Scribe Post - November 12, 2007
Today in class, we began by talking about the lockdown drill that took place this morning. Although it's not part of math, it is still very important. Other than that, we did our daily mental math and I believe that many of us were having difficulties with the problems. Most of us were confused about multiplying the percents with another number. It would be easier if you just find the percent of the number, rather than multiplying them. The answer would still be correct if you multiply both the number and the percent. Why? The thing is, you divide by 100 because the percent symbol means to divide by 100. Here is an example:
25% x 68
50% of 68 = 34
25 % of 68 = 17
OR
25% x 68 = 1700%
1700% / 100% = 17
We also did a quiz, which wasn't too hard. Still, many of us had some problems here and there. The next scribe will be Maximo.
5 comments:
HAHA THE NEXT SCRIBE IS MAXIMO >:)
I really like your thinking on this one! It makes things a little easier than dealing with the percents. However, you might end up with working with really big numbers. I know decimals might be a little scary, but try dividing by 100 first:
25% x 68
25% / 100% = .25
.25 x 68 = 17
Don't be scared of the decimal, its just a dot in a different place! Good luck!
=Scott G. (Mentor)
University of Regina
Good job in explaining, even I can understand it. I understand what Schott say about putting the decimal in the right spot, but your explanation is really another quick way of doing the math. To think a little further than what the question asks is always helpful. To know if 50% is XXXX then you know 25% is XXXXX. That is why we need to know 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 when you work with percentages. Some days you might need to think on your feet somewhere in a store when buying something and don't always have a calculator handy. This way you will make a very good guess. I hope this makes sense to you. Keep up the good work, you are doing great. Keep posting, because I learn a lot through your consumer math posts.
Oops, I forgot to say who I am in the previous comment.
Sorry
Irma M (Mentor)
University of Regina
I've noticed you guys have very good English skills when explaining and blogging about your daily lessons.
Do you think the blogging has helped you understand the maths problems better because you have to put it in your own words and explain it?
My professors always tell me you get a better understanding yourself if you have to teach to someone else or explain it. What do you think?
Holly O (Mentor)
University of Regina
Post a Comment