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How To: Construct a vinegar battery and power a calculator

Using only vinegar and a few simple materials, it is possible to construct a working battery. This science video tutorial explains how to construct and use a battery like this to power a calculator. A good science project as part of an introductory electricity course. This project can be used as a science fair project or merely for fun. If you've ever wanted to make your own battery, know is the time, this science experiment will show you how.

How To: Solve quadratic equations by factoring using grouping

Learn how to take a quadratic equation in standard form and change the trinomial into a binomial product. Using the zero product rule, the zeros of the graph can then be found. The grouping method is effective when the leading coefficient (the number factor of the squared term) is some number other than 1 (one). From Ramanujan to calculus co-creator Gottfried Leibniz, many of the world's best and brightest mathematical minds have belonged to autodidacts. And, thanks to the Internet, it's easi...

How To: Make an Alternative Way to Cook Food

There is always an easier way to do something whether you want to clean, organize, freshen the smell, get water into a bucket that won't fit in your sink. The same principle applies when cooking. Sure you could cook food in an oven, microwave it, boil it, fry it, cook it with a solar cooker, but there is an easier and inexpensive method.

How To: Find the value of a variable in an algebraic equation

Need help figuring out how to solve simple algebraic equations? Learn how with this free video lesson. From Ramanujan to calculus co-creator Gottfried Leibniz, many of the world's best and brightest mathematical minds have belonged to autodidacts. And, thanks to the Internet, it's easier than ever to follow in their footsteps (or just finish your homework or study for that next big test).

How To: Solve quadratic equations by factoring in math

In this video the instructor shows how to solve quadratic equations by factoring. You can solve a quadratic equation by factoring them. To do this first write the equation in the standard from which is a*x*x + b*x + c = 0. Now factor the equation into two smaller equations of single degree. Now you can apply the zero-factor property to solve the equation in this from. The zero-factor property states that for a real values a and b, if a multiplied by b is equal to zero then value of a must be ...

How To: Solve quadratic equations by factoring

This is a great educational video on how to solve quadratic equations by factoring. Let us take an example and try to learn the method. Here is a quadratic equation: (r+7) (r-9) = 0. Consider zero-factor property. For real a and b, if a.b = 0, then a = 0 or b = 0 or both are equal to zero. So r+7 = 0 or r-9 = 0 > r = -7 or r = 9. Hence, r = -7, 9. Similarly to solve a quadratic equation (13r+7) (6r-18) = 0, we will get 13r = -7 or r = -7 over 13. Also 6r = 18 or r = 3. So r= -7over 13, 3. Thi...

How To: Calculate the area of complex shapes

Watch this video to learn how to calculate the area inside complex figures--shapes composed of multiple smaller, simpler shapes. The first step is to break the shape into its simpler component shapes. Then, using the information you have about the large shape, find all information you can about the smaller ones: base, height, etc. Next, find the areas of the smaller component shapes. Finally, add the areas of each of the component shapes together to find the area of the complex shape. Now you...

How To: Make a maglev motor

Ian uses round magnets, pencil, clay and glass slide to work his magic science experiment. Magentic levitation is said to be a solution for energy costs of trains because it cuts down friction and creates what is mythically regarded as a perpetual energy motor. This is an interesting toy model of how the maglev trains and large scale generators work

How To: Solve mathematical functions and graphs

Check out this instructional math video that demonstrates how to calculate mathematical functions and graphs. In this 9th lesson, learn how to solve on SAT Algebra problems using the Official SAT Study Guide (as always). Here are the math problems and their page numbers that this video covers:

How To: Convert between metric units

Need help figuring out how to convert between the assorted metric units? From Ramanujan to calculus co-creator Gottfried Leibniz, many of the world's best and brightest mathematical minds have belonged to autodidacts. And, thanks to the Internet, it's easier than ever to follow in their footsteps (or just finish your homework or study for that next big test). With this installment from Internet pedagogical superstar Salman Khan's series of free math tutorials, you'll learn how to convert betw...

How To: Solve percentages without a calculator

Want to know how to find percentages quickly without the use of a calculator? It's easy. This free video math lesson will show you how it's done. From Ramanujan to calculus co-creator Gottfried Leibniz, many of the world's best and brightest mathematical minds have belonged to autodidacts. And, thanks to the Internet, it's easier than ever to follow in their footsteps (or just study for that next big test).

How To: Multiply Any Number by 11 with a Super Fast Mental Trick

Most of the time, when I’m bored during math class, I play with my calculator to satisfy my boredom. Recently, I've discovered that when multiplying any number by 11, 111, or any number similar to it, that it has a pattern (though I guess everything in math has a pattern). I don't know if this technique is original, because I didn't read anything about this. It's just mere observation. If it’s a tried and true technique, let me know.

How To: Rip a Penny in Half

No, we're not lying. But before you try and tear a plain old penny in half, you should probably watch this video first or you may hurt your fingers. While ordinary pennies are very, very difficult to rip, if you get rid of the zinc core you are left with only the thin copper shell, which is itself very easy to tear apart.

How To: Write a haiku

In this video, Robert will teach you how to write a Japanese poem called a haiku. First, you will learn a bit about what a haiku is, as well as its structure. A haiku is a poem with three lines: the first is five syllables long, the second is seven syllables long, and the third is five syllables long. You will learn that haikus can be about anything; there is no standard "rule" to follow involving what you write. It doesn't have to rhyme, and it can be about anything, even thoughts. During th...

How To: Find an LCM with the upside-down birthday cake method

Look for an easy way to find the least (or lowest) common multiple for a set of numbers? Like to think in pictures? Try the upside-down birthday cake method! Learn how with this free video lesson. From Ramanujan to calculus co-creator Gottfried Leibniz, many of the world's best and brightest mathematical minds have belonged to autodidacts. And, thanks to the Internet, it's easier than ever to follow in their footsteps (or just finish your homework or study for that next big test).

How To: Use Pattern Blocks Art in the Classroom

This HowTo is about using Pattern Blocks in the classroom. All you need is a classroom set of pattern blocks and a camera. Each student or group of students is given a set of pattern blocks and a time limit. The assignment: make an artwork that illustrates the concept of symmetry, small enough to fit on a single student desk. When the art is finished, take a photograph of it and then let the students vote to choose their favorites.