The Building Blocks of Math

 I am both a long-time student of Mathematics and now a tutor of the subject.  One thing that was made very clear to me as a beginning Math student (and that was many years ago) is that every step in learning Math is a building block to the next step.

With that being the case, it is essential to learn each step fully before moving to the next step.  As an illustration, it is necessary to gain a very strong command of the Arithmetic of fractions and decimals before moving on too Algebra.  While it is simple to solve for 5x + 2 = 12, it is a different story for 2/5x +3/7 = 12.  Likewise, solving for 5x + 2 = 12 is the step to solving 7x² +12x -74 = 52.

On a larger scale, learning Arithmetic is the precursor to Algebra which leads to Geometry which leads to Trigonometry and then on to Calculus.  This trail is essential for success at the higher level and the journey may take years.  It usually does.

The other important practice in learning Mathematics is to practice with repetitions of problems.  Most Math textbooks I have worked with over the years offer just enough practice problems for the student to grasp the concept of a particular chapter before moving on.  It is really necessary to work all of the problems in a chapter before moving on to the next chapter.  I compare this to physical exercise.  You have to put in the work to achieve success!

Happy Calculating!

Where Does Math Fit In

 Everywhere.  There are many answers to questions about the Universe in Mathematics.  Just check out the Theories of Relativity formulated by Albert Einstein.  What about Pi!  What about the Golden Ratio?  The Fibbonacci Series?

I am having a great time tutoring the subject of Mathematics.  When students learn how to apply the theorems and laws of Math to particular problems and get the right answer, it is fun.  That is how I try to teach.  Currently associated with two different tutoring organizations, I am having a great time helping others to learn Geometry and Algebra in order to succeed in their respective curriculum.  

OK Here we go!

 I have decided to restart this blog again.  Over the past several years, I have devoted most of my blogging time to another blog titled Fluid Power Marketing.  Well, I have retired from that career but I feel that I still have a lot of ideas to share.

So, where do I go from here and what kind of ideas do I share from an Average Guy?   I am going to steer clear of politics.  I am going to stay away from current events.  Then, what do I write about?  Should I express my opinions about professional and college sports?  Nah, that's kind of a personal preference thing,  Cooking?  That wound be very short indeed.  Landscaping?  I like plants and trees.  Pets, I don't have any.  I know, I can write about one of my very favorite subjects. Mathematics.  I can almost hear you say, what??? who wants to read about Math?

Since I have retired from my fluid power job, my new endeavor is tutoring Mathematics.  Many years ago, I was a Math major in college and, in fact I did earn my math degree but that is enough about me.  What do you think about Math?  Is it difficult to understand?  Is it very practical?  Is it something to steer clear of?

The answer to all of these questions is that Math is incorporated and interwoven in every aspect of our physical world.  Certainly simple Arithmetic is used daily in finances, in measuring things, making simple calculations, and so on.  However, it comes into play in many more applications that that.  Consider the subject of Probability.  Do you make decisions based on the probable outcome?  That is Math.

Consider Statistics.  Are you a sports fan?  What about Calculus, well I won't get into that in this my first post in a long time.  What I have discovered is that most of us have forgotten most of what we have leaned in K-12 starting with Algebra.  So what is the incentive to get about remembering what we have forgotten?  Well, unless you are studying for an advanced degree that requires Math or perhaps you are trying to get your GED, then probably only a love of the subject will get you going.  

Math is fun and I would like to know what you think.

This Blog

 I have not posted anything on this blog in over four years.  It used to be fun posting ideas and thoughts about many things.  I am considering starting up again with new posts.  Stay tuned.

Online Ordering is a Big Game Changer

I have never been an avid shopper for items like clothing and household items, but I like getting new stuff as much as anyone else.  I have known about Amazon and other online shopping websites but I was never very active in the past.

Like most people, when I needed something, I went to the appropriate store.  You go to your favorite clothing store for those items, to the home store for tools and household items like light bulbs and garden hoses.

Now, with "free" returns, there is no need to worry about making the mistake of selecting the wrong item on Amazon or any other shopping site.  Now you can fulfill most of your needs online from shoes to shovels.

This could eventually be a problem for physical brick and mortar stores.  They are at a disadvantage in many ways like convenience and carrying enough inventory.   It is easier to shop many brands online and select the one you like and just order it.

With that being said, I really hope for the success of stores.  Shopping is more than just getting stuff.  It is a social experience and one we cannot afford to lose.

Read, Baby, Read

I don't know if that is a appropriate title or not.  It is not a reference to infants only but if I titled this Read, Man, Read or Read, Brother, Read, that would not be inclusive of females which is not my intention.  Read, Person, Read sounds awkward so I settled on the above.

I just wanted to emphasize the importance of reading for everyone.  With all of the electronic communications available to people today, reading books may seem a little unattractive or distant to many.  That could be a problem because reading enhances your education, knowledge, understanding, and so much more.

More specifically, I recommend that you read every day including material that pertains to your career.  Find books at the library, bookstore (if you can locate one), or Amazon which has just about every book.  Find stuff that will help you to grow your career and blend that with reading that you enjoy.  That is my recommendation for what it is worth.

I want to share some information about a book that I read in 2016 that was interesting, not perfect, but helpful.  The title is The Happiness Equation.

In this book, author Neil Pasricha, refers to a formula that helps your overall happiness and it is Want Nothing + Do Anything = Have Everything.  Well, this is not going to be completely true from my perspective but he does offer some helpful hints about finding happiness in your work life.  I do recommend reading it.

Another book from my 2016 reading list that I liked, and I liked most of them, is He Leadeth Me by Father Walter Ciszek.  This is an amazing story and probably my favorite and most impactful book of 2016.

The subtitle of this book is An Extraordinary Testament of Faith and that says it all.  Father Ciszek endured 23 years in Soviet prison camps and through his utter reliance on God's will did he overcome and survive the hardships that were most extreme.

I also enjoyed reading Passion for Leadership by former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates which gave an interesting insight on the management of an important department of the U.S government.  This title like about half of my reading list were taken in through audiobooks.

My point of all of this is simple.  Read, Baby, Read.

Tradition and Experience are important too.

A lot has been talked about regarding the so-called Millennial generation.  These are basically understood as young adults today.  They, for the most part have a slightly different outlook and approach to life than people of my age to.  Make no mistake, I am a baby boomer.  That is the generation of people born after World War II and before 1960 and a rather large segment of society.

Throughout my youth, there were so many of us that schools, churches, shopping centers, and even suburbs expanded rapidly to accommodate the baby boomers.  Then the growth rate of our population seemed to slow down and we had some excess capacity in all of those areas and schools were converted to senior homes and other such uses.

Getting back to millennials, we boomers have had to make an effort to get along with their culture first by understanding it or trying to and then by figuring out ways to make our cultures work.  With that said, I would like to make the point that our ideas and our ways count too.  There is something to be said for tradition and experience that we boomers have lived for most of our lives.

While it is fine to understand and get along with other age groups, we should be proud of the traditions and experience that we bring to the world every day.  All age groups should respect and learn from all others.  That makes a lot of sense.