Author Archives: admin

Distribution (a.k.a. "multiplying stuff out")

Also called the "distributive property", distribution refers to the situation when a number or variable is placed in front of parentheses, thus multiplied by whatever is in the parentheses. In this video we start with the basic ones, like 2(x+4), but we go up from there, simplifying expressions with multiple sets of parentheses and nested parentheses. I also show you how to avoid the most common error students typically make on these problems.

This video appears on the page: Distribution & Combining Like Terms

Adding Polynomials (a.k.a. Combining Like Terms)

Though we've come across "combining like terms" in previous chapters a bit, in this video they get a whole video to themselves to show you exactly what it's about, because it's almost always going to be the next step after distribution (the next two videos).

This video appears on the page: Distribution & Combining Like Terms

Polynomials & Combining Like Terms,
Distribution & Multiplication
Adding Polynomials (a.k.a. Combining Like Terms)
Distribution (a.k.a. "multiplying stuff out")
Solving Equations With Distribution

Combining "like terms", adding and subtracting polynomials and monomials. Also covered: distribution (a.k.a. "multiplying stuff out"), where you have a number or variable in front of a set of parentheses that has to get multiplied by each term, such as 2(x-5).

Part of the course(s): Middle School Math ,Pre-Algebra Class Page ,College Algebra ,Algebra

Solving Messy Equations: Combining Like Terms

This video covers the messiest-looking equations where x shows up in more than one place, such as this doozy: 2x-2+6x=-x+12. The key is to combine all the x terms together first, at which point it becomes like the two-step problems of the previous video. I will point out a few trick questions that teachers sometimes throw in to keep you on your toes/take away points.

This video appears on the page: Solving Basic Equations

Solving Two Step Equations

In this video we'll solve harder equations which require both of the methods covered in the previous videos: addition/subtraction and multiplication/division. Problems such as 3x-5=2 and 12-2x=2. We'll list out the steps you can follow (arithmetic before multiplication), and we'll also address common trick questions and pitfalls for this type of problem.

This video appears on the page: Solving Basic Equations

Solving Equations With Multiplication & Division

Naturally, this one involves a rule with a catchy name as well: "The Multiplication Rule of Equality". Equality just means "equals sign", so once again we've got a way to solve algebra equations, this time being allowed to multiply or divide by anything we want as long as we do it to both sides. This will allow us to get rid of numbers in front of the x, such as in the problems "2x-3=5" and "2x/3=6".

This video appears on the page: Solving Basic Equations

Solving Equations With Addition & Subtraction Only

Often called "The Addition Property of Equality", the rule for these problems is this: "You can add or subtract anything from one side of an algebra equation, as long as you do the same thing to the other side." This is the key to solving equations like "x+3=6" and "x-2=9", and also causes a few sticky situations that I'll cover in this video as well.

This video appears on the page: Solving Basic Equations

Solving Algebra Equations, Multi-Step Equations
Solving Equations: Addition/Subtraction
Solving Equations: Multiplication/Division
Solving 2 Step Equations
Solving Messy Equations: Combining Like Terms

These videos explain the process of solving algebraic equations by addition/subtraction, multiplication/division, combining like terms, and any combination of the three (multi-step problems like 3x-5=7).

Part of the course(s): Middle School Math ,Pre-Algebra Class Page ,College Algebra ,Algebra

How to Translate Words Into Equations

I've never met a student who liked word problems, and they only get worse the further you get into math. However, if you look at them like a foreign language, you just need a pocket translation dictionary to translate the words into symbols, and that's what this video is all about. Sum, difference, quotient, increased by, decreased by, product -- all these words translate directly into numbers and symbols, and this video shows you how.

This video appears on the page: Introduction to Variables & Expressions

Checking If A Number Is A Solution

Throughout Algebra you'll learn how to solve all kinds of different equations using all kinds of different strategies, but one step will always remain the same: checking your answer! To prepare you for that, in this video we won't solve anything; I'll just give solutions and we'll check to see if they're right. ("Why not just check the back of the book," you ask? While I advocate that for homework, it won't work on tests.)

This video appears on the page: Introduction to Variables & Expressions

Intro to Variables & Expressions (free)

Let’s face it, the craziest thing about algebra is it’s the first time you see letters in math. X is the most famous of them, but we can use any other letter of the alphabet (and I often will to get you used to it). In this video, we’ll quickly talk about what variables and expressions are, then we’ll get some practice using them, and plugging numbers in for x to "evaluate" expressions.

This video appears on the page: Introduction to Variables & Expressions ,free videos edit ,Free Sample Videos ,pre-algebra free videos

Variables & Expressions, and Translating Words Into Equations
Intro to Variables and Expressions
Checking if a Number is a Solution
How to Translate Words into Equations aka The Secret Sauce to doing Word Problems

In this chapter I explain what "x" is, what expressions are, how to plug in values to "evaluate" expressions, and how to turn word problems into equations so you can solve them. We'll also go over how to check whether a number is a solution of an equation or not.

Part of the course(s): Middle School Math ,Pre-Algebra Class Page ,College Algebra ,Algebra

Intro to PEMDAS

In this video we'll introduce the concept of order of operations, explain what the heck PEMDAS is and how to use it, and work tons of examples evaluating expressions with this thing. We'll also cover tricky areas such as exponents of negative numbers, what to do about nested parentheses (parentheses within parentheses and brackets), and how fractions are PEMDAS in disguise.

This video appears on the page: Order of Operations (PEMDAS)

PEMDAS On Your Calculator

The good news is that your calculator knows PEMDAS. The bad news? Your calculator knows PEMDAS. The problem is that because your calculator knows PEMDAS, you’ll take it for granted that it knows PEMDAS, so you'll let your guard down and get burned by the exceptions I explain in this video. So, look out for the common calculator PEMDAS errors in this video: exponents, fractions, and why you should always use the EE button for Scientific Notation.

This video appears on the page: Order of Operations (PEMDAS)

Order of Operations (PEMDAS)
Intro to PEMDAS
PEMDAS on your Calculator

In this chapter we'll introduce Order of Operations, often referred to simply by its ultra-useful acronym PEMDAS. We'll also get into how to do PEMDAS on your calculator, and a few common calculator mistakes to avoid.

Part of the course(s): Middle School Math ,Pre-Algebra Class Page ,College Algebra ,Algebra

Basic Factoring: "Factoring Stuff Out"

The first thing you learn in factoring is pulling out "like terms" or "the greatest common factor". Basically, it's where you take an expression that doesn't have any parentheses, and you put parentheses in it. Algebra teachers and books vary a lot on how hard these problems get prior to Algebra 2, so if you're in pre-algebra or algebra, the later problems in this video might be harder than what your teacher will make you do. Don't get scared, just stop the video!

Factoring Quadratics (and other stuff too)
Factoring Stuff Out (a.k.a. "distribution in reverse")
Easier Factoring Problems
Factoring Difference of Squares
Factoring by Grouping
Hard Factoring Problems

In this chapter we'll learn factoring, which is basically "reverse FOIL," including special cases like difference of squares and lead coefficients.

Part of the course(s): Middle School Math ,Pre-Algebra Class Page ,Algebra

Roots & Radicals
Simplifying Roots and Radicals
Prime Numbers, Factors, and Factorization

In this chapter we'll learn how to reduce radicals using a couple different methods. If you have a tough teacher and you have to know how to rationalize denominators and deal with variables under the root, then you'll need our Algebra 2 Roots & Radicals page.

Part of the course(s): Middle School Math ,Pre-Algebra Class Page ,College Algebra ,Algebra

Exponent Rules, Like Bases, & Negative Exponents

Here we'll get into some more advanced exponent moves, like combining exponents when like bases are multiplied or divided. We'll also get into what used to be a strictly Algebra 2 topic -- negative exponents -- but which is now in the California Standards for Pre-Algebra! (If you need examples using variables, see these more advanced videos.)

This video appears on the page: Exponents

Intro to Exponents

In this video we'll introduce the concept of exponents, and how to work them out, or "evaluate" them. We'll also hit the special cases of exponents of 0 and 1. Hint: absolutely anything raised to the 0 power is 1! Weird, but there it is. (If you need examples using variables, see these more advanced videos.)

This video appears on the page: Exponents