Math Center Workshops

Recurring Workshops

The Math Center offers a number of workshops each month that are open both to students and the general public.

The schedule for October is here.

All eight workshops below will be offered in October.

Description of the Workshops Currently Offered

1. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
2. Factoring
3. Fractions
4. Graphing for Algebra
5. Radicals (including Square Roots)
6. Reading Mathematics and Science
7. Trigonometry for Calculus
8. Word Problems for Algebra

Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Exponential and logarithmic functions form an important part of both the pre-calculus and calculus curriculum. Thus, in this workshop we discuss the graphs and properties of these two types of functions as well as equations that contain these functions. Appropriate for Math M07, Math 25A, and Math 25B students.

Factoring

Factoring trinomials (i.e., algebraic expressions of the form ax^2-bx+c) is an integral part of algebra and it is difficult to succeed in algebra unless one is able to factor well. This workshop explores different methods of factoring through the use of common examples. Among the methods of factoring discussed are trial-and-check, factor-by-grouping, and using special products.  Appropriate for Math M01, Math M03, Math M04, and Math M05 students.

Fractions

If fractions are the bane of your mathematical existence, then this workshop if for you. We will spend time with mixed numbers, but the emphasis will be on finding the least common denominator and dealing with improper fractions since those topics are most important for the study of algebra. Depending on the students who show up, the workshop may also cover how one approaches fractions when they are in algebraic expressions or equations. Appropriate for Math M09, Math M01, Math M03, Math M04, and Math M05 students.

Graphing for Algebra

This workshop is primarily for students in algebra classes who need help with graphing linear equations. The focus of this workshop is graphing as well as the equations that describe a linear equation of the form ax+by=c. Appropriate for Math M01, Math M03, Math M04, and Math M05 students.

Radicals (Including Square Roots)

Radicals form an important aspect of algebra. We begin with the study of square roots and then (depending on the interest of the students attending) proceed to other roots as well as describing how radicals can be written as fractional powers. Appropriate for Math M01, Math M03, Math M04, and Math M05 students.

Reading Mathematics and Science

This workshop approaches how to read a mathematical (or any science) text in order to increase one's understanding of the material. This workshop does not focus on word problems, though that is a topic that is discussed. (For help with word problems, see the Word Problems for Algebra Workshop). Reading math or science is often very difficult and in these workshop we discuss tools for making this necessary task easier. Appropriate for all Math and Science students regardless of level.

Trigonometry for Calculus

The point-of-view of the workshop is based soundly on the unit circle. We will look at a number of example problems that require the use of right triangles as well as the unit circle. The goal is to leave the workshop with an understanding that the trigonometric functions are functions. As we progress through the semester, we will also introduce into the workshops calculus applications of trig that are appropriate for Math M25A and Math M25B. Appropriate for Math 25A or Math 25B, or even Math M06 or Math M07.

Word Problems for Algebra

Many students struggle with word problems or "problem solving" questions in algebra. The purpose of this workshop is to teach students how to translate from mathematical English into the symbolism of math in order to succeed at word problems. Appropriate for Math M01, Math M03, Math M04, and Math 5 students.

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