When Do You Use: Fractions, Decimals, and Percents?

Children need to understand the ways to use fractions, decimals and percents in everyday life. There is nothing to worry about as decimals, percents, and fractions, as they are just the different types to show a same value.

The general information mentioned below about fractions, decimals and percents is very helpful for young children.

Fractions:

A fraction is part of a whole. Fractions are mostly language-based rather than Math-based. For example, people usually refer to quarter of a tank of fuel or half of cup of tea, each describing fractions of a whole. Whereas, fractions used in Math make use of numbers to represent approximate proportions.

You may also use the term, one out of four and can think of one as a fraction and four as a whole. In case, you use term as four of them, then there would be no longer any fraction existing, as it will be a full digit.

Regardless of fractions being hugely language-based functions, it is still vital to know the role of Math involved in it.

Calculating Fractions:

For example, if you have a mixing bowl that has the capacity to hold two cups, and you need to blend 2/3 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of milk, and 1/2 cup of water, so will it fit in the bowl?

Primarily, while adding fractions you need to decide the units that you will be using. Thus, addition of 1/2 to 1/4 becomes a simple task and you can add another one making the fraction to 3/4. However, adding 3/4 to 2/3 is not so easy. Hence, you will have to find a common unit for both 4 and 3, if you cannot than consider any other number.

However, in this example, it is 12, which is also common to both the fractions.Now, you just need to specify both the fractions. Next, you have concentrate on twelfths, instead of thirds and quarters.

You can add eight twelfths to nine twelfths, just like 9/12 + 8/12 = 17/12.

Now, the upper digit is greater than the lower, so it is not an appropriate fraction, hence divide 12/17, which would be 5/12, and that is your required fraction that would fit into the bowl.

Decimals:

The finest way to calculate a number that is less than a whole number is through decimals. Decimals make use of a point, which describes any digit to the right of it as a fraction of a whole number. For example, the number 2.6 describes two complete units and six fractional parts.

Here, with the use of decimals, the parts may be either of ten (.6), one thousand (0.049), and one hundred (.05).

Calculating Decimals:

A decimal point provides you a point, which is common to all decimal numbers. All the four elementary functions addition, division, multiplication, and subtraction work similarly in decimals.

Percentages:

Percentage is a means to describe fractions of a whole. However, you may consider it as a rate rather than a number. For example, 20% will be always twenty parts in every hundred. Another common example is a 10% figure, ten cents in every dollars, and 10 dollars in every 100 dollars and so on.

Calculating Percentages:

It is very easy to calculate percentage without a calculator. For example, if a man gets a 4% increment in his allowance of $141.20, then what is the increased salary amount of that person?

First, consider the 4% as the four fractions in a hundred, which turns into .04 if converted in decimals. Now, multiply 0.04 x 141.20 that is 5.648, and the increased percentage in that person's allowance would be $5.65.

To conclude, students need to get familiar with the rule that a fraction is a percent, and a percent is a decimal.

10 Practical Tips for Motivating Kids to Improve Their Math Skills

Adults need to be motivated to give to the best of their ability, children are no different. This is the way we were created, to motivate and be motivated. It's like the engine driving the car. Kids are the same. Their engines need fuel, oil and water too. Motivation is the fuel to appreciation.

Play games

By making math interesting you can motivate your kids to enjoy math. Use the ability of games. Chess will teach them to plan strategies, to quickly calculate or divert. Making there minds sharp at reaction and quick response. All essentials to doing math. Even something like playing ball are teaching your child math skills and exercising their minds.

Real world exposure

What about trips to museums, history halls or even a field trip. A field trip can become a stepping stone to overcoming a confidence problem and motivate a kid to enjoy life. Self confidence goes a long way in the world of math. A playful and relaxed environment makes learning so much easier.

Long term memory

The use of arts can be irreplaceable. Drawing can motivate your kid to using math in a fun and innovate way. It will also develop long term memory. By repetition problems and solutions are embedded into their minds, and extracted when necessary, thus building a good long term memory.

Setting goals

Helping your child setting a goal to work towards will motivate them and help them to achieve their goal. Without vision a nation perishes. Even in something mundane like math, you need to set a goal and have a vision. Start with small steps. After achieving it move to a higher level. It will teach your kid to work towards something and they will feel inner satisfaction in doing and achieving their goals.

Surf the Internet

Allow your kid to surf the internet. There are so many websites and blogs available with math help and projects aimed specifically at developing and growing in math. Many of them have fun games and activities for kids to participate in.

Reward system

What about a wall where they can stick their achievements. A special place above the fireplace or mantle. Somewhere where they can see what they have done, and that you are proud of them. Children want to be appreciated and accepted for who they are. This will motivate them for doing it again and again.

Self study

Use history to entice them by taking a map or atlas and teaching them how to read maps, find location information or even have a look at distances or weather patterns to different continents. This way they are exposed to the world but also learning mathematical skills.

Music

Math can be fun. Let your child take up music lessons. For instance, guitar, piano, keyboard or even drums. They will not just acquire another skill but learn math in a way that they don't even realize. Every form of music needs some math skills.

Stories

Make use of a story program. Through the use of stories kids are learning the fundamentals of math. They are enjoying the story and math becomes something sought after. Every child enjoys a good story!

Create a space for them

Give the child a place that belongs to them, where they can go and do homework in an organized way. Most kids just lie on the bed or floor and listen to music while studying. A little corner with a desk and space to put up essentials against the wall will motivate them to study.

We Use Algebra Everyday?

We use algebra everyday? That is the million dollar question. It is usually preceded with, "Why do I have to learn this stuff, I am never going to use it?" You are far from correct. Algebra is used everyday, all the time. It is used in problem solving situations when you are trying to determine how long it will take you to get from your home to your friends house.

Let's look at an example: You live five miles from your friend's home. Your parents need to drive you, so how long does it take them to get ready? If your parents drive the short way it will take 15 minutes, if there is lots of traffic, then it will take longer. So what time do you tell your friend you will be there if you leave at 4:00 PM.

Does this sound familiar to you? Sounds like the old train problem you had school. If the train leaves the station at �..! Guess what, you are using algebra when trying to figure out how long it will take to get to your friend's house and it includes a variable "x" for traffic and time.

Let's look at another example: You and some friends are going to build a skate board half pipe. You draw a model to determine how tall and long to make it. You draw various representations of the half pipe from different angles. Then calculate how much wood you will need and what size, so it does not collapse. Then you need to calculate how much material you will need to make the surface of the half pipe smooth. With every one of your calculations you are using algebra. There are lots of variables and you have to use rational numbers to make your calculations - Algebra.

Every time you need to problem solve a situation that involves money, time, distance, perimeter of a fence or skate ramp, volume of something, comparing prices when you shop, rent something - cost versus time, other situations you are using algebra.

Algebra teaches you logical reasoning and problem solving skills when it comes to most every situation in life. You have to logically think your way through something to obtain the best results. For example: I want to jump my bike off the ramp a distance of 15 feet. You measure the height of the ramp and length of the run up distance, along with is the wind with your or against you. These are variables and rational numbers that are used in algebra. By the way you will also decide that you can or can not make the jump, logical reasoning helped make the decision.

When you play sports you have to mentally determine the angle you throw the ball to make an accurate throw. You now the approximate distance, but you have to determine how much force to apply to your throw. It also applies to soccer, when you are kicking the ball to another player or into the goal. The same mental calculations occur as you consider your options (variables and rational numbers) for making a goal. Algebra in action!

When you have limited money and want to go some where with your friends, you have to budget your money to make sure that you have enough for the whole day. Mental algebra is used to determine costs of things, options for purchasing gifts, and of course having money to eat.

Now for the boring stuff, when you finish school and start applying for jobs your possible future employer may give you a test with some math problems on it. They want to know if you can use mathematical skills to solve a problem and the problems will include algebra - problems with variables. Most employers that pay well will not hire you unless you can solve algebra type problems to prove that you have logical and reasoning problem solving skills.

Ten Tips to Become Better at Algebra

Many people have difficulties in the area of algebra mathematics. Many attempts to read books attend lessons and research the web to find information, interactive lessons and websites that could help them improve their algebra skills. Interactive learning is a lot more fun than reading algebra books but is that enough to make someone good at algebra? The concept of algebra has to be fully understood before one can have full knowledge of mathematics. Algebra is only going to become more advanced as the years of school pass and if one has not gained full knowledge of it at its most basic level, it will be impossible to venture on. You have to algebra one step at a time. If you do these steps over and over, your brain will start to adjust and you will like it. In fact, if you successfully learn a few algebra concepts then you'll want to have more. Practice is really important in algebra and you can't expect to learn everything from online courses or tutorials. You need to go through the concepts and the principles of algebra again and again in order to learn them.

Since practice makes perfect, one effective method is to use your text book and write on paper all of the concepts along with equations that represent that concept. Keep each concept on a different sheet. Take notes and write down your opinion for every equation or algebra concept. You may not like it at first, but the more you practice and use this personal algebra notebook the better for you. You must be patient because at first it might seem like you are never going to be able to figure out how all of these numbers plug into one and other, so don't rush, remember that learning algebra takes time.

There are thousands of algebra books out there that break down algebra to its easiest components. Many learning styles in these books are different so take the time to go through them and find one that looks like you might understand or one that accommodates your learning style. Many books explain some algebra concepts better than other. Choose a variety of books or online courses. You can get a live tutor. It will be much easier to learn from someone who's already familiar with the concepts of algebra. There are online communities where people discuss their algebra problems and help each other. Remember though that even if you are a member of one the many popular interactive algebra communities you still need to study and practice a lot.

One of the biggest problems is that there are so many different concepts and equations in algebra and in order to be successful you have to understand the entirety of it or you will not be able to figure out which procedure to use. You learned the order of operations years ago and that is one key tool for algebra. This tool allows you to understand which process happens first and so on. PEMDAS is a very valuable tool. If you do not understand the common basics of algebra then you will literally be lost forever when it comes to this subject. Being lost in the early stages of algebra can be disastrous because there are many years of advanced algebra just knocking on your door. Once you become more confident and your comfort level increases, you can actually strengthen it by trying to apply simple algebraic applications to everyday life. You will soon find out that algebra is not quite as difficult as you may have once thought.

Why Do We Use Symbols in Math?

Sometimes it is the little things that are the most important and you could lump mathematical symbols into this category. It is undeniable that symbols not only enhance understanding but also provide a universally perceivable manner in which to show a certain math function or illustrate a sequence. This is not a new concept. It has been around in math since ancient times. It was probably even around in one form or another during the stone age!

The fundamental need in math is to represent the relationship between a sign and the number or value it refers. Certain ideas and concepts can be clearly illustrated only by the creation and use of symbols. Measuring the relationship between numbers and representing the relationship symbolically not only serves to simplify the process but also gains a better understanding of the concept than a wordy description of the same. This is where the issue of languages comes in.

In more simple terms, a plus sign, a minus sign, a multiplication sign are all symbols. We need them for a very simple reason: we have to express what we are doing in a clear manner. When we are adding it would be ridiculous to always write out one plus on equals two when we could express this symbolically with 1 + 1 = 2. Imagine trying to perform calculus if you have to write a lengthy equation out in several paragraphs. Not only would such prose be voluminous, it would be confusing and prone to error. Plus, what language do you want to write it in? Remember, math is universal but languages are incredibly vast. Simply put, without proper symbols math becomes next to impossible. In fact, you could look at it this way: the symbols of math are reflective of a mathematical language.

Math is comprised of primarily two things: numbers and symbols. Symbols are found in simple math, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, etc. Symbols are essentially representative of a value. Decimals and fractions, for example, are symbols of parts of a whole. These symbols allow us to "work with" parts in a theoretical manner. Without symbols you simply could not perform math. Remember, much of math is abstract. How could you possibly perform simple algebra - much less calculus -without having the use of the symbol "X"? Could you even imagine trying to perform geometry without symbolic representations of triangles, squares and rectangles? It simply can not be done or if it was done it would be so laborious that it wouldn't be as efficient.

It is important to understand that the key to comprehending math is in the interpretation of the concept and not really in the nature or amount of symbols and the role they play. However to understand concepts one must essentially have a good grasp of the role and meaning of symbols and also be able to appreciate their usefulness in making math that much more simpler to understand and duplicate. The logic of signs and symbols in math is undeniable and is often stressed as a vital tool in making math a universal science.

Because symbols are so common in math we sometimes take them for granted. The reason we take them for granted is that they make math so easy to perform (actually, they make math performable period) we do not really tip our hat to their true value. That does not seem like a great way to treat the very thing that makes expressing math possible. Without various symbols you would be forced to go back to counting your fingers and toes and you don't want to do that again do you?

Did you know they used Geometry to Build Your School?

Many times in school students sit and think about doing other things and always think; what do I need to learn this for I will never use it? How wrong, for example did you know that they used geometry to build your school? The person who designed your school, the people who constructed it, and the people who decorated your school used geometry in almost every phase.

Just take a look around your school and see what geometric shapes you can see in the school building. The windows are rectangular, squares, and even in some cases round. Look at the ceiling and check out the ceiling tile in your classroom. So you think those ceiling tiles were just put up there by some worker. Not really, a geometric pattern was developed based on the design of your classroom, starting from the center of the room and moving to the walls.

The same thing goes for the tiles on the floor. A geometric pattern was developed for the floor in your classroom, which started in the center of the room and worked its way to the walls. Every room in the school used the same process of geometric designs to ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and any furniture that is attached to the walls or floor. Everything has to fit exact geometric patterns so everything can fit in the classroom, including you and your classmates.

If you were to remove the ceiling tiles you would see a network of wood or steel framing used to hold the roof up. What geometric shapes to you suppose this framing is using to hold up the roof? If you said triangles, then you are correct. Because triangles are the strongest geometric shapes for holding weight and they can also use lighter materials to hold the roof up, compared to other shapes.

If you look at where the wall and floor intersect, what is that called? If you said right angle, then you are correct. Does this still apply where the wall intersects the ceiling? It all depends on the shape of your classroom. If the ceiling is flat, then the answer is yes.

What else can you say about where the wall intersects the floor? If you said perpendicular, then you are correct. What is the geometric relationship between the ceiling and floor? If you said parallel, then you are correct if your ceiling is flat. This can be said for every room in your school, except the auditorium, which generally has a sloping floor. What shape would you same the auditorium is? If you said trapezoid, then you are correct.

See geometry is every where in your school. When the construction workers built your school, they used ladders to get up down for completing various tasks. A free standing ladder in the middle of the room, no one has to hold it up, is in what geometric shape? If you said triangular, you are correct. Again triangles are the strongest shape that can support the most weight.

In your school you have probably seen a ramp or two in hall ways. What shape are they? Think about the floor they angle up from and the wall they connect to. If you said a triangle, then you are correct. What about the tables you use in science class, what shape are they? Are they parallel to the floor or perpendicular? If you said the tops of the desks are rectangles, the table is both parallel and perpendicular to the floor then you are correct.

All of the walls, furniture, ceilings, the roof, tables, and other objects around your school have specific geometric shapes and have geometric shapes compared to other objects in your school. How do you think this happened? These were built and designed by students who were sitting in their classrooms saying to themselves, what do I need to learn this for I will never use it?

Common Shapes We See Everywhere We Go: Looking at What You See!

As you travel around during the day and night, have you ever looked at what you see? Do you see patterns, colors, shapes, and designs in man made structures and the natural world? If you have not really taken notice, then now is the time to look at the common shapes we see everywhere we go. Kind of like the old saying, "stop and smell the roses." Except now the twist is "stop and look at what you see."

For example, have you really looked at your school building? Do you see a pattern in the windows? How about a pattern in the bricks or other materials on the outside of the building? If you see patterns then describe what you see. You should see three dimensional objects, rectangles, squares, circles, triangles, and more.

How about patterns at a baseball park? Do you see a diamond? Do you see semi-circles? How about circles? Any other shapes in the field and stands? As you look you will notice common shapes everywhere in the baseball park?

Now let's look at a different place. What about when you are riding in a car going down the road? What can of shapes do you see? What is the shape of a billboard? What is the shape of the bridge you just went under? How about the shape of buildings you pass, can you describe their shapes? What about the shape of other cars and trucks you see? As you look you will see ovals, cylinders, cones, triangles, circles, rectangles, squares, trapezoids, straight lines, and many other shapes. How objects that have multiple shapes do you see?

Common shapes are everywhere we go, so let's take a look at something else. How about your home? Do you see any shapes there? How about the TV, computer, radio, stove, doors, beds, walls, lights, etc? What kind of shapes do you see?

Another place to look for common shapes is in pictures and paintings. Look at any picture of an object in your home or anywhere. What shapes to you see? Pictures are full of common shapes, especially a painting. A painter will start his/her painting using common shapes to depict objects and then finish the painting based on these common shapes. If you look closely, you will see circles, ovals, rectangles, triangles, objects perpendicular to each other, objects that are parallel to other objects, and more.

Let's look at your bicycle. What shapes do you see? Look at the wheels, the pedals, handle bars, lights, reflectors, spokes, seat, tires, chain, etc. Now describe all the shapes you see. You should be able to see circles, cylinders, rectangles, ovals, and many others. What other shapes do you see besides the ones I listed? If you do not see any, then you are not really looking at what you see!

Shapes are everywhere and it does not take long to start finding shapes as you look. How about the clouds in the sky, do you see shapes? Many people see dogs, cats, boats, and more. Trying looking at the clouds and if you can see a shape in the clouds. Then describe the shape using geometric terms - such as, ovals, circles, etc. If you look you will see them.

Here is a fun look at the food in the cafeteria. What shapes do you see in the food? Pizza comes in rectangles; green beans come in cylinders, French Fries come as three dimensional rectangles, and more. Your food is full of shapes; even less obvious shapes have circles for apple slices and wavy ovals in chips (provided they are not broken).

Learning Measurements by using your Kitchen

If you want to learn or teach measurements, the best place to do so is in the kitchen. Almost everything that is done in the kitchen is based on measurements. If a child wants to perform the simplest task such as making some Kool-Aid, measuring is involved as they will have to measure one cup of sugar for 2 quarts of Kool-Aid. If a parent were to make a batch of chocolate chip cookies with their child just think of the possibilities there. Measurements in a simple batch of cookies include cups, tablespoons, and teaspoons and just imagine the possibilities if you were to double that recipe.

Learning measurements in the kitchen can begin at a very early age and as the child grows, so can the learning. There really is no better place to teach measurements although teachers do bring these lessons into the classroom somehow they are not as effective as they are in the kitchen with hands on experience. Plus all kids just love to cook in the kitchen. Even preschoolers can help you bake a cake or prepare a simple dinner. Here is when you would want to explain to the child what tools are used to measure wet and dry ingredients. Show them what a cup of liquid looks like and then a cup of flour or sugar. Show them and then test them on which is bigger, a teaspoon or a tablespoon. Let them practice with water until they get it right. Let them play with dry ingredients such as flour but if you aren't so daring then let them play with the measuring devices in the sand where the mess doesn't count.

Weight is another measurement and this can be introduced early at the grocery store by weighing produce or buying deli meats. In the produce sections they have those scales and kids are fascinated by them. Let your child weigh some fruit and explain how many apples are in one pound, etc. This type of activity is preparing them for later work in the kitchen. Understanding all of the concepts involved with measurement can be difficult for a child first starting out. Most kids love the kitchen, which is a great place to begin the adventure of measurement. Once your child knows the difference between a cup and a tablespoon, start teaching them what you know about conversions and equivalents. Give lots of praise and encouragement along the way and when they're enjoying their first meal, remind them that they're the ones who made it and that measurement was the key.

Before you start to teach measurements to your child, discuss the process. Set some reasonable goals together and designate rewards for various levels of progress and understanding. This will create motivation for your child to learn measurements. Since you will be working in the kitchen, rewards can be easy to create. Set a weekly ritual of cooking something delicious together. Your child will learn their measurements and the whole family will get a nice meal in the bargain.

Here are a few of the easy math lessons that can be taught using your time in the kitchen. Once the child is a bit older then you can get to conversions in measuring. Even if you don't know all of the conversions between units of measurements, simply using the tools will help your children become familiar with the amounts that each measurement can hold. Show them the ones you do know: how two half cups equal 1 whole cup; four � cups equal 1 whole cup and so on. You may come across something that even you do not know in which case you should show the child how to be resourceful and find the answer.

Cooking can be a great way to explain to children how an algebraic equation works. Teach then the basic knowledge that cooking and baking requires following a specific formula which is just like algebra and if the formula is not followed precisely then you will come up with something different than you originally wanted.

10 Study Tips for Math Class

Math class can be an enjoyable journey if you are willing to put in a little effort beforehand. Planning goes a long way.

Do homework daily

Doing homework on a daily basis is essential to succeeding in math class. Take notes in class and use them daily. If you do your homework regularly you won't fall behind when a problem occurs and it will be easier to study for a test. Make a file where you can keep all your notes handy for future reference.

Don't be afraid to ask help

Don't be afraid or to proud to ask for help. Your teacher will gladly help you and it will give you the tools to conquer the problem. Sometimes it is easier to understand something if someone else just shows you how, instead of battling endlessly yourself. It will save you a lot of time in the long run.

Use the handbook

The examples and notes in the book will shed some light to the situation you need help with. Think logical. Don't over complicate problems. Logical thinking will help you establish a basic way of solving problems.

Do sample tests

Take time to do sample tests. This way you can identify problem areas quickly and eliminate them before its time for the real test. Retest yourself regularly. This way you will be able to establish your weak points.

Form a study group

Form a study group that can meet at least once a week where you can discuss problems or any difficulties and help each other. Compare answers with one another. See the different way people can get a solution to a problem.

Tackle problems head on

Work through problem areas more than once until you start to understand them. It is a better solution to know how the problem area works than to just memorizing the solution. Don't leave problem areas until it's too late and you don't have the time to spend on those areas.

Good timekeeping techniques

Be diligent in your timekeeping. Don't allow other things to distract you. Take at least an hour daily to spend on your math. In the long run this will be dividends well paid. If you tire easily try to drink some coffee or substance high in caffeine. It is a natural stimulant and a short term solution. Be diligent in going to class. Missing one day can cost you a lot of marks in your test paper.

Relaxation techniques

When you feel all flustered or fear grips your heart, try to relax. Inhale deeply and as you let your breath go out just calm your mind. When you are stressed by a problem you will not be able to focus or concentrate. It will also help you to be more confident if you are in control of the situation, instead of the situation controlling you.

Take your time until you understand a problem

Don't rush through problems. Take your time and make sure you understand it. What you don't understand today will become a problem tomorrow. Math is like building a wall. If you miss one brick you will have a hole looking back at you. The wall will be built but there will be a draft.

Practice makes perfect

Math is something you need to practice. Repetition is what will give you the skill to overcome any problem. If you have a math lab available make use of it. It could give you that extra 10% you need to achieve a mark. Remember that repetition is the key to success in math.