Math Review for Non-Calculus Introductory Physics Classes

 

This material will be covered in the first week of classes and ONLY in the first week of classes.  This material is taken directly from a 9th grade Algebra textbook and should be considered as review for the mathematics that is required as a prerequisite to this class.  We will use this mathematics extensively in this class and, after the first week of classes, we will operate under the assumption that all students are capable of handling this level of mathematics.

 

There will be a quiz on this material on Wednesday Jan 16.  Calculators WILL NOT be permitted for this quiz.

 

1.      Addition and subtraction of fractions (simplify and leave in fraction form)

 

1/4 + 1/2                                                          2/25 + 3/10

 

4/5 – 3/8                                                          3/50 – 2/25

 

2.      Decimals and fractions

 

Convert the following to fractions        0.01         0.125      0.2       1.5          4.25

 

Convert the following to decimals      1/4        2/3           5/4            22/5       3/50

 

 

3.      Algebraic manipulations (solve each equation for the variable)

 

2x + 4 = 10                        16/t = 20                x2 – 4 = x + 8

 

(2+s)/(4-s) = 7

 

4.      Simultaneous equations  (solve each pair for the two variables)

 

2x + 4y = 12                                                    7s – 6t = 8

x – 3y = -5                                                       2s + 6t = 10

 

 

5.      Trigonometry (sine, cosine, tangent, pythagorean theorem)

For each of the following right triangles, determine x and q

You may use calculators for these HW problems

 


 q                                                                           q

                x                                                                                                12

  3                                                          6                                      4

                                                           25º                                                     q

            4                                                    x                                           x