Math Is

Fun
Printing compliments of:

The accompanying information may be duplicated for

classroom use only. Reproduction for any other use
is prohibited without permission from us.
E-Mail us at: [email protected],
[email protected]
st
1 Printing: November 1994
2nd Printing: November 2004
3rd Printing: December 2004
4th Printing: October 2005
5th Printing: April 2006
6th Printing: November 2006
7th Printing: November 2007
8th Printing: November 2008
9th Printing: November 2010
10th Printing: September 2015

Hovsepian, Viken “Vik”

Professor of Mathematics
Rio Hondo College

Hattar, Michael
Professor of Mathematics
Mount San Antonio College

Copyright © 2004, 2015 Viken Hovsepian and Michael Hattar

All Rights Reserved

1 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Math Is Fun
Preface
We are told by a Bach aficionado that Johann Sebastian Bach prefaced his famous
Well-Tempered Clavier work, the first difficult set of 24 preludes and fugues for
keyboard, in a most modest way in 1722:
“For the use and profit of young musicians who are eager to learn, as well as for the
entertainment of those who are already expert in the art.”
Math Is Fun was written for the express purpose of encouraging students to explore
more and more difficult math problems, which can be
encountered in everyday life. Math is not an easy subject, yet it is our duty
as teachers to make it seem easy and fun. To paraphrase Bach, Math Is Fun is for the
use and profit of young students who are eager to learn, as well as for the
entertainment of mathematics instructors in teaching the subject.
Every mathematics teacher would like to hear students graduating from high school
College & Career Ready, with the world wide open before them, say to each other: “Math
was challenging, but I had fun with it.” That is the purpose of this
booklet — make math fun.
This booklet contains a selected number of the fascinating problems,
puzzles, we have compiled and created over the years,
with lots of sweat, lots of tears,
lots of love, and maybe even a little blood.
We hope you and your friends will enjoy working with these
tantalizing motivators. This collection of MATH Tid-Bits has contributed to our
success in teaching.

Vik Hovsepian - (...graduate of UCLA, taught grades 3 to College ... winner of numerous awards ➠ 1st Place Winner-Jaime
Escalante Math Award - 1994, Finalist -Presidential Award of Excellence in Mathematics -1997, All-USA 1st Teacher Team -
1998).
Former State of California Curriculum Commissioner
One of the writers of the current k-12 California Mathematics
Framework
Presently: Professor of Mathematics @ Rio Hondo College
Sr. National Math Consultant/Author for McGraw-
Hill Education
Math Content Review Panelist for the State of California
California Standards Test Panelist
Membership:
NCTM and CMC.

Contents
Michael Hattar - (...taught mathematics grades 8 to College ... winner of numerous awards ➠ Finalist-Presidential Award of
Excellence in Mathematics -1991, Teacher of the year-San Bernardino County-1995, Life-Time Achievement Award-Don Bosco
Technical Institute -1998).
Presently, Professor of Mathematics @ Mount San Antonio College and Rio Hondo College

Presented Math Is Fun all over the world
Membership: NCTM and CMC.

2 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Appendix A Pages 4 – 11
Math Background At A Glance

Appendix B Pages 12 – 32
Mini Challenges + Teaching Tips

Appendix C Pages 33 – 75
The Collection – “Math Motivators”
A collection of DAILY motivators designed to raise the interest
of students in appreciating the beauty of mathematics.

Appendix D Pages 76 – 121

The Collection Solutions – “Math Motivators”

Appendix E Pages 122 – 130

Magic In Multiplication – Fun Stuff

Appendix F Pages 131 – 169

Selected Projects

Appendix G Pages 170 – 176

A Unit on + & - numbers

Appendix H Pages 177 – 188

Happy Holidays – Math Problems + Answers

Appendix I Pages 189 – 191

A Determinant Moment

Appendix J Pages 192 – 194

Selected Quotes

Appendix K (Interactive Student Guide, McGraw-Hill, Alg Sample) Pages 195 – 235
Mathematical Practices & Sample Performance Task

Appendix L Pages 236 – 240

Interactive Student Guide (ISG) TE Scatter Plots

Appendix M Pages 241 – 244

Interactive Student Guide (ISG) SE Scatter Plots

Back Cover Page 245

The accompanying information may be duplicated for classroom use only. Reproduction for any other use is prohibited
without permission from us.
E-Mail us at: [email protected], [email protected]

3 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

M ath B ackground

Appendix A
Hovsepian, Viken “Vik”
Professor of Mathematics
- Disclaimer: This Appendix, is by no means
Rio Hondo College
an exhaustive presentation. It is only
intended for a quick glance at history of
mathematics.
Hattar, Michael
Professor of Mathematics
Mount San Antonio College

The accompanying information may be duplicated for classroom use only. Reproduction for any other use is prohibited
without permission from us.
E-Mail us at: [email protected], [email protected]

4 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Earliest Uses of Various Mathematical Symbols
Date Contribution
150 B.C. Brahmi Numerals – Origin
of Hindu – Arabic Numerals

825 A.D. Base 10 – numeration system – Arabia

1323-1382 Plus (+) and minus (-). Nicole d' Oresme may have used a figure which looks like
a plus symbol as an abbreviation for the Latin et (meaning "and") in Algorismus
proportionum, believed to have been written between 1356 and 1361. The symbol
appears in a manuscript of this work believed to have been written in the fourteenth
century, but perhaps by a copyist and not Nicole d' Oresme himself.

The plus symbol as an abbreviation for the Latin et, though appearing with the
downward stroke not quite vertical, was found in a manuscript dated 1417.
1479 Hindu – Arabic digits as wee see them now
Arabic Numerals 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Arabic-Indic ٠ ١ ٢ ٣ ٤ ٥ ٦ ٧ ٨ ٩
Eastern Arabic-Indic ٠ ١ ٢ ٣ ۴ ۵ ۶ ٧ ٨ ٩
(Persian and Urdu)

The Arabic numeral system is considered one of the most significant developments in
mathematics. Most historians agree that it was first conceived of in India (particularly as
Arabs themselves call the numerals they use “Indian numerals”, ‫أرقام ھندية‬, arqam
hindiyyah), and was then transmitted to the Islamic world and thence, via North Africa and
Spain, to Europe.

Somewhat speculatively, the origin of a base-10 positional number system used in India can
possibly be traced to China. Because the Chinese Hua Ma system (see Chinese numerals)
is also a positional base-10 system, Hua Ma numerals—or some numeral system similar to
it—may have been the inspiration for the base-10 positional numeral system that evolved in
India. This hypothesis is made stronger by the fact that years from 400 to 700, during which
a positional base-10 system emerged in India, were also the period during which the
number of Buddhist pilgrims traveling between China and India peaked. What is certain is
that by the time of Bhaskara I (i.e., the seventh century AD) a base 10 numeral system with
9 glyphs was being used in India, and the concept of zero (represented by a dot) was
known (see the Vāsavadattā of Subandhu, or the definition by Brahmagupta).

This numeral system had reached the Middle East by 670. Muslim mathematicians working
in what is now Iraq, such as Al-Khwarizmi, were already familiar with the Babylonian
numeral system, which used the zero digit between nonzero digits (although not after
nonzero digits), so the more general system would not have been a difficult step. In the
tenth century AD, Arab mathematicians extended the decimal numeral system to include
fractions, as recorded in a treatise by Abu'l-Hasan al-Uqlidisi in 952-3.

5 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Date Contribution
1489 + and – was introduced by Johann Winmann
1491 Filippo Calandri introduces the long division algorithm we use today.
1525 was introduced by Christoff Rudolff.

Rudolff's book Coss, written in 1525, is the first German algebra book. The reason
for the title is that cosa is a thing which was used for the unknown. Algebraists were
called cossists, and algebra the cossic art, for many years. Rudolff calculated with
polynomials with rational and irrational coefficients and was aware that ax2 + b = cx
has 2 roots. He used for square roots (the first to use this notation) and for cube
roots and for 4 th roots. He has the idea that x0 = 1 which is important.
1545 Imaginary numbers were introduced by Girolamo Gardano.
1550 Parentheses. Parentheses ( ) are "found in rare instances as early as the sixteenth
century" . 1556

 Brackets. Brackets [ ] are found in the manuscript edition of Algebra by Rafael

Bombelli. 1550
1593 Braces. Braces { } are found in the 1593 edition of Francois Vieta's Zetetica
1557 = was used by Robert Recorde.

Inventor of the equals sign and the “father of British mathematics”.

1583 Christopher Clavins used a dot for multiplication.
1591 Francois Vieté used letters to represent unknowns (variables).
1613 William Oughtred used the symbol X for multiplication.
1614 John Napier invented logarithms.

John Napier would most commonly have been written Jhone Neper at that time. The
only form of Napier that we are sure would not have been used in Napier's lifetime
was the present modern spelling "Napier"!
1617 John Napier used the decimal point as we use it today.
1631 Thomas Harriot introduced the inequality symbols < and >.

Less than and greater than. The symbols < and > first appear in The Analytical
Arts Applied to Solving Algebraic Equations by Thomas Harriot (1560-1621),
which was published posthumously in 1631: "Signum majoritatis ut a > b significet
a majorem quam b" and "Signum minoritatis ut a < b significet a minorem quam b."

While Harriot was surveying North America, he saw a native American with this
symbol on his arm: . It is likely he developed the two symbols from this symbol.

Harriot himself did not use the symbols which appear in the work, which was
published after his death. He died of a cancerous ulcer of the left nostril, the 1st
recorded case of death due to the use of tobacco.

6 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Date Contribution
1655 John Wallis introduced negative exponents and the symbol ∞ for infinity.

In Treatise on Algebra Wallis accepts negative roots and complex roots. He shows
that a3 - 7a = 6 has exactly three roots and that they are all real. He also criticizes
Descartes Rule of Signs stating, quite correctly, that the rule which determines the
number of positive and the number of negative roots by inspection, is only valid if
all the roots of the equation are real.
1659 Johann Rahn used the symbol ÷ for division.

He was the first to use the symbol ÷ for division in his algebra book published in
1659. Rahn's book was written in German.
1706 William Jones used π to represent c/d. π became standard only when Euler used it
in 1763.
1719 James Hodder – The first math book printed in America.

According to David Eugene Smith's "History of Mathematics" Vol.2, "...our earliest

native American arithmetic, the Greenwood book of 1729,..." and "...the first in
what is now the United States was a reprint of Hodder's English arithmetic, Boston,
1719." The full title of Hodder's book was Arithmetick: or, That Necessary Art
Made Most Easy. The American Printing was a copy of the 25th edition in England.
1729 Euler - He was also the first to use the letter e for it in 1727 (the fact that it is the
first letter of his surname is coincidental).

As a result, sometimes e is called the Euler Number, the Eulerian Number, or

Napier's Constant (but not Euler's Constant).
1729 Isaac Greenwood - In 1729 the first arithmetic book published by a Native of
Colonial America was published by Isaac Greenwood, a professor at Harvard. The
title was Arithmetic, Vulgar (common) and decimal. Only one year later the second
book published by a colonial native was published.
1734 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to. Pierre Bouguer (1698-1758)
used and in 1734. In 1670, John Wallis used similar symbols each with a single
horizontal bar, but the bar was above the < and > rather than below it.
1749 Leonhard Euler used i for −1 , e for the base of natural logarithms, and ∑ for
summations.
Euler was one the leading mathematicians of the 18th century. Although the
majority of his work was in pure mathematics, he contributed to other disciplines,
such as astronomy and physics, as well. In his lifetime he published more than 500
books and papers, and another 400 were published posthumously.

7 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Date Contribution
1832 Carl F. Gauss used the term “complex number”.

In 1795 Gauss left Brunswick to study at Göttingen University. Gauss's teacher

there was Kästner, whom Gauss often ridiculed. His only known friend amongst the
students was Farkas Bolyai. They met in 1799 and corresponded with each other for
many years.

Gauss left Göttingen in 1798 without a diploma, but by this time he had made one of
his most important discoveries - the construction of a regular 17-gon by ruler and
compasses This was the most major advance in this field since the time of Greek
mathematics and was published as Section VII of Gauss's famous work,
Disquisitiones Arithmeticae.
1841 Karl Weierstrass introduced the absolute value symbol |n|.

In his 1863/64 course on The general theory of analytic functions Weierstrass began
to formulate his theory of the real numbers. In his 1863 lectures he proved that the
complex numbers are the only commutative algebraic extension of the real numbers.

He attended the University of Bonn to learn public administration, but he found that
his passion was for mathematics. He read Laplace, Legendre, Jacobi, and Abel. He
taught for 14 years at the secondary school level before he published 2 brilliant
papers and received an offer to teach at the university level. He became a professor
of mathematics at the University of Berlin. In his work to put mathematical analysis
on a sound logical foundation, Weierstrass developed the modern definitions of limit
(delta-epsilon) and continuity.

Page from al-Khwarizmi's Kitab al-Jabr

wal-Muqabala, the oldest Arabic work on
algebra
9th century

8 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 More math BACKGROUND
Math
stuff Explanation
e = 2.718281828… the Base of Natural Logarithms

e e occurs almost as often in mathematics as π . Here is a way to remember e

with class! President Andrew Jackson, who held office 2 times, was our 7th
president and was elected in 1828. So 2.718281828 could be associated to
Andrew Jackson’s presidency. Fun!!!

e is a real number constant that appears in mathematics problems. Examples of such

problems are those involving growth or decay (including compound interest), the
statistical "bell curve," the shape of a hanging cable (or the Gateway Arch in St. Louis),
some problems of probability, some counting problems, and even the study of the
distribution of prime numbers. It appears in Stirling's Formula for approximating
factorials. It also shows up in calculus quite often, wherever you are dealing with either
logarithmic or exponential functions. There is also a connection between e and complex
numbers, via Euler's Equation.
n
 1
e is usually defined by the following equation: e = lim 1 +  . Its value is
n →∞
 n
approximately 2.718281828... and has been calculated to 869,894,101 decimal places by
Sebastian Wedeniwski (you'll find the first 50 digits in a Table of constants with 50
decimal places, from the Numbers, constants and computation site, by Xavier Gourdon
and Pascal Sebah).

The number e was first studied by the Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler in the 1720s,
although its existence was more or less implied in the work of John Napier. An effective
way to calculate the value of e is not to use the defining equation above, but to use the
1 1 1 1 1
following infinite sum: e = + + + + + ...
0! 1! 2! 3! 4!
2
2 1.732 050 … Here is a way to remember 3 ! President George
3 Washington was born in 1732.

A little Bit of Fermat

Fermat was not able to show that 4,294,967,297 was not a prime number. Euler later
discovered that it is divisible by 641. In the 1800s there was a young American named
1
Warren Colburn who had a great capacity to do things in his head. He was shown this
number and asked if it was prime. He said, “no, because 641 divides it.” When asked how he knew
that, he replied, “Oh, just felt it.” He was unable to explain this great gift – he just had it.

1
Colburn, Warren (1793-1833), American mathematician and author, capable of lecturing on mathematics and physics in
simple, everyday language. Colburn...

9 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

The Chinese - Contributions To Mathematics
Several factors led to the development of mathematics in China being, for a long period, independent
of developments in other civilizations. The geographical nature of the country meant that there were
natural boundaries (mountains and seas) which isolated it. On the other hand, when the country was
conquered by foreign invaders, they were assimilated into the Chinese culture rather than changing the
culture to their own. As a consequence there was a continuous cultural development in China from
around 1000 BC and it is fascinating to trace mathematical development within that culture. There are
periods of rapid advance, periods when a certain level was maintained, and periods of decline.

The first thing to understand about ancient Chinese mathematics is the way in which it differs from
Greek mathematics. Unlike Greek mathematics there is no axiomatic development of mathematics.
The Chinese concept of mathematical proof is radically different from that of the Greeks, yet one must
not in any sense think less of it because of this. Rather one must marvel at the Chinese approach to
mathematics and the results to which it led.

Chinese mathematics was, like their language, very concise. It was very much problem based,
motivated by problems of the calendar, trade, land measurement, architecture, government records and
taxes. By the fourth century BC counting boards were used for calculating, which effectively meant
that a decimal place valued number system was in use. It is worth noting that counting boards are
uniquely Chinese, and do not appear to have been used by any other civilization.

Our knowledge of Chinese mathematics before 100 BC is very sketchy although in 1984 the Suan shu
shu (A Book on Arithmetic) dating from around 180 BC was discovered. It is a book written on
bamboo strips and was found near Jiangling in Hubei province. The next important books of which we
have records are a sixteen chapter work Suanshu (Computational prescriptions) written by Du Zhong
and a twenty-six chapter work Xu Shang suanshu (Computational prescriptions of Xu Shang) written
by Xu Shang. Neither of these texts has survived and little is known of their content. The oldest
complete surviving text is the Zhoubi suanjing (Zhou Shadow Gauge Manual) which was compiled
between 100 BC and 100 AD. It is an astronomy text, showing how to measure the positions of the
heavenly bodies using shadow gauges which are also called gnomons, but it contains important
sections on mathematics. It gives a clear statement on the nature of Chinese mathematics in this period.

The Zhoubi suanjing contains a statement of the Gougu rule (the Chinese version of Pythagoras's
theorem) and applies it to surveying, astronomy, and other topics. It is widely accepted that the work
also contains a proof of Pythagoras's theorem.

In fact much Chinese mathematics from this period was produced because of the need to make
calculations for constructing the calendar and predicting positions of the heavenly bodies. The Chinese
word 'chouren' refers to both mathematicians and astronomers showing the close link between the two
areas.

10 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

The Arabs - Contributions To Mathematics
Recent research paints a new picture of the debt that we owe to Arabic/Islamic mathematics. Certainly
many of the ideas which were previously thought to have been brilliant new conceptions due to
European mathematicians of the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries are now known to
have been developed by Arabic/Islamic mathematicians around four centuries earlier. In many respects
the mathematics studied today is far closer in style to that of the Arabic/Islamic contribution than to
that of the Greeks.

There is a widely held view that, after a brilliant period for mathematics when the Greeks laid the
foundations for modern mathematics, there was a period of stagnation before the Europeans took over
where the Greeks left off at the beginning of the sixteenth century. The common perception of the
period of 1000 years or so between the ancient Greeks and the European Renaissance is that little
happened in the world of mathematics except that some Arabic translations of Greek texts were made
which preserved the Greek learning so that it was available to the Europeans at the beginning of the
sixteenth century.

... Arabic science only reproduced the teachings received from Greek science.

The regions from which the "Arab mathematicians" came was centered on Iran/Iraq but varied with
military conquest during the period. At its greatest extent it stretched to the west through Turkey and
North Africa to include most of Spain, and to the east as far as the borders of China.

The background to the mathematical developments which began in Baghdad around 800 is not well
understood. Certainly there was an important influence which came from the Hindu mathematicians
whose earlier development of the decimal system and numerals was important. There began a
remarkable period of mathematical progress with al-Khwarizmi's work and the translations of Greek
texts.

This period begins under the Caliph Harun al-Rashid, the fifth Caliph of the Abbasid dynasty, whose
reign began in 786. He encouraged scholarship and the first translations of Greek texts into Arabic,
such as Euclid's Elements by al-Hajjaj, were made during al-Rashid's reign. The next Caliph, al-
Ma'mun, encouraged learning even more strongly than his father al-Rashid, and he set up the House of
Wisdom in Baghdad which became the centre for both the work of translating and of research. Al-
Kindi (born 801) and the three Banu Musa brothers worked there, as did the famous translator Hunayn
ibn Ishaq.

We should emphasize that the translations into Arabic at this time were made by scientists and
mathematicians such as those named above, not by language experts ignorant of mathematics, and the
need for the translations was stimulated by the most advanced research of the time. It is important to
realize that the translating was not done for its own sake, but was done as part of the current research
effort.

Note: Saudi Arabia/2008 - McGraw-Hill Education and Obeikan Education

First Arab Country that has translated and localized a full K-12 United States math and science
programs. These programs are fully utilized by the entire Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and
Bahrain.

11 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Math Is Fun

Appendix B
Hovsepian, Viken “Vik”
Professor of Mathematics
Rio Hondo College

Hattar, Michael
Professor of Mathematics
Mount San Antonio College

The accompanying information may be duplicated for classroom use only. Reproduction for any other use is prohibited
without permission from us.
E-Mail us at: [email protected], [email protected]

12 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar





Distributing The Wealth
Page 14
[a real life situation]

Billionaire Bill Gates
Page 16

Very Very Interesting
Page 21

Observe The Pattern
Page 22

[decipher the code]

Lowest Common Multiple
Page 23

Infallible I. Q. Test
Page 26

Amazing
Page 28

Chick Hearn’s Theorem
Page 29

Rahm’s Proof that Infinity = -1
Page 31

13 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Interesting & Bazaar Mathematics

I. Distributing The Wealth

A rich Donkey Trader from the
famous town of Glendale, dies and
leaves 17 precious white donkeys to
be divided amongst his three sons.
The only condition was that the
division be carried out as follows:

Eldest son to have two-thirds of the
donkeys

Second son to have one-sixth of the
donkeys

Third son to have only one-ninth.

The sons tried all sorts of calculations, but there was no

way it would work out. They were almost at the point of
fighting, or selling the donkeys and dividing the money,
when the eldest said "Let's ask Professor Hovsepian, he
knows a thing or two."

What did Professor Hovsepian suggest?

14 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Solution:

Professor Hovsepian offered the boys the loan of his beautiful black
donkey, and told them to try the division again.

Starting with 18 donkeys, two-thirds = 12 donkeys,
which the eldest took.

One-sixth = 3 donkeys, which the second son took.

One-ninth = 2 donkeys, which the third son took.

Total number of donkeys distributed, 12 + 3 + 2 = 17 donkeys.

Professor Hovsepian then re-claimed his black donkey - proving that

he did indeed 'know a thing or two'.

Of course, in this scenario, the eldest got the better end of the deal
and the youngest lost out. Rounding would have given 11.333 or 11
donkeys to the eldest, 2.8333 or 3 to the middle son and 1.8888 or 2
donkeys to the youngest son. But remember! Better to have live
donkeys than dead ones.

15 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

II. Rio Hondo’s Board of Trustees invites Bill Gates
to a Math Class
You're sitting in Prof Hovsepian’s math
class, engaged in a mathematical
application, when in walks
Philanthropist Bill Gates,
Superintendent Dr. Ted Martinez and
other dignitaries.

Philanthropist, Bill Gates has made it big, and now he has a

job offer for two Rio Hondo students.
He doesn't give too many details, mumbles something in to
Professor Hovsepian about the possibility of travel to Europe all
expenses paid plus matching funds to Rio Hondo College. He's
going to need two students who excel in mathematics for 30 days,
and they have to miss school. Won't that just be too awful? But do
you ever sit up at the next thing the billionaire says.
You'll have your choice of two payment options. Decision must be
made in writing to Prof. Hovsepian, using mathematical analysis to
maximize your option earnings. Immediately after Bill Gates
completes his presentation you have 10 minutes to turn in your
analysis. No collaboration allowed!
Option One: Bill Gates will pay you one cent on the first day, two
cents on the second day, and double your salary
every day thereafter for the thirty days; or
Option Two: Bill Gates will pay each student exactly $1,000,000.
That's one million US dollars! + another $1,000,000
for Rio Hondo College.

16 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Two students, Derek Ellis and Neil Tiwari were chosen. Both
turned in detailed analysis and their choices were OPTION ONE.
They packed their bags and left with Mr. Gate’s staff on their
mission.

So how smart were these students? Did they make the best choice?
Why did they not choose option two? Were these students taught
standards-based mathematics? What went wrong?

17 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Solution: Break in Story
Let's investigate the first payment option the way any math teacher would encourage
you to do. Complete a table like this for the first week's work.

Pay with First Option - Week 1

Day No. Pay for that Day Total Pay (In Dollars)
1 .01 .01
2 .02 .03
3 .04 .07
4 .08 .15
5 .16 .31
6 .32 .63
7 .64 1.27

So you've worked a whole week and only made $1.27. That's pretty awful, all right.
There's no way to make a million in a month at this rate. Right? Let's check out the
second week. Fill out the second table.

Pay with First Option - Week 2

Day No. Pay for that Day Total Pay (In Dollars)
8 1.28 2.55
9 2.56 5.11
10 5.12 10.23
11 10.24 20.47
12 20.48 40.95
13 40.96 81.91
14 81.92 163.83

Well, each will make a little more the second week, at least he's over $100. But there's
still a big difference between $163.83 and $1,000,000. Want to see the third week?

18 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Pay with First Option - Week 3
Day No. Pay for that Day Total Pay (In Dollars)
15 163.84 327.67
16 327.68 655.35
17 655.36 1310.71
18 1 310.72 2 621.43
19 2 621.44 5 242.87
20 5 242.88 10 485.75
21 10 485.76 20 971.51

We're getting into some serious money here now, over $20,000, but still nowhere even
close to a million. And there's only 10 days left. So it looks like the million dollars is the
best deal. Of course, we suspected that all along.

Pay with First Option - Week 4

Day No. Pay for that Day Total Pay (In Dollars)
22 20 971.51 41 943.03
23 41 943.04 83 886.07
24 83 886.08 167 772.15
25 167 772.16 335 544.31
26 335 544.32 671 088.63
27 671 088.64 1 342 177.27
28 1 342 177.28 2 684 354.55

Hold it! Look what has happened. What's going on here? We went from $21 000 to over
a million in 6 days. This can't be right. Let me check the calculations. No, I can't find
any mistakes.

19 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

This is amazing. Look how fast this pay is growing. Let's keep going. I can't wait to see
what the total will be.

Pay with First Option

Day No. Pay for that Day Total Pay (In Dollars)
29 2 684 354.56 5 368 709.11
30 5 368 709.12 10 737 418.23
In 30 days, it increases from 1 penny to over 10 million dollars. That is absolutely
amazing.

Moral Of The Story: Attend Rio Hondo College, they have an excellent Math
Program.

The math professor’s six-year-old

son knocks at the door of his
father’s study. “Daddy,” he says. “I
need help with a math problem I
couldn’t do at school.” “Sure,” the father says and smiles.
“Just tell me what’s bothering you.”
“Well, it’s a really hard problem: There are four ducks
swimming in a pond when two more ducks come and join
them. How many ducks are now swimming in the pond?” The
professor stares at his son in disbelief. “You couldn’t do that?!
All you need to know is that 4 + 2 = 6!”
“Do you think, I’m stupid?! Of course I know that 4 + 2 = 6.
But what does this have to do with ducks!?

20 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

II. Very Very Interesting
1. If you multiply 1089 × 9 you get 9801. It's reversed itself! This also works with
 10989 × 9 = 98901 ;  109989 × 9 = 989901 ;  1099989 × 9 = 9899901
and so on.

2. 19 = 1× 9 + 1 + 9 ; 29 = 2 × 9 + 2 + 9 .
This also works for 39, 49, 59, 69, 79, 89 and 99.

3. 153, 370, 371 and 407 are all the "sum of the cubes of their digits".
In other words 153 = 13 + 53 + 33 ; 370 = 33 + 73 + 03 etc

4. If you divide any square number by 8 you get a remainder of 0, 1 or 4.

1 4
Examples: 81 ÷ 8 = 10 ; 36 ÷ 8 = 4 ; etc
8 8
5. Wrong Mathematics but correct answers.
The students have committed major crimes and still have obtained the correct
answers. Moral of the store, check student work !!!

sin 4 x sin 4 x 1
lim = lim =
x →0 sin 8 x x →0 sin 8 x 2

49 49 1
= =
98 98 2
6. If you multiply 21978 by 4 it turns backwards. 21978 × 4 = 87912

7. Sixty nine squared = 692 = 4761 and sixty nine cubed = 693 = 328509. These two
answers use all the digits from 0 to 9 between them.

8. In the English language "forty" is the only number that has all its letters in
alphabetical order.

9. 132 = 169 and if you write both numbers backwards you get 312 = 961.
This also works with 12 because 122 = 144 and 212 =441.

10. The number FOUR is the only number in the English language that is written
with the same number of letters as the number itself .

1 = one, 2 = two, 3 = three, FOUR = 4, five = 5, etc

21 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

III. Observe the pattern and decipher the code !!!

4 × 6 = 24
14 × 16 = 224
24 × 26 = 624
34 × 36 = 1224
53 × 57 = 3021
42 × 48 = 2016
61× 69 = 4209
75 × 75 = 5625
72 × 78 = 5616
Solution:

Multiply 4 × 6 = 24

14 × 16 = 224
The 2 is obtained by
It must multiplying
ALWAYS Add
up to 10
(1×1) + 1 = 2

22 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

IV. Lowest Common Multiple (LCM)
• Find the LCM of 27, 90, and 84.

The Most Accepted Practice is by using factor tree.

27 90 84

9 3 9 10 7 12

3 3 3 3 2 5 4 3

2 2
(3)(3)(3) (2)(3)(3)(5) (2)(2)(3)(7)
Therefore, the LCM of 27, 90, and 84 is:

(2)(2)(3)(3)(3)(5)(7) = 3,780

• Find the LCM of 27, 90, and 84. 

After
3 27 84 90 multiplying
3 9 26 30 (3)(3)(2)(3)
2 3 26 10 (13)(5) = 3780
Divide 3 13 5 3780
by 3
26 is Not
divisible
3 is a by 3. So
prime 26 stays.
number.

23 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

A Real World Connection using LCM.
My LCM story: (solution provided)

Nikkia’s mom loves to throw pool parties and barbeques. She serves
hamburgers, hamburger buns, and coca colas. Hamburgers are sold in packs
of 6, hamburger buns in packs of 8, and coca-colas in packs of 12. What is
the least number of the items Nikkia’s mom must purchase?

Divide each row by a prime number which is divisible

into the given numbers. Since I noticed that 2 was
common in all (6, 8, 12), I decided to divide by 2.
Once you get
2 6 8 12 prime numbers
3 3 4 6 STOP
2 1 4 2
Divide 1 2 1 24
by 3
4 is Not
divisible
by 3. So 4 24 is your LCM.
stays. After
multiplying
(2)(3)(2)(1)(2)(1)
The LCM is 24.

So Nikkia’s mom must purchase:

1. 4 packs of Hamburgers
2. 3 packs Hamburger Buns
3. 2 packs of Coca-Colas

24 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Find the LCM of 80 and 100

4 80 100
5 20 25
4 5

400 400

The LCM is 400.

Let’s say we wanted to add 1/80 + 1/100 ?

1 1 1 5 1 4
+ = ⋅ + ⋅ ……… do you see the beauty of the approach ?
80 100 80 5 100 4

Question: What caused the big bang?

Answer : God divided by zero. Oops!

25 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

V. Infallible I. Q. Test
Match the definitions in Column I with the terms in Column II

Column I Column II
1 That which Noah built A Hypotenuse
2 An article for serving ice cream B Polygon
3 What a bloodhound does in chasing a C Inscribe
woman
4 An expression to represent the loss of D Geometry
a parrot
5 An appropriate title for a knight E Unit
named Koll
6 A sunburned man F Center
7 A tall coffee pot perking G Decagon
8 What one does when it rains H Arc
9 Young dog sitting in a refrigerator I Circle
10 A vocal sound of sadness J Axiom
11 What you call a person who writes for K Cone
an INN
12 What the captain said when his boat L Coincide
was bombed
13 What the little acorn says when he M Cosecant
grows up
14 What you do if you have yarn and N Tangent
needles
15 What one does to trees that are in the O Loci
way
16 Why your friend does not help you P Perpendicular
with these answers

26 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Answers: Infallible I. Q. Test

Column I Column II
1 H
2 K
3 F
4 B
5 I
6 N
7 A
8 L
9 P
10 O
11 C
12 G
13 D
14 E
15 J
16 M

27 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

VI. Amazing !!!
The following was discovered by accident, can you find
more !!!

1!+ 4!+ 5! = 145

1 2 3
5 + 9 + 8 = 598
4 4 4 4
1 + 6 + 3 + 4 = 1634
5 5 5 5
4 + 1 + 5 + 0 = 4150
1 2 3
1 + 3 + 5 = 135
2 2
12 + 33 = 1233
5 5 5 5
4 + 1 + 5 + 1 = 4151

28 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

VII. Chick Hearn’s Theorem

Chick Hearn called his first Lakers game in

March 1961. His last game was June 12, when
the Lakers beat the New Jersey Nets to complete
a sweep of the NBA Finals

Chick Hearn set the standard for NBA play-by-play

announcers.

Chick Hearn, who made ''slam dunk'' and ''air ball'' common basketball expressions during his 42-year
broadcasting career with the Los Angeles Lakers, died on Aug. 5, 2002. He was 85.

The below mathematical discovery is dedicated to Chick. A True story (Michael & I were at one of
the Laker’s games in the Coliseum back in the mid eighties…]

The Discovery: The Iron man Chick Hearn, the Announcer for the Lakers for
over 3000 consecutive games, gave a score during a game to be 97 to 79, and
announced that the Lakers were ahead by 18.

We observed when subtracting 7 from 9 and multiply by 9 the answer is 18. Then
we wondered if this was true in all cases when subtracting two reversed integers!!!
After several tries, we found this to be true, as you can see in the following
examples and a simple proof.

95 − 59 = 4(9) = 36
97 − 79 = 2(9) = 18
52 − 25 = 3(9) = 27
62 − 26 = 4(9) = 36
91 − 19 = 8(9) = 72
Examples: 82 − 28 = 6(9) = 54
73 − 37 = 4(9) = 36
64 − 46 = 2(9) = 18
55 − 55 = 0(9) = 0

29 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

The Chick Hearn’s Theorem
By Hattar & Hovsepian

If x and y are any two single digit integers and

x > y , then xy − yx = 9 ( x − y ) .

Proof:

Let xy = 10 x + y , and yx = 10 y + x , then

xy − yx = (10 x + y ) − (10 y + x )
= 10 x + y − 10 y − x
= 9x − 9 y
= 9( x − y)

30 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

VIII. Rahm’s proof that Infinity = -1
First Rahm Emanuel, the Chief of
Staff of President Obama, found the
sum of the infinite series
1 + a + a2 + a3 + a4 + a5 + … = C
(which he called C for Chicago).

He very cleverly factored

an 'a' out

1 + a(1 + a + a2 + a3 + a4 + a5...) = C
Dr. Nasser and I, warned
him to be careful!!! He
Note: What's in parentheses is C ignored our input!!!

So 1 + a(C) = C
Then he proceeded in solving for C

aC - C = -1
C(a - 1) = -1
C = -1/(a-1)
So 1 + a + a2 + a3 + a4 + a5 + ... = 1/(1-a)

Now Rahm replaced 2 in for a and got

1 + 2 + 4 + 8 + 16 + 32 ... = 1/(1-2) = -1

Since the left side goes to infinity, Rahm concluded that

Infinity = -1

31 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 What's wrong with
Rahm’s argument?
2
Sir Isaac Newton,
3
Leonard Euler and other
mathematicians had made
similar mistakes with
infinite series!
Sir Isaac Newton Leonard Euler

The problem is that the infinite series converges only when the
absolute value of a is less than 1. So it's OK to make mistakes … if
you start early!

A visitor to the Geological Museum

in Yerevan, Armenia asks a museum
employee: “How old is the prehistoric
elephant discovered in a sand pit in
Gyumri.?” “Precisely 60 million and three years, two months, and
12 days.”
“How can you know that with such precision?”
“That’s easy. When I was appointed working here by the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation, a sign said that the skeleton was 60
million years old. And that was three years, two months, and 12
days ago. . . ”

2
Sir Isaac Newton, one of the greatest scientists (1642 – 1727).
3
Leonard Euler, one of the greatest mathematicians (1707 – 1783).
32 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar
 A collection of DAILY motivators designed to raise the interest
of students in appreciating the beauty of mathematics. Allocate no more than 15 - 20
minutes per MOTIVATOR at most and/or assign them as take home CHALLENGE work
for discussion at the next class meeting.

Fun
With Mathematics
Appendix C
The Collection
“Math Motivators”

33 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Fun With Mathematics
The following pages are some of the fascinating problems,
puzzles, we have 4compiled over the years,
with lots of sweat,
lots of tears, lots of love,
and maybe even a little blood.
We hope you and your
friends will enjoy working with these
tantalizing motivators.

Special Note:
Hovsepian, Viken “Vik”
Professor of Mathematics
Rio Hondo College The math level of each
MOTIVATOR is indicated
in
Hattar, Michael
Professor of Mathematics Appendix D-Solutions
Mount San Antonio College

Questions and their accompanying answers may be duplicated for classroom use. Reproduction of the questions and/or
answers for any other use is prohibited without permission from us.
E-Mail us at: [email protected], [email protected]

4
We have been using them since 1971.
34 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Motivator #1

Two poles are 30 meters and 110 meters high.

Find the height of the point of intersection of
the lines joining the top of each pole to the foot
of the other. The distance between the
buildings is 100 feet.

35 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #2

Lucie & Vik bought three puppies

of equal value for $1,500. Lucie
contributes $840 and Vik
contributed $660. By the end of
the California Puppy Fair in Palm
Springs, they had sold one puppy
for $1,500 and decided to end their partnership.
How should they divide the cash fairly if Lucie
keeps the two puppies ?

36 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #3

A right triangle, whose legs are greater than or

equal to 6 2 and a square with sides 12 cm
overlap as shown. The right angle of the
triangle is in the center of the square. What is
the area of the overlap ?
2 cm

12 cm

12 cm 10 cm

10 cm

2 cm

37 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #4

Given that a stick or a match has a length of 1

unit, it is possible to place the 12 sticks on a
plane in various ways to form 5polygons with
different areas keeping however the same
perimeter

Examples:
2
Perimeter 12 units and area 9 units2 Perimeter 12 units and area 5 units

The Question: Can you use all 12 sticks to form the

perimeter of a polygon with an area of
2
EXACTLY 4 units

5
A polygon is a closed figure made by joining line segments, where each line segment intersects exactly two others.
38 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Motivator #5

A storage room is 20 feet by 30 feet

by 120 feet. What is the shortest
distance a spider must crawl to go
from one lower corner of the room
to the opposite upper corner to
catch the fly (assuming the fly does
not fly) ?

39 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #6

The figure ABC is a quadrant of a circle and

semi-circles are drawn on AB and BC. Region
I and Region II are indicated. Find the ratio of
area I to area II.

II

B
C

40 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #7

In the array of numbers given below, determine the column in which

the number 1000 appears.

Columns
one two three four five
2 3 4 5
9 8 7 6
10 11 12 13
17 16 15 14
18 19 20 21
25 24 23 22
… … …
… … … … …
… … …
… … … … …
… … …

41 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #8

Find the mathematical error and explain the moral of the
story !!!
During the rivalry football game between the U$C Trojans and the
UCLA Bruins held at the Rose Bowl, the following scenario
transpired in one of the Concession Stands:
$ 4.90
$ 3.60

Q II QI

Q III Q IV $ 0.90
$ 1.60

1st Quarter: UCLA scores a touchdown and secures the point after and the lead
Bruin in QII purchases a round of Pepsi to all his fellow Bruins in QII including himself
and immediately after that the process is repeated by the rest of the Bruins in QII. That
means every Bruin buys the other Bruin Pepsi. If Pepsi costs 10 cents per can, then
$3.60 was spent by the Bruins in Q II.

42 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


2nd Quarter: The Trojans score and they secure the point after, and the lead
Trojan in QI purchases a round of Pepsi to all his fellow Trojans in QII including
himself and immediately after that the process is repeated by the rest of the Trojans in
QI, that means every Trojan buys the other Trojan Pepsi. If Pepsi costs 10 cents per can,
then $4.90 was spent by the Trojans in Q I.

3rd Quarter: The Trojans score but they miss the point after, and the lead Trojan
in QIV purchases a round of Pepsi to all his fellow Trojans in QIV including himself
and immediately after that the process is repeated by the rest of the Trojans in QIV. That
means every Trojan buys the other Trojan Pepsi. If Pepsi costs 10 cents per can, then
$0.90 was spent by the Trojans in QIV.

4th Quarter: The Bruins score and they secure the point after, and the lead
Bruin in QIII purchases a round of Pepsi to all his fellow Bruins in QIII including
himself and immediately after that the process is repeated by the rest of the Bruins in
QIII. That means every Bruin buys the other Bruin Pepsi. If Pepsi costs 10 cents per
can, then $1.60 was spent by the Bruins in QIII.

Final Score: UCLA 14, U$C 13

The Mathematics:

The total amount of money spent by the 10 Trojans buying each
other Pepsi is $5.80

The total amount of money spent by the 10 Bruins buying
each other Pepsi is $5.20

Therefore, the moral of the story is it costs too much to attend U$C
and therefore do not send your kids to U$C.

Your Charge: Explain the outcome.

43 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #9

Find the error in the following proof that 1 = 2

Prove: If a = b, a > 0, and b > 0, then 1 = 2

Proof
Statements Reasons
1. a, b > 0 Given
2. a=b Given
3. ab = b 2 Multiply both sides by b
4. ab − a 2 = b 2 − a 2 Subtract a 2 from both sides
5. a (b − a ) = (b + a )(b − a ) Factor
6. a = (b + a ) Divide both sides by (b − a )
7. a=a+a Substitute a for b
8. a = 2a Simplify
9. 1= 2 Divide both sides by a
Q.E.D.

44 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #10

The numbers [0 through 9] need

to be arranged in a unique way.
Some of the numbers have been
arranged for you. Find the proper
sequence of the Missing Numbers
by breaking the code.

8, 5, 4, 9, 1, …, … , … , … , …

45 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #11

These numbers are American.

16325, 34721, 12347,
52163, 90341, 50381

These numbers are NOT American.

2564, 12345, 854,
12635, 34325, 45026
Which of these numbers are
American ?
72521, 72341, 70523,
4562, 13562, 52703
46 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Motivator #12

Have I supplied enough information to solve

the problem below?

A cylindrical hole six inches long is drilled straight

through the center of a solid sphere. What is the
volume remaining in the sphere ?

47 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #13

Professor Hattar, very much involved with

numbers, was asked by his students how old he
was. He agreed to tell them, but not without
throwing in the following mini challenge:

“My son is 24 years younger than I am. He, in

turn, is 25 years older than my grandson. My
grandson and I together are 73 years old.”

How old is Professor Hattar?

48 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #14

Using exactly four 4s and the operations

+, −, ×, and ÷ , make equations that equal to
0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9.
a) 4 4 4 4 = 0

b) 4 4 4 4 = 1

c) 4 4 4 4 = 2

d) 4 4 4 4 = 3

e) 4 4 4 4 = 4

f) 4 4 4 4 = 6

g) 4 4 4 4 = 7

h) 4 4 4 4 = 8

i) 4 4 4 4 = 9
49 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Motivator #15

Using ONLY elementary geometry, NOT even trigonometry,

prove that angle C equals the sum of angles A and B.

There are many ways to prove that angle DCE in the figure
provided is the sum of angles DAB and DBC.

A B C E

Given: Three congruent squares as shown.

Show That: m∠A + m∠B = m∠C

Notes: Charles Trigg published 54 different proofs in the Journal of

recreational mathematics, Vol. 4, April 1971, pages 90 – 99.

A proof using paper cutting, by Ali R. Amir-Moez, appeared in the same

journal, Vol. 5, Winter 1973, pages 8 – 9.

For other proofs, see Roger North’s contribution to The Mathematical

Gazette, December 1973, pages 334-336, and its continuation in the same
journal, October 1974, pages 212-215.

For GENERALIZATION of the problem to a row of n squares, see Trigg’s

“Geometrical Proof of a Result of Lehmer’s,” in the Fibonacci Quarterly,
Vol. 11, December 1973, pages 539-540.

50 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #16

Using exactly four 5s and the operations

+, −, ×, and ÷ , to make equations that equal
to 3, 5, 6, 11, 24, 25, 30, and 120.

a) 5 5 5 5 = 3

b) 5 5 5 5 = 5

c) 5 5 5 5 = 6

d) 5 5 5 5 = 11

e) 5 5 5 5 = 24

f) 5 5 5 5 = 25

g) 5 5 5 5 = 30

h) 5 5 5 5 = 120

51 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #17

Dr. Nasser's Mini-Challenge !!!

Dr. Nasser (far left) loves

teaching mathematics. To
show his devotion
towards mathematics
challenged his two friends
Vik and Ahmed a round trip ticket to New
York. All expenses would be paid provided
Vik and Ahmed solve the below equation for x
within 10 minutes max.

The mini challenge:

Given x + x + x + x + x + ... = 3, Solve

for x .

52 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #18

Find the area of regions I & II of rectangle ABCD if the length is

10 cm and the width is 6 cm.

B E A
I

H 6 cm
II
C D
F

10 cm

53 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #19

Looking out into the backyard of the Annita

Hovsepian pre-school playground in
Gharabakh, I saw a mix of girls and cats
playing. I counted 17 heads and 44 feet.
How many girls were there and how many
cats ?

54 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #20  A

Pythagorean Triangles

With 12 matches a perfect

right angle can be built.
Puzzle 1
Add two matches and divide
this traingle into two equal
areas. It can be done exactly!

55 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #20  B

Pythagorean Triangles

Puzzle 2

Now divide the triangle

into 3 equal areas using 4
matches

56 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #20  C

2 Parts
Divide the right triangle with sides 6, 8, and 10 into 4, 6, equal
areas using 10, and 15 matches respectively.

Puzzle 3
Divide it into 4 equal areas using 10
matches.

Puzzle 4
Divide it into 6 equal areas using 15
matches.

57 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #21

2 Puzzles

Arrange seven matches into the equation

shown in the illustration. It can be seen that the
equation itself is not correct.

Puzzle 1
Move one match to a new position in order to make this equation
correct.
Puzzle 2
Move three matches to new positions to get a correct equation. This
puzzle can be solved in two different ways.

Note: In both puzzles it is not allowed to break matches and an

equation sign has to remain in the final expression.

58 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #22

Arrange 8 matchsticks to form a fish
swimming as shown below.

The object of the puzzle is to move 3 matches

to make the fish swimming in the opposite
direction.

59 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #23

A single railroad track is laid one mile over
level ground. It is firmly secured at the ends so
that they cannot move. If in the heat of the
day, the track expands one inch over its length,
and the track arcs above the ground, then how
high is the arc at the center?

60 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #24

At noon, Ship A is 100 km west of ship B.
Ship A is sailing south at 35 km/h and ship B is
sailing north at 25 km/h. How fast is the
distance between the ships changing at 4:00
P.M. ?

Ship A Ship B At NOON

Both ships are 100 km apart

61 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #25

Change the position of ONE match or stick to
make each statement true.
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

62 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #26

The amount of a monthly payment on a loan is
frequently calculated by banks using the
formula
r
l
P= 12
−m
 r 
1 − 1 + 
 12 

Where P is the monthly payment, r is the

interest rate per year, m is the total number of
monthly payments, and l is the amount of the
loan. Suppose Nicole borrows $250,000 at an
annual rate of 10% to be paid back in 30 years.
What is Nicole’s monthly payment ?

63 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #27

Can you cut the letter “H” shown below into

four identical pieces (same shape and area) and
with all the cutting lines passing through the
two points shown ?

64 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #28

Muna Hattar was always looking for ways to
save money. While in the remnant shop, she
came across just the material she wanted to
make a tablecloth. Unfortunately, the piece of
material was in the form of a 2 meters by 5
meters rectangle and her table was 3 meters
square. She bought it, however, having
decided that the area was more than enough to
cover the table.

When Muna got home she decided she had

been a fool because she couldn’t see how to cut
up the material to make a square. But just as
she despaired, she had a notion, and with three
straight cuts, in no time at all, she had 5 pieces
which fit together in a symmetrical pattern to
form a square using all the material. How did
Muna do it ?

2 meters

5 meters
65 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Motivator #29

The starting five of a famous

NBA basketball team shakes
hands with every other member
of the starting five.

How many handshakes will there be?

66 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #30

A cat is at the bottom of an

18-foot well.
Each day the cat climbs up 3
feet; each night
it slides back 2
feet. How
long will it
take the cat to
get out of the
well ?

67 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #31

Three logs with diameter of

exactly 10 feet each, one
tangent to the other two.
Find the distance from the
ground to the top of the
highest log. Expand the
problem using triangular
number of logs.

68 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #32

In the figure below, each of the 3 circles is

tangent to the other 2, and each side of the
equilateral triangle is tangent to 2 of the circles.
If the length of one side of the triangle is w,
what is the radius, in terms of w, of one of the
circles ?

69 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #33

Estimate, investigate, then calculate:

A. How long would one billion dollars be,
laid out end to end.

B. How high would a stack of one billion

pennies be?

70 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #34

On a table top arrange four

spheres each of radius 1 inch into
two layers, with three spheres on
the lower layer and one sphere on
the top layer. Find the distance
between the highest point of the
top sphere and the table top.

71 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #35

Fun with digits

Start with the sequence of non-zero digits
123456789. The problem is to place plus or
minus signs between them so that the result of
thus described arithmetic operation will be 100.

72 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #36

Apply the following definition for any numbers
a, b, c,
a

= abc − (a + b + c )
b c

and answer the below question.

Q: For which of the following equations is
it true that there is exactly one positive
integer that satisfies it ?
I. II. a
a
=0 =0
0 a a
a

III. a
=0
2a 3a

(A) none (B) I only (C) III only

(D) I and III (E) I, II, and III

73 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #37

Assuming that the binomial theorem
continues to hold when n is a positive rational
number that is not an integer. In general, the
coefficient in the expansion will not be
integers, and instead of terminating, the
expansion will be an infinite series:
n n n n−1 n ( n − 1) n−2 2
(a + b) = a + a b + a b + ...
1 1⋅ 2

a) Write the first four terms in the expansion

1
of (1 + x )
2

b) Use your answer in (a) with x = 1 to find a

numerical estimate of 2 .

74 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Motivator #38

Find the number of ways the letters of each
word can be arranged.

a) ESCALANTE
b) AMERICAN
c) MISSISSIPPI
d) SCHWARZENEGGER
e) HOVSEPAIN
f) ANNETTE
g) HATTAR
h) SHAMONEH
i) FOOTBALL

75 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Fun

With Mathematics
Appendix D
The Collection
“Math Motivators”

SOLUTIONS
Attached you will find the
solutions for
the 38 motivators from Appendix C

76 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Fun With Mathematics


SOLUTIONS To Motivators


The following pages are some of the fascinating problems,
puzzles, we have 6compiled over the years,
with lots of sweat,
lots of tears, lots of love,
and maybe even a little blood.
We hope you and your
friends will enjoy working with these
tantalizing motivators.
Hovsepian, Viken “Vik”
Professor of Mathematics
Rio Hondo College

Hattar, Michael
Professor of Mathematics
Mount San Antonio College

Questions and their accompanying answers may be duplicated for classroom use. Reproduction of the questions and/or
answers for any other use is prohibited without permission from us.
E-Mail us at: [email protected], [email protected]

6
We have been using them since 1971.
77 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar
 Solution
Motivator #1

Algebra, Geometry
4
Answer: 23 meters
7

Two Solutions have been supplied:

Solution One: A Geometric approach using similar triangles

B
110
K

30

A H C

ABC HKC and ARC AKH

KH HC KH AH
= ; =
30 AC 110 AC

KH KH HC AH
Now, add these two equations: + = +
30 110 AC AC

 HC + AH  HC + AH AC
(11) KH + (3) KH = 330  Note: = =1
 AC  AC AC
∴ 14 KH = 330

330 4
KH = = 23 meters
14 7

Please note: The distance between the buildings makes no difference.

78 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Solution Two: Using the Lens Formula or better known as the Gaussian lens formula, which was
discovered by Edmund Halley in 1693.

Background: Halley, Edmund [1656 – 1742 ]

English astronomer who established the first observatory in the southern hemisphere
on the island of St. Helena. He became good friends with Newton and convinced him
to publish the Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica. In his "Ode to
Newton," with which he prefaced the Principia, he wrote "Nearer the gods no mortal
may approach" (Westfall 1988). After studying comets, he noticed that the path of
the comets of 1456, 1531, and 1607 were surprisingly similar. He surmised that these
three sightings were different apparitions of a single comet, which he predicted
would return again around 1758. He died before his prediction was tested, but the
comet indeed returned and has been known as Halley's Comet ever since.

Introduction: The Lens Formula

There are three variables to consider

1. The object distance from the object to the lens. Denote this by o.
2. The image distance from the image which is formed to the lens. Denote this by i. If this
number is positive then the image is real. If it is negative, then the image is virtual.

f f
3. The ocal length of the lens. Denote this by . For a converging lens the focal length is
positive, and for a diverging lens the focal length is negative.

With these three variables defined, they are related to each other by the lens formula
1 1 1
+ =
O i f
Surprisingly, this same formula also holds for mirrors, even though mirrors work on the totally
different principle of reflection.

1 1 1
The Solution Using the Lens Formula: + = and solve for x .
110 30 x

( 330 x ) 
1 1 1
+ =
110 30 x 
14 x = 330
4
∴ x = 23 meters
7

Please note: The distance between the buildings makes no difference.

79 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #2

Pre-Algebra, Algebra
Basic Answer: Lucie keeps $ 400, and Vik keeps $1,100 [no partnership agreement exists]
Please Note: Solutions may vary pending upon partnership agreements.

Solution:
The Venture between Lucie & Vik: $1,500 (initial Investment)

$840 by Lucie $660 by Vik

Available assets after the sale of 1 puppy

Cash ………………………………….. $ 1,500
2 puppies worth ……(original)……… $ 1,000

$ 2,500

The venture profit:

840
Lucie’s Worth ⇒ ⋅ ( $2,500 ) = $1, 400
1500
660
Vik’s Worth ⇒ ⋅ ( $2,500 ) = $1,100
1500

Ending the venture:

Lucie will keep the 2 puppies ⇒ worth $ 1,000 + $400 CASH = $1,400
Vik will take only the cash ⇒ $1,100

Bottom Line: The $1,500 profit they made will be distributed in the following way
- Lucie gets $ 400
- Vik gets $ 1,100

80 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #3

Geometry
Answer: 36 cm 2

Solution:

12 cm

12 cm 12 cm

12 cm

We know that any two perpendicular lines that intersect at the center of the square divide the square
into 4 congruent regions.

Now tilt the triangle, as shown above and you will see what I mean.

Area of the square = (12)(12) ⇒ 144 cm 2

Divide the area by 4 = 36 cm 2

81 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #4

Pre-Algebra, Algebra, geometry

Solution:

Very interesting, since it uses the famous Pythagorean Theorem in its solution.

1
A= ( 4 )( 3) = 6 units 2
2

Figure 1 (shows Perimeter 12 and Area of 6 units 2 )

Figure 2 Figure 2 A (The solution 6 squares – 2 squares) = 4 squares

82 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #5

Pre-Algebra, Algebra, geometry
Answer: 130 feet

120 feet

30 ft 20 ft

Best way is to imagine that the room is a box. Then, fold-out the
box to see the path of the spider. The path then becomes the
diagonal of a rectangle with sides measuring 50 ft and 120 ft.
Let P = the path of the spider
P 2 = 502 + 1202 ……. This is a Pythagorean triple
∴ P = 130 feet

83 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #6

Geometry
Answer: 1

Solution:

Let r = radius of each semicircle

∴ 2r = radius of the quadrant

Hence, AQuadrant = Asemicirle 1 + Asemicirle 2 + II − I

1 2 1 1
π ( 2r ) = π r 2 + π r 2 + II - I
4 2 2

∴ π r 2 = π r 2 + II − I

∴ II = I

I
∴ =1
II

84 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #7

Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II

Answer: Column 2

Solution:

Factors of 1000 = (2)(2)(2)(5)(5)(5)

The number 1000 is a multiple of 8. Multiples of 8 appear in
column #2

85 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #8

Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry,
Algebra II

Solution: ( I am a UCLA Bruin, so I have to give my bias version)

 The arithmetic is correct. The logic in deriving the answer is

not correct. The USC Trojans had more Pepsi cans, that is
why they spent more money. The UCLA Bruins were smarter
in distributing their workers in 6 and 5 configuration rather
that 7 and 3 configuration.
 The moral of the story could be still correct, since we know it
costs more to attend U$C.

Note: I use “Do Now #8” as a start in problem solving. It

reinforces the concept that we have to compare quantities which are
the same and the rules must be the same for all situations. It is fun
and if you are not careful you will get into a trap!!!

86 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #9

Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II

Solution:

When we divided both sides by ( b − a ) we divided by 0 because

a = b.

87 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #10

Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry,
Algebra II

Solution:

8, 5, 4, 9, 1, 7, 6 , 3 , 2 , 0
8 5 4 9 1 7 6 3 2 0
eight five four nine one seven six three two zero

The numbers have been arranged alphabetically.

88 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #11

Geometry, Algebra II, Math Analysis

Solution: 72341, 70523, 52703

American numbers are

 five-digit odd numbers

 digits alternate odd even

 the sum of the digits is

always 17

 the digits never repeat

89 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #12

Algebra II, Math Analysis
Solution:

Let us draw a cross-section of the sphere:

r2 − 9
r–3

3 in r
r

The radius of the cylindrical hole = ( r2 − 9 )

r – 3, the altitude of the spherical caps
π

VCap =
6
( 4r 3
− 18r 2 + 54 )
After simplifying

VCylinder = 6π ( r 2 − 9 )
4

VSphere = π r 3
3
4 π 

Vdesired = π r 3 − 2  ( 4r 3 − 18r 2 + 54 )  − 6π ( r 2 − 9 )
3 6 
3

Answer: 36π in
[….the residue remains a CONSTANT regardless of the hole’s diameter or the size of
the sphere…]

90 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #13

Pre-Algebra, Algebra I
Solution:

Professor Hattar’s Age is 61.

Let H = Professor Hattar’s Age

Let G = grandson’s age

H + G = 73 ………. Eq. #1

H – G = 49 …….... Eq. #2

2H = 122

H = 61 and G = 12

91 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #14

Pre-Algebra
Solution: (answers may vary)

4+4−4−4 = 0
( 4 ÷ 4) + ( 4 − 4) = 1
( 4 ÷ 4) + ( 4 ÷ 4) = 2
( 4 + 4 + 4) ÷ 4 = 3
( 4 − 4) × 4 + 4 = 4
( 4 + 4 ) ÷ 4  + 4 = 6
4 + 4 − ( 4 ÷ 4) = 7
( 4 × 4 ÷ 4) + 4 = 8
4 + ( 4 ÷ 4) + 4 = 9

92 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #15

Geometry
Show That: m∠A + m∠B = m∠C
The PROOF
presented here is
the most
INTERESTING
one .

F
A B C

Statement Reason
1. Construct the squares indicated by the dash lines. By Construction

2. m∠B = m∠F Corresponding angles of

similar right triangles
3. Since, m∠A + m∠F = m∠C
4. m∠B can be substituted for m∠F
 It follows immediately that
m∠A + m∠B = m∠C
Q.E.D.

93 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #16

Pre-Algebra, Algebra
Answers may vary

a) 5 − ( 5 + 5 ) ÷ 5 = 3
b) 5 − ( 5 − 5 ) ⋅ 5 = 5
c) ( 5 ⋅ 5 ) + 5 ÷ 5 = 6
d) ( 5 ÷ 5) + 5 + 5 = 11
e) ( 5 ⋅ 5 ) − ( 5 ÷ 5 ) = 24
f) ( 5 ⋅ 5 ) + 5 − 5 = 25
g) [5 + 5 ÷ 5] ⋅ 5 = 30
h) 5 ⋅ 5 ⋅ 5 − 5 = 120

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 Solution
Motivator #17

Algebra
7
Vik and Ahmed's elegant Solution:

Vik and Ahmed argued, what’s under the biggest square root is 9, because 9 is 3 .
They cleverly set what’s under the biggest radical then, equal to 3 .

2
  2
x + x + x + x + x + ... = 9  x + x + x + x + x + ...  = [3]
 

But she pointed out that

x + x + x + x + x + ... = 9

x + x + x + x + x + ... = 9
1444 424444 3
⇑

But this much is the original

problem ! and it equals to 3

Hence, x + 3 = 9
And x = 6 the final answer.

7
Dr. Nasser Al-Uwashig is an educator in Saudi Arabia and in charge of the first US K-12 Math Program translation in the
world.
95 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar
 Solution
Motivator #18

Geometry

B E A
I

H 6 cm
II
C D
F

10 cm

Solution: The Area of BHE = Area DHF

The Area of AHE = Area CHF
1
The Area of BHA = (10 )( 6 ) = 15
4
∴ Area I + Area II = 15 cm 2

Note: Students need to show that the triangles are congruent first
and then proceed in making the connection.

96 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #19

Algebra

Let G = # of Girls
Let C = # of Cats

G + C = 17
2G + 4C = 44

Therefore, G = 12; C = 5

Check  (Heads)
12 Girls = 12 Heads
5 Cats = 5 Heads

Check  (Feet)
12 Girls = (12)(2) = 24 Feet
5 Cats = (5)(4) = 20 Feet

97 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #20  A

Pre-Algebra, Geometry
Solution:

Puzzle 1
Two matches fit exactly as shown.

Each space has an area of 3 units.

Look at the kite which is made up of
two triangles each of area 1 ½ units.

98 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #20  B

Solution:

Puzzle 2

Here is an explanation of the way the matches

perfectly divide the space;

The triangle is a 3 4 5 as shown. A line of 1

unit (one match) is added 3 units along the
base.

Construct a congruent right triangle DEF at the

point F then DF will be perpendicular to AC,
5
3 DF = 5 units
DE = 4 units
1 EF = 3 units

4
D
Extending DE to A creates a third congruent
right triangle ADG in which AD = 5,
DG = 4, AG = 3 units. Do you see the
beauty!!!
C

It is now clear that GF = DF – DG = 5 – 4 = 1 G

unit AG = 3 units and GC = 2 units. 5
E F 3
1
A B
4 H

99 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solutions
Motivator #20  C

To 2 Parts (Puzzles 3 & 4)
A construction allows us to see what happens in the 6, 8, 10 triangle when three matches
are placed perpendicular to the base at the 7 cm point; the match of 1 unit length once
again fits perfectly.

Solutions

Puzzle 3 Puzzle 4

Using 10 matches Using 15 matches

100 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solutions
Motivator #21

Puzzles 1 & 2

Puzzle 1

Puzzle 2

101 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #22

Pre-Algebra

Solution:

Original

Solution

102 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #23

Geometry, Algebra II
Solution: Answer ≈ 13.34 feet

12in
1 mile = 5280 feet ⋅ = 63,360 in
1ft
Assume AEC ≈ AC
C
E
x
A B
D
1 mile

63360
AD = = 31680 in
2

AC = 31680 + .5 = 31680.5 in

2 2 2
( AD ) + ( DC ) = ( AC )

2 2
( 31680 ) + x 2 = ( 31680.5 )

x 2 ≈ 31680.25 , x ⇒ 177.9896 in

177.9896
≈ 13.34 feet
12

103 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #24

Steps 1 & 2:
Calculus
Ship A Ship B
At NOON
Both ships are 100 km apart

After some time we have the following generic situation:

Let y be the distance ship B

travels NORTH
Let x be
the
distance
ship A
travels
SOUTH
Generic distance between the ships as one
travels NORTH & one travels SOUTH

Step 3: Searching for the Geometric MODEL to help us to come up with an equation

2
z 2 = ( x + y ) + 1002 …… eq #1
y I have used the Pythagorean
Theorem and allowing the
RED distance equal to z
z
x
dx dy
Given: = 35 km / h ; = 25 km / h
dt dt

dz
Find:
dt at 4:00 pm

Continued

104 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution (continued)
Motivator #24

Calculus

Here comes the most important connection at 4:00 PM !!!

Distance = (Rate)(Time) …………………………….. remember back in Algebra ?

Now you need to write x, y, and z in terms of distance

x = 4(35) = 140 km

y = 4(25) = 100 km
differentiate
z = (140 + 100) 2 + 100 2 = 260 km

2
Step 4: Now you are ready to GIVE LIFE to z 2 = ( x + y ) + 1002 …………….. equation #1
d 2
 z 2 = ( x + y ) + 1002 
dt

dz  dx dy 
2z = 2( x + y) + 
dt  dt dt 

dz
Step 5: Substitute all the values and you will get the answer for
dt at 4:00 pm

720
= ≈ 55.4 km / h
13

Now write a sentence explaining what the answer means: The distance between the ships is changing
at the rate of 55.4 km/h.

105 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #25

Pre-Algebra, Algebra
1.

Original

Solution

2.

Original

Solution

3.

Original

Solution

106 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #25

Pre-Algebra, Algebra
4.
Original

Solution

5.

Original

Solution

107 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #26

Algebra II
Solution: Answer $2,193.93

r
l
P= 12
−m
 r 
1 − 1 + 
 12 

r .10
l ( 250,000 )
P= 12 = 12
−m −36
 r   .10 
1 − 1 +  1 − 1 + 
 12   12 

P = $2193.93 monthly payment

2193.93 × 360 = $789,814.41 Total

789,814.41 − $250,000.00 = $539,814.41 interest

108 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #27

Geometry

109 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #28

Geometry

2nd cut = Fold & cut

2 3

1
2

3
st
1 Cut
3rd Cut

10

1
1 3
3
10 10

3
3
1 1

10

Note: Figures NOT to scale

110 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #29

Algebra II

Solution: 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 10

Or

5!
5 C2 = = 10
2!(5 − 2)!

111 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #30

Pre-Algebra

Solution: Answer 16 days

After 15 days the

cat still has 3 feet to
go. The cat does
this the next day
and is at the top of
the well after 16
days.

112 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #31

Geometry

Answer: 18.66 feet

Solution:
T
5

A
5
5
F

5 5

E 5
B 5
C

AB = BC = AC = 10
G
m∠B = 60 0 , m∠BAE = 30 0
AE = 5 3 ; AF = AE − FE ; AF = 5 3 − 5
TG = GF + FA + AT
= 10 + 5 3 − 5 + 5
= 10 + 5 3
TG ≈ 18.66 feet

113 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #32

Geometry
w
Solution: Answer r=
2+2 3

600
r r
0
30
r 3 2r r 3

w
w = r 3 + 2r + r 3

w = 2r + 2r 3

w
Isolate r, r=
2+2 3

114 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #33

Algebra 1

Solution:
1
1 dollar = 15.5 cm or 6 inch
8
a) 6.125 × 1,000,000,000 = 6,125,000,000 inches

 1 foot   1 mile 
( 6,125, 000, 000 in )    = 96, 669.82 miles
 12 in   5280 foot 

b) The diameter of the penny can be easily obtained by using a ruler. We measured it as .75 inches
or 19 Millimeters. (Don’t take our word for it though – try these measurements yourself.)

Determining the thickness is somewhat tougher isn’t it? Instead of trying to measure 1 penny’s
thickness why not several stacked together? (We measured 30 pennies as 43 millimeters,
making each penny 1.43 mm thick). A more precise method would be to use something not as
common as a ruler – a micrometer. We used one and obtained a value of 1.27 mm (or .05
inches) for the thickness.

Official Measurements:

Value One cent

Pictures on both side of the coins Lincoln and Lincoln memorial
Standard weight 2.5 grams
Standard diameter 0.750 in. or 19.05 mm
Thickness 1.55 mm

Legal/official (exact) definitions of

inch-pound units as set by U.S. law:

• 1 inch = 25.4 millimeters

 1.55 mm  1 inch  1 foot  1 mile 

(1,000,000,000 cents)     = 963.125348 miles
 1 cent  25.4 mm  12 inches  5280 feet 

115 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #34

Geometry
Spheres are tangent
O1

O4

K
O3 O2

∴ O1O2 = O1O3 = O1O4 = O3O4

O1O2O3O4 is a regular tetrahedron

K is the center of ∆O3O4O2

2
O2 K = 3
3
O1 K = altitude
2 2 2
( O1 K ) + ( O2 K ) = ( O1O2 )
2
2 2 2  8
( O1 K ) = 2 − 3 =
 3  3

8 2
O1 K = = 6
3 3

2 2 2
Distance = 1 + 6 +1 = 2 + 6 +1 = 2 + 6 ≈ 3.633 inches
3 3 3

116 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #35

Pre-Algebra
1+2+34-5+67-8+9 = 100
12+3-4+5+67+8+9 = 100
123 - 4 - 5 - 6 -7+8 – 9 =100
123+4-5+67-89 =100
123+45-67+8-9 =100
123-45-67+89 = 100
12-3-4+5-6+7+89 = 100
12+3+4+5-6-7+89 = 100
1+23-4+5+6+78-9 = 100
1+23-4+56+7+8+9 = 100
1+2+3-4+5+6+78+9 =100

If we put a "-" before 1, we have one more solution:

-1+2-3+4+5+6+78+9=100

Using the "." decimal separation we found another solution:

1 + 2.3 – 4 + 5 + 6.7 + 89 = 100

What about 987654321 ?

98-76+54+3+21=100 98+7-6+5-4-3+2+1=100
9-8+76+54-32+1=100 98-7+6+5-4+3-2+1=100
98+7+6-5-4-3+2-1=100 98-7+6-5+4+3+2-1=100
98-7-6-5-4+3+21=100 98+7-6-5+4+3-2-1=100
9-8+76-5+4+3+21=100 98-7-6+5+4+3+2+1=100
98-7+6+5+4-3-2-1=100 9+8+76+5+4-3+2-1=100
98+7-6+5-4+3-2-1=100 9+8+76+5-4+3+2+1=100
9-8+7+65-4+32-1=100

Write the sign "-", three solutions:

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 Solution
Motivator #35

Pre-Algebra
Write the sign "-", three solutions:
-9+8+76+5-4+3+21=100
-9+8+7+65-4+32+1=100
-9 - 8+76 - 5+43+2+1=100
With the decimal point:
9 + 87.6 + 5.4 – 3 + 2 – 1 = 100
If I "shuffle" the digits there are many
solutions. I found some when I was young, for
example:
91 + 7.68 + 5.32 – 4 = 100
98.3 + 6.4 - 5.7 + 2 – 1 =100
538 + 7 – 429 – 13 = 100
(8 x 9.125)+37 – 6 – 4 = 100 etc etc etc ....

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 Solution
Motivator #36

Geometry, Algebra 2
The answer is III.

I. a (a )(0)( a ) − (a + 0 + a ) = 0
=0 −2 a = 0
0 a Hence, a = 0 (not a + positive integer)

II.
(a )(a )(a ) − ( a + a + a ) = 0
a

=0 a 3 − 3a = 0 ; a (a 2 − 3) = 0
a a
a = 0, a = ± 3 (not a + positive integer)

III. (a )(2a )(3a ) − (a + 2a + 3a ) = 0

a
=0 6a 3 − 6a = 0
2a 3a
6 a ( − 1) = 0
a 2

a = 0; a = ±1
Hence a = 1 (is a positive integer)

119 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #37

Algebra 2, Math Analysis

Solution:

a)
 1  1   1  1  3 
  −    −  −  5
1

1 2−
1
  2  2  2 2  2  2  2   − 2  3
 −
3

2
1 + 1  x + 1  x + 1  x =
2  1⋅ 2   1⋅ 2 ⋅ 3  

x 1 2 x3
1+ − x +
2 8 16

1
1 1 1
b) 2 = (1 + 1) = 1 +
2 − + ≈ 1.4375
2 8 16

120 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Solution
Motivator #38

Algebra 2, Math Analysis
If a set of n elements has n1 elements of one kind alike, n2 of another kind
alike, and so on, then the number of permutations, P , of the n elements
taken n at a time is given by
n!
P=
n1 !n2 !⋅⋅⋅
j) EACALANTE 9!
2!3!
8!
k) AMERICAN
2!
11!
l) MISSISSIPPI
4!4!2!
14!
m) SCHWARZENEGGER
3!2!2!
9!
n) HOVSEPIAN
1!
7!
o) ANNETTE
2!2!2!
6!
p) HATTAR = 180
2!2!
8!
q) SHAMONEH
2!
8!
r) FOOTBALL
2!2!

121 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Math Is Fun

Appendix E
Hovsepian, Viken “Vik”
Professor of Mathematics/Author
Rio Hondo College

Hattar, Michael
Professor of Mathematics
Mount San Antonio College

The accompanying information may be duplicated for classroom use only. Reproduction for any other use is prohibited
without permission from us.
E-Mail us at: [email protected], [email protected]

122 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Magic In Multiplication


Magic 1: Multiplying any single digit by 9
- Method One
Page 124

- Method Two
Page 125

Magic 2: Multiplying any 2 digits
Page 126

Magic 3: Multiplying two digits by 9

- Case A:
Page 127
When the second digit is LARGER than the first digit

- Case B:
Page 128

When the second digit is SMALLER than the first

Trivia: From a million to googolplex
Page 129

Magic 4: Multiplying two digit numbers
Page 130

The attached may be duplicated for classroom use. Reproduction of the material for any other use is prohibited without
permission.
E-Mail at: [email protected]; [email protected]

123 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Magic 1: Multiplying any single digit by 9
Method One

• Multiply 9 by 7
o Spread your two hands in front of you ..with the fingers spread Up
o From left to right count 7 fingers, Bend down the last finger (the seventh)
o What you will see (from left to right): six fingers up, one finger down, and
three up
o Consider the finger that is bent down is a separator
o The answer is 6 (the first six fingers)
(6)(10) = 60 and 3 (the following 3
fingers
o Therefore the answer is 60 + 3 = 63

• Multiply 9 by 3
o Spread your two hands in front of you ..with the fingers spread Up
o From left to right count 3 fingers, Bend down the last finger (the third)
o What you will see (from left to right): Two fingers up, one finger down, and
Seven up
o Consider the finger that is bent down is a separator
o The answer is 2 (the first two fingers)
(2)(10) = 20 and 7 (the following
7 fingers)
o Therefore the answer is 20 + 7 = 27

124 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Magic 1: Multiplying any single digit by 9
Method Two
• First you need to imagine your fingers on each hand are numbered like below.

• Now suppose you want to multiply 8 x 9, you touch together the 8 finger from one
hand and the 9 finger of the other hand.
•

• You work out the "tens" and "units" separately:

• To get the "tens" you count up the fingers that are touching and all the fingers
underneath. Here you'll see there are 7 fingers that count altogether, so that
gives us 7 tens or 70.
• To get the "units" you look at the fingers on each hand above the two touching
fingers, and multiply these numbers together. Here you'll see 2 fingers on one
hand and one finger on the other, so you get 2x1= 2 units
• That gives us a final answer of 70 + 2 = 72.

It works! Because 8 x 9 DOES make 72!

125 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Magic 2: Multiplying any 2 digits

Multiply 7 x 6 = 42
• Now suppose you want to multiply 7 x 6, you touch together the 7
finger from one hand and the 6 finger of the other hand. (see
diagram
below)

• You work out the "tens" and "units" separately.

• To get the "tens" you count up the fingers that are touching and all
the fingers underneath. Here you'll see there are 3 fingers that
count altogether, so that gives us 3 tens or 30.
• To get the "units" you look at the fingers on each hand above the two
touching fingers, and multiply these numbers together. Here you'll
see 3 fingers on one hand and four fingers on the other, so you get 3
x 4= 12 units
• That gives us a final answer of 30 + 12 = 42.

It works again! Because 7 x 6 DOES make 42

126 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Magic 3: Multiplying 2 digits by 9 (up to 99)
Case A: When the second digit is LARGER than the first digit

The algorithm used is similar to the following:

• To multiply a two-digit number by 9,
• ENTER the multiplicand by forming a between
the tens-digit finger and the next finger to its
right (SPREAD).
• ENTER the units digit by FOLDING the
units-digit finger.

To read the product

Hundreds digit: Count the standing fingers before the SPREAD

Tens digit: Moving from left to right, count the fingers from the
SPREAD to the FOLD; wrap around if necessary.
Units digit: Count the standing fingers to the right of the FOLD.

Example: Let’s MULTIPLY 27 X 9 = 243

Tens Digit :
4 fingers = 40
Units digit:
3 fingers = 3
Hundreds Digit :
2 fingers = 200

As you can see:

200 + 40 + 3 = 243

127 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Additional Example:

48 x 9
Enter (1 2 3 4 SPACE 5 6 7 F 9 0)

Read:
Hundreds (1 2 3 4) 4
Tens (5 6 7) 3
Units (9 0) 2
Answer: 432

Magic 3: Multiplying 2 digits by 9 (up to 99)

Case B: When the second digit is SMALLER than the first digit

Example: 83 x 9
Enter (1 2 F 4 5 6 7 8 SPACE 9 0)

Read:
Hundreds (1 2 4 5 6 7 8) 7
Tens (9 0 1 2) 4 (wraps around)
Units (4 5 6 7 8 9 0) 7

Answer: 7 4 7

128 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Trivia: Do you know the academic vocabulary of
some of the numbers?
Here they are:

million 106
billion 10 9
trillion 1012
quadrillion 10 15
quintillion 1018
sextillion 1021
septillion 1024
octillion 1027
nonillion 1030
decillion 1033
undecillion 1036
duodecillion 1039
tredecillion 1042
quatuordecillion 1045
quindecillion 1048
sexdecillion 1048
septendecillion 1054
octodecillion 1057
novemdecillion 1060
vigintillion 1063
googol 10100
googolplex 10googol = 1010100

129 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Multiplying 2 digit numbers

Step 1: Multiply the ones digit together

Step 2: Cross-multiply and add

Step 3: Multiply the tens digit together

Answer is 276

130 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Fun
With Mathematics
Appendix F
Projects

The accompanying information may be duplicated for classroom use only. Reproduction for any other use is prohibited
without permission from us.
E-Mail us at: [email protected], [email protected]

131 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Fun With Mathematics
The following pages are some of the fascinating projects
we have been using over the years.
We hope you and your
friends will enjoy them.

Hovsepian, Viken “Vik”

Professor of Mathematics/Author
Rio Hondo College

Hattar, Michael
Professor of Mathematics
Mount San Antonio College

Questions and their accompanying answers may be duplicated for classroom use.
Reproduction of the questions and/or answers for any other use is prohibited
without permission from us.
E-Mail us at: [email protected], [email protected]

Three of the biggest challenges facing teachers are adequate planning, classroom management and a
BAG of Math Is Fun motivators.
Gaining confidence in teaching takes time and requires goal setting and reflection.
Novice teachers might make their initial goals becoming familiar with teacher standards
and subject matter
standards plus benchmark indicators at the state and national levels.
Another goal might be to investigate assessment methods and how they might
be incorporated into lesson plans. Traditional assessments include multiple choice, true/false, and
matching, for example. However, consider alternative assessments as short answer questions, essays,
portfolios, journal writing, oral presentations, demonstrations, creation of a product, student self-
assessment, or performance tasks that are assessed by predetermined criteria.
This collection of MATH Tid-Bits has made Michael Hattar and Vik Hovsepian survive
the classroom pressures.

132 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar
Conic Pictures Project
Pages 134 – 137
• Sample Student Work Pages 138 - 142

Linear Picture Project
Pages 143 – 144

• Sample Student Work

Linear Programming Project
Pages 145 – 146

A Bobo Project
Page 147

[King Arthur’s Round Table]
• Sample Student Work Pages 148 – 159

Monsters & Mini- Monsters
Pages 160 - 169

Projects

Bamburgh Castle

The marriage of King Arthur
Princess Guinevere

133 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Conic Pictures Project

Math Is Fun
Concept Focus: Conics
Standards: Algebra I - 6, 22, 25
Algebra II – 1, 2, 10, 17

Skills: Graphing on the coordinate plane, making mathematical connections with art.

Materials: Graph paper, straightedge, pencils, markers, construction paper.

Description: This special project, which is submitted as a portfolio, allows students to use
their knowledge of the conic sections to create pictures or designs that are based on conic
sections.

Background and Rationale:

Learning conic sections seems to be a difficult concept that has kept many high school students
from taking advanced mathematics classes past second year algebra.

This project allows students to use their creativity and design their own “piece of art.” After
specific modeling and guided practice, they build a portfolio for their own picture or design.
They use equations of conic sections combined with linear functions and appropriate restrictions
on the domain and/or range to describe their picture design. The project takes two or three
days of class time, and the remainder of the work is done on the student’s own time. The
project is usually done over a total of two weeks with occasional progress checks to make sure
that students are on task. This is provided they have completed the conic section in Algebra II.
If not, an additional 2 weeks need to be added.

134 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

The students become involved in combining art and mathematics, often using tens of equations.
The cover of the portfolio is an artistic rendition of the picture inside. The pictures range
from cars to airplanes, from Mickey Mouse to Ninja Turtles. Students realize that they can
have fun using mathematics, and their creativity in designing their projects is amazing. Every
student’s portfolio is on display for fellow students as well as community members to see.

Day One:
Review graphing techniques of conic sections. Discuss restrictions can be placed on the domain
and/or range of conic sections so that only desired portion of the conic remains. Guided
practice in small groups is recommended.

Day two
Students work in small groups to graph the 12 equations below which produces a face.

On one set of axes, graph the

following:

1. x 2 = −12 ( y + 7 )
2
2. x2 + 4 ( y + 4) = 4
3. x2 + y 2 = 1
2
4. 4 ( x + 9) + y 2 = 4
2
5. 4 ( x − 9) + y 2 = 4
2 2
6. ( x − 3) + ( y − 6 ) = 0
2 2
7. ( x + 3) + ( y − 6 ) = 0
2 2
8. ( x + 3) + ( y − 6 ) = 4
2 2
9. ( x − 3) + ( y − 6 ) = 4
10. yx 2 + 4 y 2 = 576
11. x 2 = 10 (14 − y )
12. y =9

Supply students graph paper and instruct to make one large coordinate system on which they will
graph all 12 equations. The resulting “conic face” graph contains many conic sections and makes
use of the degenerate forms for conics (circles with radius 0 for pupils of eyes, etc.) Encourage
students to come up with restrictions on the graphs, so that various final pictures are derived
from the same basic set of equations. Students share and discuss their graphs with the class.

135 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Some discussion might be, “Should equations 11 and 12 be used to form a hat or headband and
hair ?” or “How could we put restrictions on equation 1 so that it appears to be a chin ? a pair
of shoulders ?”

Project Description (See Activity Sheet on page 125 – what you give to the students)
Now students are ready to start their project. Give them the following project description and
also grading standards and due dates. Encourage students to include more than the minimum
amount of work in their portfolio. I also share projects from past years with the class and put
them on display as students work on their own projects.

Additional class days can be used for working on the project and checking student progress. I
am also available to help students before and after school, and during lunch.

All conic pictures must conform to accepted standards of decency. (The accepted standards
are MY standards which are not necessarily the same as yours.) See me for clarification if
needed.

EXTENSION: Students print out their equations using a graphing utility.

[…computer generated pictures …]

⌧ Check the next page for

the HANDOUT given to the students

Project-based learning is a terrific way to link your

curriculum with real world events and applications of concepts that
your students are learning.

136 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Conic Pictures Project
Directions: This special project, to be submitted as a portfolio, will allow you to use
your knowledge of conic sections and your creativity to make a picture or
design that is based on conics.

To receive FULL credit, your picture or design must contain at least one of each of the
conics we have studied, i.e., circle, ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola. You may, of course,
have more than one of any conic section, and you may include as many degenerate conics
(lines and points) as you need to complete your picture.

Along with your final “visually pleasing” project, you need to submit a working copy of
the picture with each graph statement numbered. The numbers will be used to check
your equation. These numbers will also be used to identify any restrictions you wish to
put on the domain and/or the range of the graph segments. These restrictions should
be provided on a separate piece of paper.

The cover of the portfolio should be an artistic rendition of the graphics picture inside.

Remember that in grading the Conic Section, I will be looking for:

 Inclusion of the necessary conic sections,

 Accuracy of your equations, including the restrictions,
 Neatness,
 Originality of design,
 Creativity.

All conic pictures must conform to accepted standards.

Sample Student Work #1

137 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar
A total of 47 EQUATIONS were used

138 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Sample Student Work #2

A total of 111 EQUATIONS were used.

139 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Sample Student Work #3

The EQUATIONS were

broken down into the
following:

• THE ANKH ..................................................... 23 equations

• KING TUTANKHAMUN ……… 82 equations
MASK
• EGYPTIAN COBRA …………………………………… 66 equations
GUARDING PYRAMID

140 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Sample Student Work #4

A TOTAL of 62
EQUATIONS were used.

141 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Sample Student Work #5

A TOTAL of

677
equations

to accomplish this
EXTRAORDINARY work.
WOW !!!

142 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Sample Student Work #6
[Linear Equations]

A TOTAL of 68 equations were used

to complete the picture

…..see equations along with the restrictions on the next page ……

143 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Sample Student Work The equations for #6

144 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar


Linear Programming Application

Math Is Fun
Concept Focus: Linear Programming, like many applications of math, was
developed and used in defense in the beginning in the 1940s. It
is now used in many fields especially in areas of business.

Standards: Algebra I - 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13

Algebra II – 1, 2

Your Task: You are the assistant manager of an appliance store in Los Angeles. The manager
has asked you to do a cost analysis to figure out what stereo systems the store should order.

Next month you will order two types of stereo systems, a less expensive Model A and a more
expensive Model B. As assistant manager you must figure out how much of each model to order
to minimize costs. You expect to sell at least 100 units some Model A and some Model B.

Model A leaves a $40 profit for the store. Model B leaves a $60 dollar profit for the store.
Total profits must be at least $4800. The wholesale cost of Model A is $250 dollars. The
wholesale cost of Model B is $400. As a store you buy at the wholesale cost.

Questions you need to respond to:

1. What does a point in the solution region represent? How does it compare to a point
not in your solution region?
2. Find the minimum and maximum costs (if they exist).
3. How many of each model should you order to minimize your costs?
4. What is the profit when all items are sold ?
5. After reviewing your report, the manager decides that the store must order at least
30 Model B stereos even if it increases the minimum cost. You go back to the drawing
board to revise your analysis.
- Now how many of each model should be ordered to minimize costs
- What is the profit when all items are sold?

145 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Skills included or Needed for this project

• Students need an understanding of systems of equations and systems of

inequalities.
• Students must be able to solve a system of equations.
• Students must be able to work with equations.
• Students must know how to isolate a variable.
• Students must be able to graph lines.
• Students need an understanding of solution area for systems of inequalities.
• Students must be able to translate from written sentences to algebraic
expressions.

Remember that in grading this Project, I will be looking for:

 Your clear explanation to the questions asked.

 Neatness in your presentation.
 Ability to present your findings to the class.

Project-based learning is a terrific way to link your

curriculum with real world events and applications of concepts that
your students are learning.

146 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Mathematics with
Hovsepian & Hattar

Project Bobo
King Arthur’s The Round Table
“Helping Bobo Where To Sit”

The Problem Bobo’s curiosity made him participate

for big prizes at King Arthur’s Round Table contest.
After paying the entrance fee Bobo was asked to sit at
the only remaining seat at this
huge round table. No one new
what the game was all about.
However, the interesting thing
was that all the other eighteen
people had already been seated
by some unknown fashion and
the only seat that was not occupied was seat #7.
So Bobo sat in seat #7.

Then someone dressed as King Arthur went around the table

ELIMINATING people from winning any prizes. The way it was done was
he started from seat #1 and eliminated every second person in order until
one remained. The first one he eliminated was the person seated in seat
#2.

Now there was a second contest for a even bigger prize! Because Bobo had
won the last round he got to pick which seat to sit in first. There was only
one problem. Bobo doesn’t have a clue to know where to sit if the pattern
was continued. Bobo now needs to decide where to sit in, but he can’t do it
alone. He needs our help.

147 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

A Student’s Explanation:
Explaining how I proceeded to solve this problem

I plan to solve this problem by creating several diagrams or similar

examples to find a pattern that works for everything. I first will check to
see if the pattern in the first contest that Bobo was in works. Then I will
create smaller examples starting from the minimum number of players
needed to play which is 2. I will work my way up and take all the answers.
Then I will try to find a pattern to see if the pattern works for every
answer.

17 16 15
18
19
14
17 15
13
19
1

13 12
1
2

11 11
3 5
3

7 9 10
4 9

5 6 7 8

To begin - the chairs where numbered consecutively from 1 through 19 and

were organized in a circular manner around the huge round table.
- During the first round of elimination, the following chairs
numbered 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 were eliminated.
So the following remained 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19
- During the second round of elimination, the following chairs
numbered 1, 5, 9, 13, 17 were eliminated. So the following
remained 3, 7, 11, 15, 19

148 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

- During the third round of elimination, the following chairs
numbered 3, 11, 19 were eliminated. So the following remained
7, and 15.
- During the last round of elimination between Chair #7 & Chair
#15. Chair #15 gets eliminated since Chair #7 is considered
Chair number 1.

What was I thinking and what did I do before I began to solve the
problem ?
I had the following concerns regarding the Bobo puzzle:
1. What if the numbers were not consecutive integers. In other words the numbers
were attached to the contestants as they entered the arena and they sat randomly.
2. When the man was eliminating every second person in order until one is
remaining confused me at first. I understood what it was meant after I actually
had to read the problem over and over again and began to draw a circle and place
the 18 other contestants and Bobo in an orderly manner (as shown above) to
really understand how it worked. Chair # 19 becomes Chair # 1 after the first
round of elimination. If you miss this one you miss the entire problem. So
thanks to the tip given in the problem where it is stated that the eliminated
numbers are 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 18, and then comes 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, and then 3,
11, 19, and lastly 15. This information was very valuable for me to decipher the
pattern.
3. I was also concerned about drawing a circle with 100 consecutive positive
integers and then going over the process of eliminating every 2nd one – a long
process that takes time and also the chance of making a mistake was great since I
had NOT yet discovered the pattern. I was determined to find a pattern with
SMALLER numbers and then showing that it works for any POSITIVE integers
greater than 19. I did require some help from my Uncle. He explained to me
what Arithmetic Sequences are all about.

Example: Given the following Arithmetic Sequence to find the 5th term
7, 9, 11, 13, …
Solution:
We know the answer is 15 because the sequence is increasing by 2.
What my uncle provided me was a powerful FORMULA an = a1 + (n − 1)d .

He explained to me that an = the last term desired; a1 = the first term in the
sequence; n = number of terms; d = the difference or pattern between the
consecutive sequence. Anyway, I used this formula to come up with the answer.
149 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar
The Work
I started by first proving that Bobo, who was seated at Chair #7 was really the winner among the19
contestants seated in chairs placed in a circular manner.

Elimination 19 Contestants Pivot Number Comments

Round Seated in a (person situated in
Number circular manner Seats Eliminated seat #1 )
starting with #1
ONE
[19 Contestants 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 1
Seated in a circular 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 14, 16, 18,
manner starting
with #1]
15, 16, 17, 18, 19
TWO
[10 Contestants 19, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 1, 5, 9, 13, 17 19 Important to
Seated in a circular 13, 15, 17 place # 19 in
manner starting
with # 19]
position #1.
THREE 19, 3, 7, 11, 15 3, 11, 19 19
[5 Contestants Important to
Seated in a circular [Note: 3 gets eliminated place # 19 in
manner starting first and then 11 and last
with # 19]
position #1.
19]
FOUR 7, 15 15 7 Important to
[2 contestants place # 7 in
Seated in a circular position #1.
manner starting
with #7]

So after FOUR rounds the contestant who is seated in Seat #7 is the WINNER. Bobo did win.
So I started by taking a SMALLER sample to see if a pattern is developing.

CASE 1
2 contestants

It is OBVIOUS that contestant # 2 will be the

1 looser.

# of Winning Seat Explanation

Contestants
2 1 This is very
obvious

150 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

CASE 2
3 contestants

It is OBVIOUS that contestant # 3 will be the

winner.
2
3

Elimination 3 Contestants Pivot Number Comments

Round Seated in a (person situated in
Number circular manner Seats Eliminated seat #1 )
starting with #1
ONE
[3 Contestants 1, 2, 3 2 1
Seated in a circular
manner starting
with #1]
TWO
[2 Contestants 3, 1 1 3 Important to
Seated in a circular place # 3 in
manner starting
with # 3]
position #1.

Winning Seat: #3

151 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

CASE 3
4 contestants

2 4

Elimination 3 Contestants Pivot Number Comments

Round Seated in a (person situated in
Number circular manner Seats Eliminated seat #1 )
starting with #1
ONE
[4 Contestants 1, 2, 3, 4 2, 4 1
Seated in a circular
manner starting
with #1]
TWO
[2 Contestants 1, 3 3 1 Important to
Seated in a circular place # 1 in
manner starting
with # 3]
position #1.

Winning Seat: #1

Sir Lancelot Sir Galahad

King Arthur

152 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Student Work

CASE 4
5 contestants 1

5
1 5

3 5

4
3

Elimination 5 Contestants Pivot Number Comments

Round Seated in a (person situated in
Number circular manner Seats Eliminated seat #1 )
starting with #1
ONE
[5 Contestants 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 2, 4 1
Seated in a circular
manner starting
with #1]
TWO
[3 Contestants 1, 3, 5 1 3 Important to
Seated in a circular place # 3 in
manner starting
with # 3]
position #1.
THREE 3, 5 5 3
[2 Contestants
Seated in a circular
manner starting
with # 3]

Winning Seat: #3

153 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

The Work (Pattern Discovered)
Observations that helped me come to a FINAL conclusion:
I was now able to see some OBVIOUS observations:
1. Similarities of Answers:
• All the answers are odd.
• Numbers sometimes repeat themselves. (see chart #1)
• Most of the answers are prime.

2. Important Similarities
• All the numbers skip by two

3. Important Non-Similarities
• While the numbers are skipping by two the numbers come back to1 then start over.

4. Important Questions Raised

• Why does the numbers go back to 1 and repeat itself?
• Is there a pattern that I can see ?

When the number moves back to 1, the number of people participating are always
2 to the something power. ( see chart #1)

Chart #1

Number of Winning Mathematical Comments

Contestants Number Formula Observations

2 1 21
3 3
4 1 22
5 3
6 5
7 7
Note that 2n
8 1 23 ALWAYS gave
9 3
me the PIVOT
10 5 or STARTING
11 7 point. This
12 9 ALWAYS gave
13 11 me the winning
14 13 number 1.
15 15
16 1 24
17 3
18 5
19 7
20 9

154 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Student Work
Chart #1 (cont)

Number of Winning Mathematical Comments

Contestants Number Formula Observations

21 11
22 13
23 15
24 17
25 19
26 21
27 23
28 25
29 27
30 29
31 31 Note that 2n
ALWAYS gave
32 1 25 me the PIVOT
33 3
or STARTING
34 5 point. This
35 7 ALWAYS gave
36 9 me the winning
37 11 number 1.
38 13
39 15
40 17
41 19
42 21
43 23
44 25
45 27
46 29
47 31
48 33
49 35
50 37
51 39
52 41
53 43
54 45
55 47
56 49
57 51
58 53
59 55
60 57

155 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Student Work

Chart #1 (cont)

Number of Winning Mathematical Comments

Contestants Number Formula Observations

61 59
62 61
63 63
64 1 26
65 3
66 5
67 7 Note that 2n
68 9 ALWAYS gave
69 11 me the PIVOT
or STARTING
70 13
point. This
71 15
ALWAYS gave
72 17
me the winning
73 19
number 1.
74 21
75 23
76 25
77 27
78 29
79 31
80 33
81 35
82 37
83 39
84 41
85 43
86 45
87 47
88 49
89 51
90 53
91 55
92 57
93 59
94 61
95 63
96 65
97 67
98 69
Chair #73 is the
99 71
winner
100 73
156 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar
The Answer (Pattern Discovered)
• Give the answer in full sentence form. Explain your answer clearly.
• Answer(s) must be correct. Could there be any other answers ?
• For extra points, include an extra example which extends the original problem. Include all the
above information in the extra example

The answer to our Bobo And The Round Table is Chair Number 73. Chart #1 clearly
indicates the pattern that was discovered – that is:

Number of Winning Mathematical Comment

Contestants Number Formula
2 1 21
4 1 22 Bobo always
8 1 23 needs to find
16 1 24 the PIVOT
32 1 25 first, make a
64 1 26 simple
128 1 27 calculation
before he
256 1 28
decides where
512 1 29 to sit – given he
1024 1 210 has the first
choice to sit.
He will always
win.

Solution:
W = 1 + (n – 1) d …………….. Arithmetic Sequence will lead into the
Winning Chair Numbers

Always a
1. Since d is ALWAYS a 2.
all PIVOT We discovered it by
numbers the early
gives 1 as experimentation.
n stands for the All the numbers skip
your INCLUSIVE
winning by two
numbers between
the desired number
of contestants and
the PIVOT number.

So, W = 1 + (37 - 1)2 = 73

W = 73 , which is our DESIRED answer. This was clearly indicated by the chart.

157 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Let us say you want to find the winning chair number for 40 contestants.
Solution:
o 1st find the closest power of base two involved lower than 40. Because this will be your
PIVOT number. In this case it would be 32. which is = 25
o Now subtract 40 – 32 = 8. What this means that there are 8 consecutive numbers
between 32 and 40. Which translates to 9 INCLUSIVE numbers
1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17 (see chart below)
32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 (see chart below)
o Now, using the Arithmetic Sequence W = 1 + (n – 1) d , where W = Winning Seat,
n = number of odd numbers between the pivot and the term needed, and d = 2.
W = 1 + (9 – 1)2
W = 17  is the winning Chair Number
Number of Winning Mathematical
Contestants Number Formula
32 1 25
33 3
34 5
35 7
36 9
37 11
38 13
39 15
40 17
Conclusion: The winning Chair Number is 17.

Let us say you want to find the winning chair number for 67 contestants.
Solution:
o 1st find the closest power of base two involved lower than 67. Because this will be your
PIVOT number. In this case it would be 64. Which is = 26
o Now subtract 67 – 64 = 3. What this means that there are 3 consecutive numbers
between 64 and 67. Which translates to 4 INCLUSIVE numbers
1, 3, 5, 7 (see chart below)
64, 65, 66, 67 (see chart below)
o Now, using the Arithmetic Sequence W = 1 + (n – 1) d , where W = Winning Seat,
n = number of odd numbers between the pivot and the term needed, and d = 2.

Number of Winning Mathematical

Contestants Number Formula
64 1 26
65 3
66 5
67 7

W = 1 + (4 – 1)2
W=7  is the winning Chair Number

158 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Final Analysis:

Bobo will always win this GAME if he is given the opportunity to choose first. Bobo
knows the formula for SUCCESS. He knows mathematics.

No matter how many chairs are placed around the Round Table, he needs to follow the
following steps:

1. Choose the PIVOT number 1st. The PIVOT number is that magic number
represented by 2n. Bobo must be careful and choose the PIVOT number
which smaller than the number of chairs involved in the game.
2. Bobo KNOWS that all PIVOT numbers have a winning Chair number of 1.
3. Bobo then needs to know how many INCLUSIVE numbers are involved
between the number of chairs and the base PIVOT number. If he subtracts
these numbers, he then need to add one.
4. Bobo further knows that d in the formula is ALWAYS a 2.
5. Bobo knows that the numbers generated are done through the Arithmetic
Sequence Formula.
6. He goes ahead and cranks the numbers in the formula and obtains the
WINNING Chair number.

159 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Monsters
And
Mini – Monsters

Projects
♥
Fun With Rational Expressions

Strengthening Basic Arithmetic Skills

And
Basic Conceptual Understanding

Purpose: Students by the time they are Algebra ready should be able to
demonstrate their deductive reasoning abilities in breaking down
simple rational arithmetic expressions into simpler and simpler
parts without the use of calculators.

160 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Objective: Problems Illustrating a combination of order of operations, basic Arithmetic Conceptual
Understanding depending on the complexity. By the end of Semester 2, students should be able with
ease to solve rational expressions of the form

1 1 1 1
8 − 2 ( 5 − 8 ) − 23 4 +1 3 ÷1
− 2 3 + 3 3 =
5 0 1  1  1 
14 − 10 − 3 + 2 3
8 2  3   2 

Solution:
A C E
My Plan is − + =
B D F
• Students then will take each component and solve it explicitly. They must show work
in detail. Partial points are given appropriately.

A : 8 − 2 ( 5 − 8 ) − 23 =
8 − 2(−3) − 8 =  6 answer
8+ 6 −8 = 6

5 3 107
• B : 14 − = student work  13 or answer
8 8 8

1 1 5 35
• C : 4 +1 = student work  5 or answer
2 3 6 6

1 1 19
• D : 10 − 30 + = student work  9 or answer
2 2 2

1 1 5 1
• E : 3 ÷1 = student work  or 2 answer
3 3 2 2

 1  1  49 1
• F :  2   3  = student work  or 8 answer
 3  2  6 6

35 5
A C E 6
My Plan now is − + = − 6 + 2 =
B D F 107 19 49
8 2 6

A 6 107 8 48
→ ⇒ 6÷ ⇒ 6⋅ = Answer
B 107 8 107 107
8

161 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 35
C
→ 6 ⇒ 35 ÷ 19 ⇒ 35 ⋅ 2 = 35 Answer
D 19 6 2 6 19 57
2

5
E
→ 2 ⇒ 5 ÷ 49 ⇒ 5 ⋅ 6 = 15 Answer
F 49 2 6 2 49 49
6

A C E 48 35 15
Therefore, − + = − + Full Credit
B D F 107 57 49

By the end of Chapter 2 they should be able to simplify the Rational Complex Fraction
into its simpler components, with No Calculators, as shown above.

After Chapter 2 has been completed. Students should be able to apply over and over the
concept of the identity member of multiplication in completing the final solution. At this time
and only at this time calculators will be permitted since the numbers are getting large.

48 35 15 48 57 49 35 107 49 15 107 57
Using calculators ⇒ − + ⇒ ⋅ ⋅ - ⋅ ⋅ + ⋅ ⋅
107 57 49 107 57 49 57 107 49 49 107 57

134, 064 183, 505 91, 485

⇒ - + =
298,851 298,851 298,851

134, 064 − 183,505 + 91, 485

⇒ =
Please Note: 298,851
Calculators should be
avoided as much as
possible. However, 42, 044
after students have ⇒ Final Answer
298,851
mastered the concepts,
a 4 operation calculator
is encouraged in
obtaining the final
answer.

162 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Fractional Expressions
Additional Exercises

Please use the “My Plan” approach in completing these Rational Expression problems. The purpose is
to show organization in attacking these problems. These problems will be assigned through out the
semester.

Avoid Calculators.
5 − 2(5 − 8) 2
1. +2=
8 − 10

5 − 2 22 7
2. + −1 =
7 − 13 81

3 − 1(5 − 6) − 32
3. =
18 − 3(7 − 8) + (−3) 2

1
1+ 4
3−8 2 10 + 11 + 10
4. + − =
12 + 2(6 − 8) −5 − 4(5 − 8) 33 + 11

 1  2  1  2
 3  5 1  ÷ 56 2
5.  3  3  3  3 3
− =
1 1 1 121
 − + 11
5 3 2

 1  4   1 
 −2  3   2  ÷ 1463 −3
6.  3  5   5  − =
1 1 1 15
 − −
5 3 2

 1  1  −3 9
 3  4  + −
7.  5  4  20 180 − 1430 =
3 5 110
  (8) ÷ ( 7 )   − 1
6 6

163 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 2
6 − 2 ( 7 − 9) 12 − 3(8 − 9)3
8. − =
7 − 2(7 − 9) (−2)3

3
7 − 7 ( 7 − 8) − 14 11 − 2(8 − 9)3 + 21
9. − =
2 − 2(6 − 9) (−3)3

1
3− 3
10. 9− 4 =
4 (−1)3
8−
7

2
7 − 2 (11 − 9 ) 11 − 3(8 − 10)3
11. − =
7 − 2(7 − 9) (−3) 2 − 3

3 10
⋅ 2
12. 5 3 + 3 − 3(3 − 6)(2) − 4 =
12 −
1  1  2 
4  3  2 
 2  3 

7 8
⋅ 2
13. 5 7 + 4 − 3(3 − 7)(4) − 2 =
11 −
1  1  3 
5 3 2 
 4  4 

164 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 3 20
⋅ 2
14. 10 3 + 5 − 2(3 − 7)(3) − 5 =
7−
1  1  2 
5 3 2 
 5  5 

Be carefool !!!
 1   1  −3 9
3 4  + −
15.  3   2  6 24 − 3 =
5 5 8
  (12 ) ÷ (14 )   − 1
6 6

13 x + 2 x − 12 x 2
16. − =
4 x − 3x + 9 x 5

3 2 1 3
+ − +
17. 7 7 7 7 − 10 =
2 3
+
5 5

3 2 1 3
+ − +
18. 9 9 9 9 − 10 =
4 3
+
9 9

17 x + 5 x − 12 x 2
19. − =
12 x − 6 x + 9 x 5

8 x + 15 x − 12 x 2
20. − =
9x − 6x + 7 x 3

165 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Answers: (answers to the 1st 10 have been provided)
A
1. Plan: +C
B
A 13
A = −13, B = −2, C = 2, =
B 2
1
Final Answer = 8
2

A C
2. Plan: + −E
B D
A = 3, B = −6, C = 4, D = 8, E = −1
Final Answer = − 1

A
3. Plan:
B
A = −5 , B = 30
−1
Final Answer =
6

A C E
4. Plan: + −
B D F
11
A = −5 , B = 8 , C = , D = 7 , E = 22 , F = 28
2
A −5 C 11 E 11
= , = , =
B 8 D 14 F 14
−5
Final Answer =
8

A C
5. Plan: −
B D

4 11
A= , B = , C =9, D = 11
9 30
A 40 C 9
= , =
B 33 D 11
13
Final Answer =
33

166 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 A C
6. Plan: −
B D
1 −19
A= , B= , C = −3 , D = 15
75 30
A −2 C −1
= , =
B 45 D 5
7
Final Answer =
45

A C
7. Plan: −
B D

67 1
A= , B = , C = 1430 , D = 110
5 35
A C
= 469 , = 13
B D
Final Answer = 456

A C
8. Plan: −
B D
A = −2 , B = 11 , C = 15 , D = −8
A −2 C 15 −15
= , = =
B 11 D −8 8
149 61
Final Answer = =1
88 88

A C
9. Plan: −
B D
A = 0 , B = 8 , C = 34 , D = −27
A C 34 −34
= 0, = =
B D −27 27
−34 34 7
Final Answer = 0 − = =1
27 27 27

A C
10. Plan: −
B D
26 52
A= , B = , C = 64 , D = −1
9 7
A 7 C 64
= , = = −64
B 18 D −1
7 7 7
Final Answer = − ( −64 ) = + 64 = 64
18 18 18

167 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Mathematics with Name:______________________
Hovsepian
** Group Work/Group Grade **
Mini-Monster #2 Form 8

Dear Cousins! Part I of this “Mini-Monster” project is due 10 minutes before the class ends and is worth 100
points. Each group got a different form of the monster and each member must do their own work. You should
consult with your group members to work out your strategy as you work on Part I. This part includes your
strategy and the work on the problem. As usual, I will guide you as I visit your groups periodically. Remember,
you are getting a Group Grade and becoming mathematically powerful.

Cousins! After I have given you the green light to proceed because your solution is correct (see the
“Feedback/Assessment” box), then and ONLY then may you continue with Part II, the FINAL version of your
revision. Part II is due on Thursday the latest and will be worth 400 points. Explain your process and the
mathematical concepts you’ve used to arrive at your solution in writing bubbles on construction paper with the
necessary LOVE and affection. (Take PRIDE in your work !!)

For now, keep your work in the Classwork Section of your notebook. You will transfer the final version to the
PORTFOLIO section after I have graded it.
Remember! All work with LOVE.
 1 1
 1   1  3  126 3
 3 3  2 6  − 7  ⋅ 2 2 1 1
  2 −
  5 3 6
+ + =
[
426 + 1 16− 2 + 2(7 − 9)2
−
] 1  6   −7  2   3  
10 − 2(3 − 5)
3  7  ⋅  6  ÷  3 ⋅  2  

Feedback/Assessment From Mr. Hovsepian

Your group STRATEGY write-up was satisfactory.

Redo the circled portions on your WORK (  check work).
 your answer was not correct
 your answer was correct but it lacked elegance (math power)

Observation of Group chemistry (holistic scoring)
 excellent
 satisfactory
 revise your work to meet our standards

Your Paper has met my requirements. Proceed to Final Version (Part II),
keeping the cover sheet along with your work in your Portfolio Section

Place this project into your Classwork/Homework Section - Revision is needed.
You still have time to make the necessary improvements.

Dear Cousins! Each group received a different form of the “Mini-Monster” project and each member
must do all the work. You must consult with your group members as you work out your strategy. This
monster project consists of two parts:

Part I: As a group, work out the problem on regular paper nicely and with LOVE. This part of the
mini-monster is due by the end of class.
168 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar
When you receive your work back, refer to the “Feedback/Assessment” box below for the criteria you
need to consider as you revise and correct your work. You must keep improving your work until
you meet my standards. After I give you the green light, you may proceed to Part II.

Group Leader: ................................... 75 pt + 25 pt (math power) = 100 pt

Table # ---- : ...................; ..........................

Impress Me !!!
...................; ..........................

Part II: You are now ready to complete a final version of the mini-monster. Include the KEY
mathematical concepts (AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE) you’ve used to arrive at your solution in writing
bubbles on construction paper. Take pride in your work - do it with LOVE. Remember you are
getting a Group Grade and becoming more mathematically powerful.

Bottom Line:
The above project should prepare you for the EXAM. You should be able to work these mini-monster
problems out WITHOUT the use of calculators UNDER 22 minutes.

Feedback/Assessment From Mr. Hovsepian

Table #: …………………… Leader: ………………….

Your group STRATEGY write-up was satisfactory.

Redo the circled portions on your WORK (  check work).
 your answer was not correct
 your answer was correct but it lacked elegance (math power)

Observation of Group chemistry (holistic scoring)
 excellent
 satisfactory
 revise your work to meet our standards

Your Paper has met my requirements. Proceed to Final Version (Part II),
keeping the cover sheet along with your work in your Portfolio Section

Place this project into your Classwork/Homework Section - Revision is needed.
You still have time (one day)to make the necessary improvements.

169 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Math Is Fun
Appendix G
Mastering
Order Of Operations

Hovsepian, Viken “Vik”

Professor of Mathematics
Rio Hondo College
Math CRP – State of California

Hattar, Michael
Professor of Mathematics
Mount San Antonio College

The accompanying information may be duplicated for classroom use only. Reproduction for any other use is prohibited
without permission from us.
E-Mail us at: [email protected], [email protected]

170 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Please Note:
Pages 5 & 6 of Unit
this document are
the slides I use in
my classes.
on
Positive
and
Negative Numbers

AND

Mastering
Order Of Operations

Note: This unit is 24 pages long. Only sample questions have been included.

Audience: These classes contain mostly juniors and seniors who have flunked math once,
twice, or even more. They have turned off to math and fail to see its potential for
fun. Because many of them are affiliated with gangs, creating a family feeling
within the class is important. Therefore, students are addressed as “cousins”.

171 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Unit on Positive and Negative Numbers in moti on
Dear Cousins: This is what you will learn in the next few weeks (
= new concept)

A) Simplifying expressions involving integers (Boys vs Girls;
Guards/Houses/Bedrooms/Mansions/Castles,...) - (Humanizing
Mathematics)
B) Mr. Hovsepian’s GROUND RULE regarding order of operations.
Math is BINARY. What is a mathematical term and how do we deal
with it. How to avoid committing mathematical CRIMES! REVIEW

C) To add, subtract, multiply, and divide positive and negative integers

D) To find powers of positive and negative numbers
E) To compare integers (revisited)
F) Simplifying expressions involving radicals (we have covered this) -
REVIEW

G) Become mathematically powerful in dissecting and simplifying
COMPLEX expressions MONSTER Problems using “The Plan” with
PATIENCE.

H) To use positive and negative integers in analyzing word problems.

A) The contract! Girls Rule !!!!! ❤❤❤

 Numbers have Gender. (Look to each number’s left side.)
Our objective is to be able to find whether a number is + or -.

(+) are boys ❤ (+)(-) = .......... (+)(+) = ..........

(-) are girls ❤ (-)(+) = .......... (-)(-) = ..........
1. Boys get together. Whenever girls fight it takes
2. Girls get together. Remember, GIRLS RULE ! a boy to separate them!
3. Boys and girls pair up.

parenthesis ( ) is a HOUSE
bracket [ ] is a MANSION {[( )]}
brace { } is a CASTLE

Everyone must get outside their houses, mansions, and castles using the “Ground Rules”.
(Smaller dwelling places first.)
Homeless people have no dwelling place and are treated like those who are outside their
homes.

Sample Questions

SQ #1- How do we determine if a number is POSITIVE or NEGATIVE? Our Rule!

SQ #2- Cousins! Every House/Mansion/Castle in mathematics MUST have a guard. Sometimes more than one
guard is present. Explain this using examples your group can agree to. All work with LOVE.
SQ #3- What do you see in the problem below? Please use words in describing the expression .
4 − ( 5 − 7)− 6
− + 2

172 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

SQ #4- Translate into a mathematical EXPRESSION.
I see a house with four bedrooms. In the first bedroom there are seven girls. In the
second bedroom there are four boys. In the third bedroom there are five girls. In the
fourth bedroom there are eight girls. Outside the house there is a female guard.
SQ #5- Describe what you see in this situation.
2
−52 + (−5)
SQ #6- Use your imagination and simplify the below situations?
[ − −
]
5 37 + 2( 10− 8 + 4)− (9 − 12) − 6 − 1
2 109

SQ #7- Cousins:
Write a positive number or a negative number to represent each

situation.

Compute the sum of the numbers (same thing as Boys vs Girls....)

Answer each question
 On October 16, 2003, the Hoover High Drama Club treasury contained $1,234. The club then
presented a play on November 3, 2003, for which they paid a royalty of $280. Scenery and
costumes cost $1,876, and programs and other expenses totaled $1,355. The sale of tickets
brought in $3900. How much money was in the treasury after the play was presented?

 The volume of water in a tank during a six-day period changed as follows: up 568
Liters, down 340 L, up 93 L, down 158 L, up 34 L, and down 39 L. What was the
volume of water in the tank at the beginning of the six-day period if the final volume was
54 L ?

B) Hovsepian’s Ground Rule

DO NOT CROSS THE FORBIDDEN ZONE until everything on the left is on the ground
with multiplication and everything on the right is on the ground with addition. Then you may
cross.
Numbers with exponents are referred to as
◆ radicals “dope addicts”. They must be brought back
◆ exponential # down to ground level (because they are high) by
eliminating the exponent before determining
2 −
their gender. −3 = −1⋅ 9= 9
multiplication (x) addition (+)  Ground
Level Dope houses must also be brought down to
ground level. Because dope confuses the brain,
2
◆ division ◆ subtraction determining gender comes last. ( 3)
−
=9

Remember how to deal with your dwelling places first.!!!

3 4 12 −7  3 4   12 −7
Simplify:
⋅ ÷ ⋅ =
 ⋅  ÷ ⋅  =
−4 3 7 12  −4 3   7 12 

Cousins! Do you see/understand the difference between the above two ?

173 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

SQ #8- Please be EXTRA neat! Simplify the monster problem. All work on separate papers and with
LOVE. Group leaders check with Mr. Hovsepian for specific instructions.
 1 1
 1   1  3  126 3
 3 3  2 6  − 7  ⋅ 2 2 1 1
  2 −
  5 3 6
+ + =
[ ]
426 + 1 16− −2 + 2(7 − 9)2 1  6   2     2   6  
  ⋅ 3  ÷   ⋅  
10 − 2(3 − 5)3  7   3     3   7 

A C E
“The Plan” Dear Mr. H, our plan is + +
B D F

SQ #9- Please be EXTRA neat! Simplify the monster problem. All work on separate papers and with
LOVE. Group leaders check with Mr. Hovsepian for specific instructions.
 4
 1   2  3  12
  −3   4  −  ⋅
 5   6  10  428 1
5 − 14
3
  + 3 6 =
0
( 4442 ) 2 111 25
3 − −
3 888 24
{ 
3

 }
4 10 − 2 (12 + −15 )  − 215

The Plan Is: Answers:

A C
+ A = .................10 P
B D
A
B= ................ 10 P = ............10
B
(you know the requirements! ....all
C
work on separate papers ...) C= ................. 10 P = .............10
D

D= ................. 10 P

Final Answer: 30 P

Cousins, remember to tell me when you see another way to do a process. More ways means you’ve
done more thinking which means that you receive more math power points!

174 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Target Group: Those who are struggling in 8Mathematics !!!
My Take On How To DEAL with

POSITIVE and NEGATIVE
Numbers

Order Of Operations
1st place the next two questions on the
board and ask the students to find the
solution without the use of any calculators.
8 − 10 ( 6 − −11 − 3 ) − 42 =
2
12 + ( − 3) − (17 − − 4 ) ⋅ (−2) − 52 =
You will find out that most students will
get the wrong answers. As a matter of fact
you will get as many different answers as
you have students in the class ! (a slight
exaggeration, but you get the point)

Bottom line the students are CONFUSED

as how to attack the problem.




Lead the discussion that you believe that
numbers must have gender!!! Place slide
#1 on the screen.

Agree at the end that positive numbers are

BOYS and negative numbers are GIRLS.
This will get there attention , trust me.
Especially when you say what happens
when we multiply (+) number with a (-)
number ? Negative numbers win !!!! and
GIRLS win!!!!

“make sure you emphasize--- this is strictly

for fun and will help them get the answers
correct” Now place slide #2.

8
As of September 2004, over 50% of our students are NOT Algebra Ready as they enter High Schools. Furthermore, a
significant number of High School students are still in Algebra !!!

175 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 This slide shows the
agreement that
BOYS represent
POSITIVE numbers
and GIRLS
represent negative
numbers. Also, it
indicates that GIRLS
RULE !

Because
( + )( − ) = (−)

176 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Math Is
Fun

The accompanying information may be duplicated for

classroom use only. Reproduction for any other use is
prohibited without permission from us.
E-Mail us at: [email protected],
[email protected]

Hovsepian, Viken “Vik”

Professor of Mathematics/Author
Rio Hondo College

Hattar, Michael
Professor of Mathematics
Appendix H
Mount San Antonio College

177 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Holiday Problems
Do your magic! If the problem involves letters, rearrange the letters of the answer to
form a word related to the holidays.

 1 m
1. Simplify: Xas  − 
 as X 

4 x 5 p 3 6ca 3e2
2. Simplify: ⋅
3x 2 a 2 8 p 2 x3

3 2

3. Simplify:
( ry )  y r  ( ae )
⋅ + ⋅
2 2 
3 x a  a e  ( ry )2

 2 2 ( 5 )( 4 ) + 3 ⋅ 5 (10 ) + 2 
2 100 − 10 3 
4. Simplify: + 2  + ln e18
 3 

5. Simplify: ( ln e )( log10 )  1331

2 7

11 

 2
169 + 7.9

 Sn 1 S − S 2n  1
6. Simplify:  a + S a − S a2 − S 2  ÷ a2 − S 2
+ −
 

7. Find f (7) , if f ( x) = 6 x 3 − x 2 − x + 9

N L
 E ⋅ O  ⋅ ( O E )
2 2
8. Simplify:

3
15 ( ry ) 2 2
 3 1  199a e
9. Simplify: ⋅  +  ⋅ 2 2 + 21eray
ae  5 15  y r

178 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

10. Subtract. Each letter represents a different number:

SANTA
- CLAUS

XMAS

11. Solve: x 2 + 37 x = 2010

12. Factor 2011 over the set of prime numbers.

13. Evaluate: abc 2 + ab 2 − d , when a = 4 , b = 5 , c = 10 , and d = 89 .

14. Find f (44) , if f ( x) = x 2 + 2 x − 14

15. Solve: x 2 − 2010 = 0

16. Simplify: 20112 − 20102

17. Simplify: 2010 2 − 2000 2

18. Find the first year after 2010 which has the prime number 67 as a factor.

 83 
19. Solve: 5  x −  + 3 x = 16005
 5 

x x
20. Solve: + =1
2009 2010

21. Solve: x 2 − 4021x = 4042110

179 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 p 3 x5 ca 3 x −3
22. Simplify: ⋅
x 2 a 2 p 2 e −2

23. Simplify: (O + n ) ÷  11

+ 
O n

 
 TH 
24. Simplify:  1 1 1  ⋅ ( AR + ER + EA)
 + + 
 E A R 

Simplify:
1  H + A H − A   P 1   H − A P Y 
  
2 2 2
(

)
25. − ⋅ YP ⋅ + ⋅ 
4  H − A H + A   Y P  P2 + Y 

3 N 2 E 2 9 N 15
26. Simplify: ÷ ⋅
5 W E

27. Simplify: {M , e, r , r , y, X , M , a, s} ∩ {H , a, p, p, y, N , e, w, Y , e, a, r}

76(San ) + 76a 152

28. Simplify: ÷
n 2n

OC LO EO 2V 2
29. Simplify: Solve for C : + −1 = + LO 2
L O V

30. Find all “prime years” of this century.

x 2G 3 d 5
31. Simplify:
O − 2 Gx 2 d 3

 LS 1 
32. Simplify: UV 2  + 2
V V 

180 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

  nS 1 
33. Simplify: a2 + 
 a a

34. Simplify: S 2 −1

35. Simplify: −1 ⋅
(CO )2 n 4 m 2
n 2 g −2

2002
36. Simplify: − 2(i )

37. Simplify: (nt )2  O + w  Ow 


t n  On + tw 

San
38. Evaluate: ∫ dx
−a

R2a7m2
39. Simplify:
an − 2 d − 2

 m 2o 2   2 4 
40. Simplify:   −1  u p
( ) 
 y −2   (kr )− 2 
   

41. Simplify:

{[M ( X + A)( X − A) + A M ] (E )}⋅

2

 2  4 AS 4 AS 
 R + X + X   + 
 X R− X
2
[
  3 x ( E + Y ) − (E − Y )
2 2
]
3E (Y + X ) − (Y − X )
2
[ ] 
 R  −  ⋅ Y
 4 AS
  + 
 R− X   
 
2
3Y ( X + E ) − ( X − E )
2
[ ] 

181 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Answers:
1. X − mas

2. peace

3. year

4. 2010
t
5. 2010

6. San + a

7. 2009

8. NOEL

9. 2011 year

10. SANTA 24974

- CLAUS 18432

XMAS 6542

11. S = {30, −67}

12. 2011 is a prime number.

13. 2011

14. 2010

15. x = ± 2010 ≈ ±44.83

16. 4021

17. 4019

18. 2077

182 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

19. 2011

20. 1004.75

21. S = {2010, 2011}

22. peace

23. On

24. THEAR = EARTH

25. HAPPY

26. NEW

27. year

28. San + a

29. LOVE

30. 2003, 2011, 2017, 2027, 2029, 2039, 2053, 2063, 2069, 2081, 2083, 2087, 2089,
2099

31. God

32. LUVS + U

33. San + a

34. is

35. coming

36. 2

37. town

38. San + a

39. Ramadan
183 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar
40. Yom Kippur

41. MERRY - XMAS

{[M ( X + A)( X − A) + A M ] (E )} = MX E
2 2

2
R+ X X 
 X + 
R−X R2
  =
 R  X2
 R− X 

 4 AS 4 AS 4 AS 
− + + y
 3 X (E + Y )2 − (E − Y )2
[ ] [ 2
3E (Y + X ) − (Y − X )
2
] [ 2 2
3Y ( X + E ) − ( X − E ) ] 
 
=

MXAS

 R2
2 AS 
Conclusion: MX E  2 − ⋅ y = MERRY - XMAS
X EXY 

Quiz - Regular

184 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Test Your Christmas Trivia !!!

1. How to build a goat

In Sweden, a common Christmas decoration is the Julbukk, a small figurine of

a goat. Of what material is it usually made?
A) Candy
B) Straw
C) Uranium
D) Fir wood

2. Feeding the wren

What is the Irish custom of "feeding the wren" or "hunting the wren" on
December 26?

A) Taking one's in-laws out to dinner

B) Carrying a wren door to door, to collect money for charity
C) Leaving a basket of cakes at the door for passers-by
D) Putting out suet and seeds for the wild birds

185 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 3. The Nutcracker's enemy

In Tchaikovsky's ballet "The Nutcracker", who is the nutcracker's main enemy?

A) A girl called Clara

B) The King of the Mice
C) Dr. Almond
D) Drosselmeyer the magician

4. The which of endor

At lavish Christmas feasts in the Middle Ages, swans and

peacocks were sometimes served "endored". What does
that mean?

A) The feet and beaks were coated with gold

B) The guests knelt in adoration as the birds were
brought in
C) The birds had been raised on grain soaked in brandy
D) The flesh was painted with saffron dissolved in melted butter

186 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 5. Christmas shear

All through the

Christmas season in old
England, "lambswool" could be found in the houses of the well-to-do. What was it?

A) Imitation snow used in decorations

B) A brew of hot ale with roast apples floating in it
C) The material used for knitting Christmas gifts
D) A fluffy confection made from almonds and sugar

6. Snip, snap, dragon!

The ancient game of Snapdragon has been

part of English Christmases for over 300 years. Players are egged on by a chant, part
of which goes, "Take care you don't take too much, Be not greedy in your clutch, Snip,
snap, dragon!" What is "the dragon" in this game?

A) A costumed child
B) Flames of burning brandy
C) The oldest male in the room
D) A "snapper" made from fireplace tongs

187 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Answers:

1. B
Scandinavian Christmas festivities feature a variety of straw decorations in the
form of stars, angels, hearts and other shapes, as well as the Julbukk.

2. B
One explanation for this St. Stephen's day custom refers to a legend in which the
saint was given away by a chattering wren while hiding from his enemies. Children
cage the wren to help it do penance for this misdeed. Often the children carry a
long pole with a holly bush at the top - which is supposed to hide a captured wren.
An artificial wren may also be used.

3. B
The King of the Mice, usually represented with seven heads, leads his troops
against the nutcracker's toy soldiers. He loses the battle when Clara, the heroine,
stuns him with a shoe

4. D
In addition to their painted flesh, “endored” birds were served wrapped in their
own skin and feathers, which had been removed and set aside prior to roasting.

5. B
"Lambswool" was the drink that filled the wassail bowl. Sugar, eggs and spices
were added to the ale, and toast floated on top with the apples. Poor people would
bring their mugs to the door hoping for a share of the steaming drink.

6. B
When the room is dark, a bowl of raisins soaked in brandy is lit. Who will be brave
enough to claim the prize from the fierce dragon flames?

188 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Math Is Fun
Appendix I
A Determinant Moment

Hovsepian, Viken “Vik”

Professor of Mathematics/Author
Rio Hondo College

Hattar, Michael
Professor of Mathematics
Mount San Antonio College

The accompanying information may be duplicated for classroom use only. Reproduction for any other use is prohibited
without permission from us.
E-Mail us at: [email protected], [email protected]

189 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Determinants in Analytic Geometry
Objective: How determinants may be used to answer certain geometrical questions
and to find equations for geometrical objects.

One must consider determinants of matrices whose entries are variables or algebraic expressions. In
this case the determinant will itself be an algebraic expression.

For example, consider the equation

Since x and y are variables, this equation may be true for some points
( x, y ) in the x − y plane, but untrue for other points (1, 2 ) and
( 3, − 5) . Notice that this equation is clearly true for the points and
since plugging those points in produces a matrix with two identical
rows, whose determinant must be zero. Expanding the determinant
along the first row gives

Or 7 x + 2 y − 11 = 0 . This is clearly the equation for a line, and since the points (1, 2 ) and ( 3, − 5)
satisfy this equation, it is an equation for the line passing through (1, 2 ) and ( 3, − 5) . Thus there is
a way to use a determinant to express the equation of a line through two given points.

Or use the below technique to accomplish the same answer faster!!!:

x y
1 2 2 x + (1)( −5) + (3)( y ) … #1
3 −5
x y

x y
1 2 −(1) ( y ) − (2)(3) − (−5)( x) … #2
3 −5
x y

Simplifying expressions #1 & #2 gives: 2 x − 5 + 3 y − y − 6 + 5 x = 7 x + 2 y − 11

190 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

The question remains of how to discover this “determinant form” of an algebraic equation.

 Consider the problem of finding the equation of a circle through three given points. The standard
2 2
equation for a circle is ( x − h ) + ( y − k ) = r 2 , which may be expanded and regrouped into the
( )
form a x 2 + y 2 + bx + cy + d = 0

191 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

 Math Is Fun
Appendix J
Selected Quotes

Hovsepian, Viken “Vik”

Professor of Mathematics/Author
Rio Hondo College
Math CRP – State of California

Hattar, Michael
Professor of Mathematics
Mount San Antonio College

The accompanying information may be duplicated for classroom use only. Reproduction for any other use is prohibited
without permission from us.
E-Mail us at: [email protected], [email protected]

192 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

Selected Math Quotes

Imagination is more important than knowledge. Albert

Einstein

The primary question was not what do we know, but how Aristotle
do we know it.

Perfect numbers like perfect men are very rare… Rene

Descartes

The things of this world cannot be made known without Roger Bacon
a knowledge of mathematics.

I am interested in mathematics only as a creative art. Godfrey

Hardy

Mathematics is an independent world Created out of William

pure intelligence. Wordsworth

Mathematics consists of proving the most obvious thing George Polya

in the least obvious way.

The primary question is not What do we know but How Aristotle

do we know it.

A mathematician, like a painter or poet, is a maker of Godfrey H.

patterns … with ideas. Hardy

Mathematics consists of proving the most obvious thing Henri

in the least obvious way. Poincare

193 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar

With me everything turns into mathematics. Rene
Descartes

Mathematics is the cheapest science. Unlike physics or George Polya

chemistry, it does not require any expensive equipment.
All one needs for mathematics is a pencil and paper.

Imagination is more important than knowledge Albert

Einstein

If I were to awaken after having slept for a thousand David

years, my first question would be: Has the Riemann Hilbert
hypothesis been proven?

If others would but reflect on mathematical truths as Karl Gauss

deeply and as continuously as I have, they would make
my discoveries.

Music is the pleasure the human soul experiences from Gottfried

counting without being aware it is counting. Leibniz

194 Math Is Fun - Hovsepian/Hattar