Writing Equations in Slope Intercept Form

Writing Equations in Slope Intercept Form Equations of a line can be written in many forms such as the standard form, slope-intercept form, point-slope form etc. These forms express the equation of a line in different ways and represent a line in various equation forms. Slope-intercept form of a line is written by taking the slope and the y-intercept of a line and it is written as: y = mx + b, where m is the slope of the line, b is the y-intercept and, x and y are the variables of the equation. Example 1: Write the equation of a line in slope-intercept form which has a slope of 2 and the point where the line intersects the Y-axis as (0, 5). Given: slope of the line, m = 2 The point where the line crosses the Y-axis is known as the y intercept. Given the point (0, 5) - this gives the y-intercept, b = 5 Slope-intercept form of a line - y = mx + b Using the above equation, we get: y = 2x + 5 Therefore the equation of the line is y = 2x + 5. Example 2: Write the equation of a line in slope-intercept form which has a slope of 4 and the point where the line intersects the Y-axis as (0, -2). Given: slope of the line, m = 4 The point where the line crosses the Y-axis is known as the y intercept. Given the point (0, -2) - this gives the y-intercept, b = -2 Slope-intercept form of a line - y = mx + b Using the above equation, we get: y = 4x + (-2) Therefore the equation of the line is y = 4x 2.

How to Evaluate a School for Your Child

How to Evaluate a School for Your Child The following piece was written by Liz Perelstein. Liz has been featured in ourAdmissions Expert seriesand is the Founder of School Choice International. As we anticipate the spring, you may be evaluating your child's progress during the past year and deciding what kind of school would serve your child best in the coming years. The options can be overwhelming: Public Schools Local public schools Specialized public schools Private Schools Independent schools Parochial schools Boarding schools Distance learning schools Specialized private schools (which may include: international schools, special education schools, and schools for profoundly gifted children) As you peruse this list, I imagine you are surprised by the number of alternatives you have when considering your child's education. Hopefully, this will alleviate some of the tension parents often feel as you begin this journey. In order to direct your search, begin with a thoughtful evaluation of your child. Has s/he had a good year or one in which s/he struggled, either academically, socially or emotionally? Did his or her school experience bring out the best in her, and contribute to his spirit to explore and consume knowledge? Has he developed social skills that will allow him to make friends and navigate social groupings in a new school? Would she benefit from an opportunity to reinvent herself in a new school? Pay attention to factors that make your child's schooling experience what it is. Are classes large or small? Is the classroom structured or do the children learn by doing? Is the school coeducational or single sexed? Is it close to home or does it require transit? Does it emphasize athletics or the arts? Based on her personality, interests, and emerging skills, which characteristics are important for your child's education? I would imagine, by now, this list has automatically been narrowed down; some options simply don't fit. If your child exhibits separation anxiety, for example, boarding school simply isn't an option. But for an independent child whose homework is a nightly contest, boarding school can change the entire home dynamic. Your school list probably should include options in various categories public and private, day and boarding for you and your child to compare and contrast. Don't automatically assume cost is prohibitive. Private schools offer need based, and sometimes merit based, financial aid. The most important way to assess a school is to visit. Make appointments for school tours and go to open houses. Talk to other parents and students you meet in the cafeteria, but keep in mind that every child is different, and what works for their child may not be the best choice for yours. In public schools, parent advocates are incredibly helpful sources of information. If you don't know any parents whose children attend a particular school, request a list of parents you may call. Ask questions beyond test scores and admissions difficulties. Questions should be based on your childs profile. Ask questions that will help you decide whether your child will thrive or struggle based on his or her unique characteristics. Finally, encourage your child to reach for schools that may be selective both in the public and private sectors. You won't know until you try. If your child isn't accepted, this can be a great learning moment be sure to be a positive role model and handle wait lists or rejection with compassion and a problem solving attitude. On the other hand, never put all your eggs in one basket. If you limit your search to a few schools, be sure that you and your child would be content to remain at his or her current school or the local public school. VisitSchool Choice Internationalfor more information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

5 Weird Tips for Learning Spanish That Really Work

5 Weird Tips for Learning Spanish That Really Work Suzy S. Have you tried everything to improve your Spanish speaking skills? What about  singing your vocabulary? In this article, tutor  Dorothy P.  is going to show you some unorthodox  techniques for learning Spanish that actually work Beginning to learn a new language is fun! You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain. But what if you’ve taken lots of classes or worked with a Spanish tutor for a while, and you still feel like a beginner? What if you’re that “eternal intermediate,” frustrated because you can’t up your game enough to really converse? As an experienced Spanish tutor, I’ve seen this a lot. But learning Spanish, or any other language, isn’t just about memorizing flashcards and studying grammar: achieving fluency also depends on developing positive emotional and physical behaviors. I’d like to share some of my student-tested behavioral techniques to help you locate your resistance points, and develop new language-learning habits to break through to the next level. 1. Before class: Practice the yoga of language. Well, okay, maybe it’s not high-level yoga, but these simple exercises contribute to mindfulness and relaxation at the start of every language-learning session, either with your tutor or at home before studying. A relaxed body encourages a relaxed mind, and a relaxed mind is a receptive mind. First, stretch: Try the sunrise/sunset pose. From a standing position, raise your arms high in the air and then bend from the waist, allowing your upper body to dangle toward the ground, breathing deeply. Release your breath slowly, allowing your head and hands to fall closer to the floor with every out-breath. When you’re feeling chill, sit down in your chair, and sit up straight and smile. Good posture makes you more alert, and smiling actually makes you happier. And happy people are more receptive to new information! 2. Before class: Do vocal warm-ups in the target language. Want your Spanish to sound like… Spanish? Vocal warm-ups before your learning session tune up your tongue so your castellano is more convincing. The music of Spanish comes from the characteristic way vowels and certain consonant combinations sound. Start with long vowel emissions: a, e, i, o, u   the Spanish versions, of course! Then try some Spanish tongue twisters, beginning slowly for accuracy and then saying them faster and faster. After challenging yourself to tongue twisters in your target language, speaking normally with your tutor will seem a whole lot easier! 3. In class: Consciously employ positive reinforcement. I don’t know how many times one of my students has made an error and then made it worse by wailing, “I always make that mistake!” Guess what? Negative affirmations won’t move the needle one millimeter forward.  Slapping your forehead in frustration and saying, “I can never remember that word!” is a great way to teach your brain that it can’t learn. Instead, when you make a mistake, use positive enforcement by receiving your tutor’s correction and then pausing to say out loud: “I always get (whatever the thing is) right,” or “Now I know the preterit of tener is tuve,” or whatever is applicable to the lesson at hand. Also, when you say something beautifully and correctly in the target language, take a victory lap! Successes should be celebrated and reiterated: repeat your successes many times to reinforce correct speech patterns. Ask your tutor to hold you to a gold standard of positivity, and to point out to you when you’re displaying negative patterns. 4. In class: Finish your thought â€" by any means possible. Not all tutors agree with me on this idea, but I believe that developing the habit of finishing your thoughts by any means possible is a creative language-learning practice. So if you’re missing one key vocabulary word to complete a thought, simply finish your sentence using a real object, a gesture, or even a word in English in place of the word you don’t know. Then, when your tutor suggests the word you were missing, repeat the sentence, adding the new information. This way, you train yourself to keep talking, which is one of the key characteristics of fluency. Also, by practicing this method, you move the classroom discussion along, and quickly help your tutor understand what you need to know. Remember: To learn any new language and to communicate in the real world, the only wrong answer is silence. 5. Anytime: Can’t say it? Try singing it! Yes, I’ve saved the weirdest technique for last, and no, you don’t have to be Pavarotti to try it! Did you know that when stutterers sing, they dont stutter? That’s because singing uses a different part of the brain (the right side) from speaking (the left side). When I discovered that interesting brain fact, I immediately applied it to my teaching.   Now when pronunciation problems come up in a session, my student and I sing the word or phrase. Soon, we’re both laughing, and what was an obstacle is now a piece of cake! On your own time, sing verb conjugations or vocab lists while jogging or walking. Make up your own melodies or use a favorite pop song. This is a great way to reinforce the sound of your target language when you’re practicing at home and have no one to talk with. And finally, dont underestimate the importance  of working with a private Spanish  tutor! One of the biggest benefits of private lessons  is that you don’t have to put up with boring and ordinary. You don’t have to be a wallflower in a big group. You drive the goal-setting in your class, and you can also, to some degree, drive the method. Try some of these techniques with your tutor, and you’ll see: you’ll be “stuck” no more. Post Author:  Dorothy P. Dorothy P.  teaches Spanish and writing  in Durham, NC. She has more than  23 years of teaching experience and a degree in Language and Literature from Yale University. Dorothy is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Fine Arts at The University of the South.  Learn more about Dorothy here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

When Should You Start Learning Mandarin Chinese

When Should You Start Learning Mandarin Chinese Which Are the Best Ways to Start Learning Chinese? ChaptersStarting Chinese at 5Learning Chinese as a TeenagerChinese Further EducationLearning Chinese at Any Age“Learning without thought is deceptive; thought without learning is perilous.” - Chinese ProverbMany people say that Chinese is a complicated language to learn. However, this hasn’t stopped many students from deciding to study it at GCSE and A Level. Why?Because Chinese is the language of the future, perfect for those who want to work internationally or are inspired by the Chinese way of life.While China is one of the world’s largest economic powers and Chinese is the official language of many international organisations, non-native speakers can find reading and writing Chinese very difficult.When is the best time to start learning Mandarin Chinese?In this article, we’re going to have a look at a few answers to this question and why you should be learning the world's most common language and the language of the world's second-largest economic superpower!Did you kno w that nearly a billion people speak Mandarin? NingChinese Teacher 5.00 (10) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorraineChinese Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoyceChinese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicoleChinese Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KatyChinese Teacher £16/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YangChinese Teacher £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChengChinese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsStarting Chinese at 5Chinese is a special language with its sinographs, characters used to represent whole words. There are four ways to learn Chinese:By readingBy writingBy speakingBy listeningChinese is not as easy as A, B, C... (Source: PublicDomainPictures)Since this can be difficult, the sooner you start learning, the better. If you think 5 might be a bit young to start learning Chines e, you’re wrong. Many studies have shown that studying a foreign language from a young age is great for a child’s cognitive development since, at that age, their brains are sponges. Additionally, there's the Hanyu pinyin romanisation system that can be used to represent Chinese Mandarin characters in the Latin alphabet.Did you know that there are between 40,000 and 60,000 Chinese characters?It would take you ages to learn them all, even if you followed these tips for faster learning!Additionally, some children express an interest in learning to speak another language. This is the age where they can start to develop critical thinking. Learning Chinese can be a huge advantage in later life!  In this case, they’ll start with writing and learning common Chinese vocabulary. This will also help them understand their surroundings in the target language.You should know that Chinese is still quite rare in primary schools. European languages such as French, Spanish, German, and Italian tend to be more popular with students. That said, at A Level, Chinese overtook German this year.There are also members of the Confucius Institute Network UK that promote Chinese language teaching and Chinese culture:Confucius Institute for Scotland, Edinburgh, ScotlandConfucius Institute at University of Central Lancashire, Preston, EnglandConfucius Institute at University of LiverpoolConfucius Institute at the University of NottinghamConfucius Institute at the University of SheffieldConfucius Institute at Cardiff UniversityConfucius Institute at the University of Wales, Trinity St David, LampeterConfucius Institute for Business, London School of EconomicsLondon Confucius Institute, SOAS, University of LondonConfucius Institute for Traditional Chinese Medicine, London South Bank UniversityConfucius Institute at Lancaster UniversityConfucius Institute at the University of ManchesterIf you really want your child to learn Mandarin London, you might be better off looking for Chinese gro ups and associations outside of school where they teach Chinese to children. Usually, the lessons they provide include fun activities for younger learners.Learning Chinese as a TeenagerFor a lot of children, they only really start learning to speak a language in secondary school. This is when they’ll learn French, Spanish, German, or Italian, for example.You can start learning foreign languages once you go to secondary school. (Source: strecosa)It’s a good idea to get children aged 14 or 15 interested in learning Chinese as a foreign language. As we said, they can learn about Chinese language and culture which has many benefits for children of this age as:They can gain an interest in foreign languages for work and in daily life.They can study a new language to improve their CV.For a lot of secondary school students learning Chinese, it’s because they are interested in Chinese culture, travelling, or working internationally in the future.Speaking Chinese looks great on their CV , too! At this age, they’ll focus on grammar and syntax. They tend to focus more on the theoretical aspects of the language rather than the practical aspects. They’ll study Chinese writing, vocabulary, etc.They’ll also learn a number of set phrases and common greetings.  While still not the most popular language, the number of students studying Chinese in the UK has increased in recent years.With Chinese such an important language for the future, you’d think it’d be more popular at secondary schools but it isn’t. In comparison to European languages, there are relatively few schools offering Chinese at GCSE or A Level in the UK.That said, there are also opportunities for young people to study in China and learn to speak with native speakers. Studying abroad allows them to take lessons with teachers and learn to read, write, and speak Chinese fluently.Private Chinese tutorials and lessons with Chinese groups and associations are worth considering at this age, especially if they’re struggling with a Chinese A Level.Chinese Further EducationThose with an A Level in Chinese are probably moving onto a Chinese degree. They’re interested in learning Chinese at a university for a number of reasons:To learn a foreign language other than the ones commonly taught in schoolsTo further their careerThe teaching offered at university if more advanced than what they could get at schoolThe resources are available than what they had at schoolOnce you're studying Mandarin at university, you'll be learning more advanced language skills. (Source: quillau)Furthermore, they can enjoy being in a place that promotes learning of all types. They can spend between 3 and 5 years studying (if they go on to do a Master’s) and come out with a good level in Chinese. This is more than enough time to get good at a language!In this case, it’s best to learn Chinese aged between 18 and 20.  The student will have enough time to study Chinese alongside other studies. The focus wil l be on acquiring theoretical and practical knowledge of the language for professional reasons.While the language is commonly taught both in universities and private language schools, the way the classes are taught can differ:Sometimes lessons focus on just theory, especially on linguistics courses.Practical and theoretical lessons. This tends to be the case with Chinese degrees.Practical uses of Chinese, especially for business, in either universities or private language schools aimed at training professionals.As you may have guessed, it’s never really too late to learn Chinese. If you’re driven, you can learn a language whenever you like. You just have to go for it.Learning Chinese at Any AgeDid you really think that there was a certain age where you just couldn’t learn Chinese anymore?Like all languages, you can start learning whenever you want.Reading is one of the hardest skills to master in Chinese. (Source: Free-Photos)Everyone is different in terms of learning language s and not everyone has the same goals when it comes to learning languages, either.Even if you’re 60, you can start learning Chinese today. You just have to work out how to fit in it around your schedule and find the best method for you. There are several options:University-style courses and diplomas for everyone for beginners, intermediates, and experts.Distance learning or online classes where you can learn Chinese at your own pace.Private tutorials that you can schedule whenever you want to work around your schedule.To learn quickly, intensive Mandarin Chinese courses or language exchange programmes are a great idea. You can also learn about Chinese culture at the same time. Online Chinese classes are great if you don’t have much time to study foreign languages.Private organisations and Chinese associations are also useful for beginners wanting to learn how to speak Chinese. If this is the case, there are a number of them in the United Kingdom offering a variety of different t ypes of lessons. However, to practise speaking Chinese, there’s nothing better than travelling to China.Don't forget that there are also private tutors to help you with language learning. In fact, a personal tutor can tailor their classes to any learner. For example, if you're struggling with Chinese pronunciation, you can find a native Chinese speaker to help you. If you need Chinese lessons on how Chinese is spoken or the tones they use, your tutor can focus on that and help you gain fluency.Whether for personal or professional reasons, if you want to learn Chinese, you can! It’s better to start as soon as possible. However, there’s nothing to stop you learning at 18, 40, or 75 -  you can even use these innovative ways of learning that work so well with children.The most important thing is being driven.  So are you ready to go?

What are the Hardest College Classes

What are the Hardest College Classes If they were asked tocreate a list of the hardest college classes, each student would likely have their own selection of difficult courses that provoked tiresome semesters. While each major area of study has an array of challenging coursework, there are classes that are consistently daunting for many students across multiple college campuses. A few of the hardest college classes include economics, linguistics, and statistics. When preparing for a new semester, its important to understand the difficulty level of various courses so you can plan your time accordingly. Keep reading to answer the question, What are the hardest college classes? Anatomy College students who are seeking degrees in biology or a related field will likely encounter this entry on the hardest college classes list: human anatomy. This course is challenging because of the high level of memorization thats needed. Students will need to memorize the names, spellings, and uses of each bone, ligament, muscle, system, and so on in the human body. Its important to enroll in this class with the intention of setting aside dedicated study time in order to succeed. [RELATED: What is a College Lecture?] Economics College-level economics courses require a particularly careful focus on the complex material being taught. 100- and 200-level economics classes may be divided into two separate coursesmacroeconomics and microeconomicsor your school may offer one class that covers the principles of both. Microeconomics courses cover concepts surrounding economics at the individual or business level. Macroeconomics classes cover concepts surrounding economics at the national or government level. If you enroll in a course covering, for example, the principles of economics, this may cover both microeconomics and macroeconomics topics. Linguistics This class studies the composition and structure of language. Considering the number of languages present around the world, the class can consist of a great deal of coursework, some memorization, and plenty of critical thinking and problem-solving. As a result, linguistics weighs in as one of the hardest college classes. [RELATED: Know the Difference Between In-Person, Online, and Hybrid Courses] Organic chemistry Organic chemistry tends to serve as the course that is the deciding factor for pre-medical students on whether or not this specific academic track is right for them. This course breaks down the makeup and function of organic compounds. Like other courses on the hardest college classes list, students will need a steady focus and motivation to tackle the homework required by the class. Philosophy Philosophy courses prompt students to analyze pieces of writing composed by a number of philosophers and to make connections to the world today. This class also requires students to pay close attention to the meanings behind texts and to decipher what the philosophers were aiming to communicate. [RELATED: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Switching Majors] Statistics Statistics courses involve more than simply understanding and executing math-related problems. Students enrolled in a statistics class will be required to gather data and analyze this data using appropriate formulas and equations. Students will need to understand how to collect sufficient data and deduce which formulas are correct to answer the question at hand. When tackling one or more of these challenging college classes, its important to establish a firm plan of action for your course. Create a calendar of due dates, exams, and scheduled study time. Staying on top of all class-related tasks will set you up for success in your course. Good luck! Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Properties of Logarithmic Functions

Properties of Logarithmic Functions Logarithmic functions are the inverse of exponential functions where the function is written as f(x) = log b (a) such that b 0, b = 1 and a 0. This is read as log base b of a. Logarithmic functions have many properties and rule which are used to solve many questions: General properties (where x 0, y0) logb (xy) = logbx + logb y logb (x/y) = logbx - logby logb (xm) = m logb x logb b = 1 Example 1: Given logx 16 = 4, find the value of the base x. Solution: The given equation is logx 16 = 4 Convert this Logarithmic equation to Exponential equation by using the formula, logb (a) = N; a = bN Hence logx 16 = 4 can be written as 16 = x4 Now we prime factorization of 16 = 2 * 2 * 2 * 2 Therefore, 16 = 24. This gives 16 = x4; 24 = x4. Hence x = 2. Example 2: For the equation log3 (x2) = 2, then solve for x. Solution: The given equation is log3 (x2) = 2. According to the formula, we have log (am) = m * log a Applying the above formula, we get log3 (x2) = 2; 2 * log3 (x) = 2 Dividing by 2 on both sides; log3 (x) = 2/2; log3 (x) = 1 Now using the formula, logb (a) = N; a = bN. We get, x = 31; x = 3. Hence x = 3 is the solution.

Writing About Your Strengths Without Sounding Arrogant

Writing About Your Strengths Without Sounding Arrogant ACT SAT Prep and College Admissions Blog We’re taught to be modest â€" not to brag or talk too much about ourselves. But when you write your college essay, you’re forced to do the exact opposite, and that shift can make students uncomfortable. It’s hard to strike the right tone in writing or speaking about yourself, especially when you’re discussing something at which you excel. Here are some tips on how to write about your accomplishments without bragging (hint: they’reallabout showing rather than telling). Show what you’ve learned Talking about your achievements shouldn’t be a list. It should be a discussion. Focus on just one - or a few - accomplishments instead of listing every single one, and then give more details and context to measure your success. What skills have you developed as a result of excelling at an academic subject, a sport, or hobby? What happened the first time you tried, and how is it different now that you’re more experienced? If you naturally excelled from the start, how have you managed to keep challenging yourself and to hold your interest over time? If you didn’t succeed at first, what kept you from giving up? Show why you succeeded What was it about you in particular that allowed you to succeed? Was it your tenacity? Your mental focus? Your preparation? Consider your strengths and weaknesses and what it was about you that pushed you over the top. Don’t express negative opinions of other people and their lack of motivation or skills. Discuss which positive attributes helped you, and which obstacles to success you were able to overcome (and how). Show cause and effect Simply saying that you’re great at something can come across as arrogant, exaggerated, or unable to be confirmed. If you are going to write about excelling in an activity, sport, or academic subject, tell us exactlyhowyou did so. What was the result of your involvement? Did your campaign for healthier food lead to changes in the school lunch menu? Did your leadership help your team win enough games to get to the playoffs for the first time in school history? Did your writing win an award or get published somewhere? In short, what was theresultof you flourishing at an activity? Did you receive an opportunity to further explore this skill, perhaps in the form of a grant or an internship? Show gratitude Who helped you get to where you are? A teacher or a coach who encouraged your natural ability and pushed you to work harder? Your parents, who supported your interests and drove you to practice early in the morning or late at night? Are you fortunate enough to have the resources and time to devote to practicing your skill? Acknowledging the contributions of others to your success shows maturity and humility. Show growth Even if you’ve been a natural since the first time you picked up a baseball bat (or put on toe shoes, or picked up a paintbrush, etc.), you’ve surely grown as you’ve continued to practice. What have you learned over time? What do you appreciate about this activity? What effect does it have on your temperament or self-esteem? How has your view of this activity changed as you’ve matured? How have you taken the lessons of one activity and applied them to other areas of your life? Considering the answers to these questions will help you share your accomplishments without seeming egotistical. Be proud of what you’ve done and who you are, but be thoughtful about how you express that pride. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(215486, 'a519c073-790d-4c67-b0fd-7095f1869478', {});

Monday Link Roundup (October 9)

Monday Link Roundup (October 9) Why the Back-to-School Season Feels Like the New Year-Even for AdultsEven if you werent the one going back to school, did September still feel like a fresh start for you? Heres why.10 Tips for Creating a Fertile Environment for Kids Creativity and GrowthThis is a practice we strongly encourage at AJ Tutoring: Most parents and teachers are reluctant to talk with children about their own thinking processes. Perhaps they dont want to expose that theyre sometimes confused or unsure in their thinking. But talking with children about your own thinking process is the best gift you could give them.Co-Parenting With AlexaA reflection on parenting in the age of voice-activated devices.Its 10 P.M. Do You Know What Apps Your Kids Are Using?More about how kids use tech, with a fairly thorough list of apps (at least for the time being!).A Simple Way to Bring Down College-Application CostsScore-send fees for the SAT and ACT can really add up. Here, a simple proposal to reduce or eliminate those fee s and decrease the cost of applying to college.Being Popular: Why It Consumes Teens and Continues to Affect AdultsWhether you sat at the cool kids table at lunch or not so much, social status takes up a surprising amount of headspace. To the extent we have any influence over it, research encourages parents to focus on raising likable leaders rather than high-status leaders.