for variables
- Solving and graphing inequalities
- Calculating ratios, rates, percentages and proportions (as when finding taxes, discounts, markups, gratuities, commissions, simple interest, the percent rate of change, exponential growth and more)
- Finding prime numbers and square roots
- Solving quadratic equations
- Working with radicals
- Comparing functions
ESSENTIAL SKILLS: GEOMETRY
Formula for calculating the area of squares and rectangles: Multiply height by width: hxw. Note that some areas can be divided into multiple squares and rectangles and the results can be added together to find the total area.
Formula for calculating square footage: Use the same formula as for finding the area of a square, using feet as the measurement: hxw
Formula for calculating the area of a triangle: Multiple the height by the width, then divide by two: (h x w)/2
Formula for calculating diameter: Multiply the radius by two: d = 2r
Formula for calculating perimeter: Add length and width, then multiply this by two: 2(l + w)
Formula for calculating the volume of a cube or rectangle-based shape: Multiply width, length and height: l x w x h
Formula for calculating the volume of a sphere: Cube the radius, then use this formula: 4/3 × π × R3
Formula for calculating the volume of a prism or cylinder: Find the area of the end shape, then multiply by its depth
Formula for calculating the volume of a cone or pyramid: Calculate the volume of the base as if the base were a square, then divide by 3.
- Calculating scale
- Measuring angles
- Calculating arc length
- Graphing lines and slopes
- Working with coordinate planes
- Proving simple geometric theorems
- Making geometric constructions based on a given set of numbers
- Working with the Pythagorean theorem
- Solving linear equations
- Working with functions
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