Math is integral to everyday life, from counting change at the store to understanding complex physics equations. But even though it’s so important, many students struggle with understanding math basics.
Whether you’re attending continuing education classes or helping your kid with their homework, to help you better grasp math fundamentals, these are some essential math formulas that every student should know.
Quadratic Formula
The quadratic formula is a great tool to have in your arsenal for solving quadratic equations. A quadratic equation is an equation with one variable that is ax2+bx+c=0, where a, b, and c are constants. The quadratic formula allows you to solve for x using the following equation: x = -b ± √(b2-4ac) / 2a. This formula can be incredibly useful when solving complex problems involving polynomials and other equations.
Pythagorean Theorem
The Pythagorean theorem is another essential mathematical formula every student should have in their back pocket. It states that the square of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle in a triangle) equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides (the legs). This formula is a² + b² = c² where “a” and “b” are the legs, and “c” is the hypotenuse.
This formula can calculate unknown side lengths in right triangles or determine if three given side lengths make up a valid triangle. There are many fun ways to help students learn about the Pythagorean Theorem to make it more meaningful and enjoyable.
Distance Formula
The distance formula calculates how far apart two points are on a coordinate plane. This formula takes into account both horizontal (x) and vertical (y) distances between two points and is d=√((x1-x2)²+(y1-y2)²). The distance formula is often used in geometry but can also come in handy when dealing with vectors or 3D space coordinates.
Knowing essential math formulas like these will give you an edge over your peers and help you excel at math-related tasks throughout your academic career—and beyond! So take some time to learn these formulas and commit them to memory. They may just come in handy one day!
