Math Review

Math is the language of Physics. Don't worry, we are going to review all the math we will need for this course first! By the time we get to the science you will all be pro's at the math.

Key Math Concepts to Review

Basic algebra and solving equations for variables
Graphs, slopes, and rate of change
Trigonometric functions
SI Units (International System of Units)
Scientific notation

Basic Algebra and Solving Equations

Basic Algebra

Now after practicing PEMDAS we will practice our basic Algebra. Remember from your Math 1 class that Algebra is when we add extra variables to our equations and solve for those different variables.

Key things to remember in Algebra:

There is an = sign
Remember PEMDAS or order of operations still applies
We move things from one side of the equals sign to the other.
Whatever you do on one side, you do on the other!
To undo an operation, you do the opposite of that operation.

Let's Practice

If you struggled with these practice problems in class here is extra practice on Quizizz.

Extra Algebra Equation Solving Practice

We will do more practice with your homework assignment I give you Friday 8/28.

Graphs, Slopes, and Rate of Change

When you have taken math and learned about slopes, graphs, and rates of change you probably heard (blah blah blah blah blah) and wondered what does any of this mean any why do I need to know it? I am here to tell you that the reason for slopes, graphs, and rates of change exist is actually Physics! Our first unit will show you how graphs, slopes, and rates of change work in Physics. Today we are just going to refresh our math memory and do the basics. We will tie what we review today into the Physics we do next week.

Well get the easy stuff out of the way!

Slope = Rate of Change!

Finding slope from a table:

You need to have a table of (x,y) values to plot values on a graph
Then find the rise over the run or the change in y over the change in x.

Practice: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------>

Changing from point slope to slope intercept:

You need to have at least two (x,y) values to plug into the point slope equation to find the slope.

Practice: (2, 4) and (6, 3)

(-1, -3) and (2, 4)

Instantaneous rate of change:

The rate of change at a specific point or instance. We will discuss this concept later.

Trigonometric Functions

SOH - CAH - TOA

Sine theta = Opposite over Hypotenuse

Cosine theta = Adjacent over Hypotenuse

Tangent theta = Opposite over Adjacent

theta must be in degrees

Example: Finding Angles

Find the angle in degrees of angle A using SOHCAHTOA formulas. Note: you can use multiple ways to find the same answer with the information given.

Using Sine:

Using Cosine:

Using Tangent:

Example: Finding Sides

Find the opposite side of the angle given using SOH - CAH - TOA rules.

Using Sine:

Using Cosine:

Let's Practice!

Scientific Notation

Scientific notation is a way for scientists to write really really big/little numbers in a shorter hand version.

If you are an astronomer and you have mapped a new very distant planet in the universe you don't want to have to write all the extra digits when you publish your paper. You would shorten your large number by using scientific notation.

If you are a microbiologist and discovered a new virus but the virus is tiny, you also don't want to write all those digits when you publish your paper. You would shorten your small number by using scientific notation.

Rules

SI Units

Basic Units: meter (m), liter (L), grams (g)

Metric Units: are all in base 10. Meaning we can easily convert from a large unit to a smaller unit or vice versa. This makes it easier than British units where there are 12 inches in a foot, 3 feet in a yard, etc.

Instead it works like this!

10 mm in a cm, 10 cm in a dm, 10 dm in a m, 10 m in a Dm, 10 Dm in a Hm, 10 Hm in a km

It's so much easier if everything is just 10!

Assignment:

Complete the assignment below. DUE September 14, 2020 at 11:59 pm in Google Classroom. The same assignment is also posted in Google Classroom.

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