Monday, July 23, 2007

Algebra Rocks My Socks (dedicated to all the sec 1 kiddos who sit in my classes)

dancing milk

Algebra oi! You rock my socks
Feet will tremble, brain gets blocked
I thought math was about 1, 2, 3
& now I have these x, y, z's
1 + 2 = 3
but x + y not equal z
1 + ½ = 1 ½
but a + a/2 not equal a a/2;
Woe is me! i cringe and fear
Can someone help me out right here ?
In comes MT dunnoyshetoksofast
"Listen up, practice more, askaskask!"
"I do first, then you do, & I'll walk around."
"Focus, doyourwork, dundootherstuff!"
"Ok homework is...ok thank you class!"

Algebra oi! You rock my socks
The mysteries of the universe are gradually unlocked
Managing unknowns is what we do just every day
So kiddos fear not
Just keep finding ways
To listen up, practice more and ask me, okay? :)

Questions for your response/comments:

Q1. If 1 + 2 = 3, does 1² + 2² = 3² ? Explain.

Q2. Does 1x + 2x = 3x ? Then does x¹ + x² = x³ ? Explain.

Q3. "but x + y not equal z ". What do you think ?

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Beware of Graphs

Dear chair potatoes of Ms Teng's sec 2 math class
Beware, beware of graphs.

They're made of millions of coordinated points
Weapons will not stop their path
They cut through axes mercilessly.


Beware of the chant of the Linear Graph Gang

y = mx + c
The 'm' decides their slope of conquest

The 'c' decides just where they cut

and where two Linear Graphs collide
Equation feuds are solved.


The Quadratics plot and plan to curve
With sleek symmetry of style

Maneuvering their turning points

To conquer the civilized world.


Question for your response/comments:

Q1. What are graphs used for ?