Month: August 2019

An Introduction to Trigonometry

(An archive question of the week) While I’m showing some recent explanations of basic trigonometry techniques, this is a good time to look at an even more basic explanation of the essentials of the subject for a beginner. Right triangle trigonometry Here is the question, from 2001: Trigonometry in a Nutshell I’m in 8th grade …

An Introduction to Trigonometry Read More »

Equations with Fractions: Three Ways to Solve Them

Since we just looked at a complicated rational inequality, let’s look at some simpler rational equations, first a linear equation with fractions, and then truly rational equations, in which the variable(s) appear in the denominator. This discussion dealt with a common confusion I’ve seen in students. The problem The question came from Fairooz in 2017: …

Equations with Fractions: Three Ways to Solve Them Read More »

A Rational Inequality with Huge Exponents

When a challenging type of problem is written with unexpectedly large numbers, it can look impossible. Today’s discussion illustrates how to get past the hurdles. The problem The problem came from Arsh in April: Q) [x((x+5)^2016)((x-3)^2017)((6-x) ^1231)]/((x-2)^10000)((x+1)^2015)((4-x)^242) ≥ 0 Since our site doesn’t yet allow LaTeX formatting, and Arsh chose not to insert the problem …

A Rational Inequality with Huge Exponents Read More »