Mathematics

Understanding the Distance Equation (Formula)

If you want to find the distance between two points, the length of a line, or the magnitude of a vector then you use the distance formula, which usually looks something like this: This is just the Pythagorean Theorem, slightly rearranged. The solution to this problem shows how (with a few steps) it is possible […]

Mathematics

Understanding Pi

Pi is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. It is a constant. The familiar value is 3.14159. It is irrational – it cannot be written as a fraction using 2 integers, although, some approximations, like 22 / 7, are used. It is transcendental – this means there is no algebraic […]

Mathematics

Understanding Radians

A formal definition of the radian is: One radian is the angle subtended at the center of a circle by an arc that is equal in length to the radius of the circle. – Wikipedia A better (simpler) definition at Math Open Reference is: One radian is the angle made at the center of a […]

Mathematics

What is a Function?

In mathematics: Unknown things are often written using x, y, or z. Known things are often written using a, b, or c. Functions are often written using f, g, or h. A function is an abstraction. Just as using a variable lets you talk about an unknown value in an equation: x2 + 2 = […]

Mathematics

Why Division By Zero is Forbidden

In general, mathematics disallows division by zero because the resulting answer is indeterminate. This is because division is not a fundamental operation in mathematics – it is defined as the inverse of multiplication. If we say: 12 ÷ 4 = 3 we mean precisely the same as if we had said: 12 = 3 × […]