Substitution Method Online Tutoring - Maths Tutors

Substitution Method Online Tutoring - Maths Tutors A linear equation can be written in terms of a single variable, two variables or more than two variables. In order to solve a linear equation with two variables, we need another equation with two variables as well. Substitution method is one of the popular algebraic methods of solving linear equations with more than one variable. In this method, one variable is written in terms of the other and is substituted back into the equation to get the values of the unknown variables. Example 1: Solve using the substitution method given: x + y = 3 and x y = 7. In Substitution method, either x or y can be chosen to be written in terms of the other. Given x+ y = 3== y= 3 x Now substitute this value of y in the second equation, x y = 7. This gives: x (3 x) = 7==x 3 + x = 7== 2x= 7+ 3. This gives: x= 10/2== x = 5. Now y = 3- x == y= 3 5== y = -2. Example 2: Solve using the substitution method given: x + y = 5 and x y = 1. In Substitution method, either x or y can be chosen to be written in terms of the other. Given x+ y = 5== x= 5 y Now substitute this value of x in the second equation, x y = 1. This gives: (5- y) y = 1== 5 y y = 1== 5- 2y= 1== 2y= 5- 1 This gives: y= 4/2==y= 2. Now x= 5- y== x= 5 2==x= 3.

Encouragement for Those Learning to Improvise Part II

Encouragement for Those Learning to Improvise Part II Suzy S. Did you enjoy Charles M.s article a few weeks ago about learning to improvise? If you missed it, be sure to check it out if youre feeling a bit discouraged.   Learning to improvise can be tricky, and it doesnt come naturally to everyone not even the guitar masters of today. Continue reading to learn more Last time, I discussed how many famous guitarists carefully compose a great deal of their solos, or at least have many melodic ideas in mind before they begin recording solos. I cited Randy Rhoads as an example, but there are many other people that work out their solos Brian May of Queen, and Paul Allender of Cradle of Filth are a couple more examples. This should be encouraging to those beginning to improvise since it proves that even the finest players often need time to find something that sounds good. However, we all must start somewhere and this week I would like to give some advice on how to begin improvising. As I previously stated, I would learn at least ten solos by other artists before starting to improvise, since this is a fun way to build technique and learn how to pace yourself when soloing. After you learn some solos, take a step back and examine the individual phrases themselves. Consider why each of the phrases works where they are in the solo, i.e. why does the first phrase sound like a beginning lick? Why do the phrases in the middle sound like they go there? Is it the character of the melodies? The energy level? Once you begin to ask these questions you can begin to put what you have noticed into practice. Just as people who are nervous often ramble on and on because they don’t know what to do with themselves, beginner improvisers will often just play a torrent of notes, creating the musical equivalent of run-on sentences. In order to control this I ask students to play only one or two well-placed notes per bar. I ask them to try various tones until they find something that piques the ear. You should always be conscious of how the harmonic progression creates a sense of tension and release, and the notes that are selected should mirror the level of tension at that particular time and space. Another great technique is to sing while you are improvising. Your playing will automatically become more lyrical and the lines will “breathe” like a vocalist. While youre at it, try to incorporate snippets of the song’s vocal melody into the solo. The song’s melody is a logical starting point since your solo is supposed to enhance the song, and the listener will already be familiar with the vocal line. As a final suggestion, I would say just play. If you come up with some licks that are particularly inspired, keep them and use them the next time you improvise. Use them as soulful landmarks while you continue down the road of spontaneous expression. As always, keep in mind that Rome was not built in a day. Improvising is a skill that will never stop developing. Want even more expert advice from our teachers?    Sign up for email updates here! Charles M. teaches guitar, music performan ce and music theory lessons to students of all ages in Salem, OR. He holds a Bachelors degree in Music, a Masters degree in Music Education, as well as a Ph.D in Musicology.  Sign up for lessons with Charles, or visit  TakeLessons to search for teachers near you! Photo by StephenGilmer.

6 Hidden Gems Of Spain to Add to Your Bucket List

6 Hidden Gems Of Spain to Add to Your Bucket List Suzy S. Spain is known for its stunning cities, beautiful beaches, and picturesque towns. However, if you are researching a trip in the country, the same names will probably crop up time and again â€" all places filled to the brim with tourists. Even experienced travelers end up visiting the most famous landmarks and attending the most popular events. But Spain is a diverse country, scattered with hidden gems that most people never even hear about, let alone see for themselves. The following are what we consider the best cities to visit in Spain. The Best Cities to Visit in Spain 1.  Logroño Photo by Portal de la cultura popular de La Rioja Located in northern Spain on the  Ebro  River,  Logroño  dates back to Roman times when it was a commercial port. Structures still remain that show the city’s different eras of history, including the Bridge of  Mantible, the  Catedral  de Santa  María  de la  Redonda, and a fountain â€"  Fuente  de la Gran  Vía  â€" which depicts royal figures who have a connection to the area. The city is best known for its  Rioja  wine and tapas, with more than 50 tapas restaurants spread over four blocks near downtown. For more info, check out this excellent travel post by blogger Cat Gaa from her Sunshine + Siestas blog. 2.  Almería Photo by Juan Mercader This city in Andalusia has a little piece of everything, from the Mediterranean coast and distant mountains to a rich cultural appeal.  Just Landed  recommends checking out the  16th-century  cathedral, the gold mines of  Rodalquilar, and the  Alcazaba  castle. If you arrive in the second week of August, you can also attend a traditional festival with entertainment, food, drinks, music, and fireworks. Travel blogger Molly at Piccavey has a fantastic  guide to the city on her blog. See Also: Simple Spanish Phrases for Travelers 3.    Girona Photo by Gustave Deghilage Known as the City of a Thousand Sieges,  Girona  has withstood numerous attacks throughout its centuries of existence, explains  Escape Here. If you are interested in history, this place is a must-see. You can visit walls dating from the Roman period, Moorish baths, Gothic-style churches, and the  Girona  Cathedral, which features an 11th-century tapestry depicting theological scenes. Nomadic Matt offers some additional recommendations in this blog post. 4. Santillana del Mar Photo by caccamo Although not a coastal town as its name would suggest, Santillana del Mar is just a short drive from the sea in the north and provides a idyllic spot for travelers looking to stay away from the crowds. The town is surrounded by hills and fields, its cobbled streets decorated with centuries-old houses and churches. Dont leave without visiting the Museum of Altamira, which contains replicas of the nearby cave paintings. Blogger Christine (Christine in Spain) has some gorgeous photos of the town on her blog! 5. Gijón Photo by Víctor Gómez The largest city in Asturias, Gijón is perfect for those who like to explore the outdoors with its hidden coves,beaches and fishing village, says  Skyscanner. Gijón is also a great source of culture, home to 13 libraries, several museums (including the Railway Museum of Asturias and the Museum of Asturian People), and the annual Gijón International Film Festival. 6. Murcia Photo by César Viteri Ramirez The main city in the region of Murcia in southeast Spain, all the main sights are within walking distance of one another, including charming narrow streets, the baroque Catedral de Murcia, several churches, and the River Segura. Murcia is also the perfect place to enjoy Spanish culture and excellent food, such as local sweet meat pies and tapas. Travel and food blogger Lauren Aloise at Spanish Sabores has a great post here about what to explore in Murcia. Staying off the beaten track by going to one of the above best cities to visit in Spain gives you a great opportunity to practice your Spanish with locals. Whereas in the big tourist cities there are plenty of English speakers, in these places you may need to rely on your Spanish skills to survive!  Knowing some common phrases can help, but having a better grasp on conversational Spanish can do wonders for your confidence as youre traveling around the country. Need some extra help before your trip? Find a Spanish tutor in your area and brush up on your skills! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

5 Questions Grad Students Should Ask Their Advisors

5 Questions Grad Students Should Ask Their Advisors One of the perks of being in grad school are the people who are there to help you along your journeyespecially those who are experts in your field. Take advantage of these mentorship opportunities by cultivating a relationship with your academic advisor. You might have an advisor who simply helps you choose classes, or an advisor who will guide you during your dissertation/thesis years. Here are five questions grad students should ask their advisors: 1. What are my required classes? Before or at the beginning of each semester, schedule a meeting with your advisor to discuss which classes youre interested in taking, which fulfill needed requirements, and which will add to your academic and intellectual growth. This is a great opportunity to plan outlong-termwhich courses to take for each semester in terms of pacing and any other outside commitments, like internships or jobs. Bring up any points of confusion, as not all school policies and intricacies are usually addressed in a brochure. Youll get a better idea of where youre headed and may be able to sidestep any potential complications in the future. [RELATED: What is the Grad School Application Process?] 2. What should I focus on for my thesis? Speaking with your advisor about required classes generally happens during your beginning years in the program; discussing your thesis or dissertation usually comes later, nearer to graduation. Your thesis, dissertation, or capstone project is the meat and potatoes of why youre there. Ask your advisor for feedback at various stages of your project. For example, at the beginning, you might ask for help in shaping a direction for your work. In the middle of your project, you might ask for help breaking down larger tasks into smaller ones. Toward the end, youll want to ask for specific notes on your research or final paper. Ask your advisor for book recommendations, outside resources that might be helpful, people to contact who have completed the work youre interested in, and so on. 3. What kind of funding is available to me? Depending on your program, you may be fully-, partially-, or not at all funded for grad school. In any case, its a great idea to speak with your advisor about how you can maintain or find other sources of income while youre attending grad school. He or she may have leads you dont know about, both within the school and outside it. If funding is competitive at your school, ask your advisor for advice on what could make you a more attractive candidate for a scholarship or grant, for instance. 4. How can I start planning for the future? Especially as a grad student, the future can seem very hazy. You might be interested in teaching higher education, or you may look into going into your field directly, whatever that may look like. Your advisor is likely to have gone down this path as well with many years of valuable experience. Discuss with him or her whats realistic to look forward to in the job market and what you can do to point yourself in the right direction. He or she may be able to guide you to specific companies, organizations, or even people who could help you along the way as well. Talking with your advisor about future plans may not totally extinguish anxieties, but it can help a great deal as you move toward graduation and beyond. 5. How can I grow in my field? Ask your advisor how you might be able to excel and develop in your field. This could be related to future jobs, as mentioned, but it also includes your growth in the present moment. Are there opportunities to publish your work, attend conferences, or meet colleagues and/or other experts in your field? What tasks can you do over the summer that will allow you to make the most of that time off? Your advisor will often have really great ideas of how you can challenge yourself in interesting ways. As a grad student, you may feel isolated in your specific project or topic, but thats not how it has to be! Speaking with your advisor is a great way to gain a greater perspective of your work, as well as a valuable mentor or friend. Dont wait until thesis or dissertation year; meet with him or her early on in your program. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Ratio word problems

Ratio word problems Ratio is a very basic and common concept in mathematics. Ratio is the comparison between quantitates or numbers. The symbol for the representing ratio is :. Ratio helps in solving questions related to comparisons, proportions and many word problems. For example, a / b can be written as a : b. Here a / b is fraction form and a:b is the ratio form. The ratio can be simplifies if a and b have any common factors. Example 1: In the drawing class there are 5 girls and 6 boys. In the singing class there are 7 girls and 6 boys. Which class had higher girls to boy ratio? Solution: The ratio between number of boys and number of girls in the drawing class = 5: 6. The ratio between number of boys and number of girls in the singing class = 7: 6. Comparing both the ratios writing in the fraction form: 5/6 and 7/6. Here the denominator of the fractions is the same so the fraction with grater numerator is greater. Hence, 7/6 5/6. Therefore the ratio between the number of girls and boys is greater in the singing class. Question: Multiple choice question (Pick the correct option.) What is equivalent ration to 24: 12? a) 1: 2 b) 2: 1 c) 1:3 d) None of these. Correct answer: option b. Explanation: The given ratio can be further simplified as 24 and 12 have a common factor 12. Therefore, dividing 24 and 12 by 12 gives 24: 12 = 2: 1.

Maths and Science Tutor in North London

Maths and Science Tutor in North London We thought it would be great to let the world know a little bit more about the best tutors  in London, so please allow us to introduce Peter K, one of Tutorfair’s top Maths and Science tutors. He also runs the charity side of Tutorfair, the Tutorfair Foundation, ensuring that our child for child promise is delivered, taking tutoring where it has never been before. Why do you love tutoring?   It’s such a rewarding job; you get to see children who might never have believed in themselves before achieve great results. It’s challenging and interesting because no two students or days are ever the same. And plus, you get to dig deep into a subject that you absolutely love, as well as travel around and meet amazing people! Who inspired you in education? I had two fantastic teachers at school who inspired me. Mr Grey was my Biology teacher and Mr Williams was my Maths teacher. I enjoyed their lessons so much that they significantly influenced the subjects that I chose to carry on with. I loved how passionate they were about their subjects as it made their lessons so much more engaging. My friends in education - many working with Teach First - also continue to inspire me to carry on home tutoring because they remind me how important education is. What else do you get up to besides tutoring? I love sport. In the past I was a British Champion fencer and I still coach now and compete whenever I can. I’m currently training for a triathlon in April so that’s keeping me busy. I also have a bug for travelling. One of the most fascinating places I’ve been is Papua New Guinea, where I saw the birds of paradise. Seeing nature so up close and personal really is an incredible experience. If you had a super power what would it be? I think it would have to be time travel so that I could see what the future holds.  You wouldn’t go back in time to see the past?  Haha no I’m a scientist so I want to see the future. What advice would you give to a parent on how to find a tutor? Shop around and make sure you find the right person for your child. Remember the tutor acts as a personal mentor as well as providing academic support so there needs to be a good rapport and respect between the tutor and your child. Experience is a factor but finding the right match is the most important when searching for a private tutor. Want to meet Peter? Click here to view a short video so you can see him in person. Peter is a: Biology tutor - Degree, IB, A-Level, GCSE, AS Chemistry tutor - IB, A-Level, GCSE, AS General Science tutor  - A-Level, GCSE, Common Entrance, 11+, AS Geography tutor - GCSE, Common Entrance, 11+ Maths tutor  - GCSE, Common Entrance, 11+, Primary Physics tutor  - GCSE, 11+ If your child needs help with maths or science at school, then please  visit Peter’s profile page.

Classroom Transitions

Classroom Transitions One challenge all teachers face is managing transitions from one activity to the next. That downtime can turn into class chatter and throw you completely off course. What can you do? Here are a few ideas for making those transitions smoother: Establish a stop talking cue. This might be ringing a bell or calling out a chant. Teach your students what this means early in the year so that they understand that your expectation when it happens is for everyone to be quiet and listen. Give time reminders. Abrupt changes are difficult for many students. Give five- and ten-minute warnings before you ask students to clean up or switch to something new. Have a plan for the early finishers. Students work at different paces. Let students know what they should do if they finish a task before others. This will help avoid such students getting fidgety and disturbing their peers. Develop routines. If youve been teaching for a while, you probably have routines well established. Take a good look at your day, though. Are there times where students are more disruptive or talkative than others? Consider giving a refresher on your expectations or trying a new routine. Use transitions as quick brain breaks. Sometimes, no matter how well you plan a transition, your students might need a breather. Use it as a chance to move around, do some jumping jacks, or take a quick walk up and down the hall. Hitting pause for a moment will do your students good. Managing transitions well is an important classroom management technique. Its all about setting expectations and holding students to them. Do that, and youll notice that your classroom runs more effectively and your students remain engaged.

The 5 Best Online Language Labs for an Explosive Learning Experience

The 5 Best Online Language Labs for an Explosive Learning Experience The 5 Best Online Language Labs for an Explosive Learning Experience Nerdy guys in lab coats.White mice in cages.Colored liquids in test tubes and beakers.These images may come to mind when we talk about a “laboratory.”But you’ll never find any of these inside a language  laboratory. No microscopes, no Bunsen burners and no graduated cylinders. They’re not exactly cooking up a new, strange language in there, like a multilingual Dr. Frankenstein working on some linguistic monster.So what then is a language lab, and what sort of ungodly experiments take place inside? Read on and find out. What Is a Laboratory for Language?Okay, let go of that  idea of scientists working with test tubes and beakers for a minute.A language laboratory is a facilityâ€"usually a room in a universityâ€"where students use technology  to learn a new language. Its said that the language lab was made possible by Thomas Edison’s invention of the phonograph in 1877, which allowed the recording and reproduction of sounds. The University of Grenoble’s language learning facility, established in 1908, is considered one of the very first.The language lab has always reflected the technology and the thinking of its time. So, in the 1960’s, when analog cassette tapes were all the rage, students donned bulky headsets and countlessly replayed recordings of native speakers pronouncing words, phrases, sentences and even entire dialogues.This Audio-lingual Method was the preferred wisdom at that time. It postulated that language can be learned in specific discrete units and, in order to master a language, one has to do countless, repetitive oral drills. And so the language lab became a hub for those familiar “Listen  and  Repeat” schemes.  If you didn’t know any better, stepping into one would feel like entering a cubicle farm or a dated call center floor.The conventional language labs heyday lasted from the 1960s up until the early 1970s, with 5000 labs in existence just in the United States alone.But when the Audio-lingual Method began to fall out of favor in the late 70s, as Chomsky and others began questioning its underlying principles, the perceived importance of language labs also took a hit.The Language Lab Renaissance would come in the 1980s. With the increasing popularity of the computer, new possibilities were made available to language students. The computer was more versatile as a language learning tool and soon, video and software added more layers of learning experience.The development of the World Wide Web really skyrocketed things and the explosion of apps, interactive programs and digitalized material meant that information was not only democratized, it was practically made limitless.The language lab has truly come a long way from the cassette tapes of old.The Language Labs of TodayLet me ask you a question.What gadget are you using to read this post?Is it a tablet? A mobile phone? A computer?Don’t look now, because what you’re holding or what you carry around in your pocket is a veritable language laborato ry. In fact, its just as powerful, if not more powerful, than what universities had in their air conditioned facilities a decade ago.So if you think your phone is only good for posting pictures to Instagram or telling people what you had for lunch, then you’re really not tapping into some tremendous potential right in front of you.Today’s tablets and smartphones are slowly blurring our definition of a language  lab as just one room in a university or school. Instead of walking into a language laboratory, students are taking the whole lab with them wherever they go. This virtual version of the language lab room has not only increased in power, with capabilities not even dreamed a generation ago, it has decreased in size so much that you can even tuck it under your pillow.Not to mention, this language lab room has become even more social, because students are having real-time chats and discussions in the virtual world, as opposed to sitting isolated with a giant headset on.So what does it mean to “build” your own language lab?It means downloading the right apps to help you create a space for learning. Although our original definition of a language lab as a “room” has changed, the part where it says that you should  use technology to learn a new language has not.The 5 Best Online Language Labs for an Explosive Learning ExperienceBabbelLet’s start with the 2013 winner of Microsoft’s “Innovate 4 Society Award,” Babbel.The app will take you through a whirlwind of interactive courses that can teach you grammar and vocabulary through interactive games, tongue twisters, dialogues, songs and sayings. Individual lessons can be completed in 15 minutes. It’s an app that helps build basic conversational skills with its pronunciation  section, where you get to record your voice and compare it with that of a native speaker. There are also listening exercises where a dialogue is set up and you supply the missing words.Babbel  is perfect for beginners who wanted to dive into their target language, as well as  intermediate learners who need scaffolding and support for past learning.FluentUFluentU  is simply quite peerless when it comes to providing authentic language learning videos.Housing the web’s largest collection of language learning video clips, FluentU’s app is a vital resource that reverses the whole immersion process. Instead of you going to the country where they speak the language, the app brings the language to you. You can literally stay in your room, in your favorite pajamas and learn from two French native speakers as if you’re sitting at a café in Paris.Authentic video clips like interviews, newscasts and concerts come with interactive transcripts that allow an in-depth study of the specific concept or topic you’re interested in, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse Screen.FluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native languag e content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover your mouse over the subtitles to instantly view definitions.Interactive transcript for Carlos Baute song.You can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs learn mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoAnd FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.Download the FluentU mobile app  on the  iTunes  or  Google Play  store or use the website on your computer or tablet  and try FluentU for free for 15 days.MemriseMemrise is all about learning through play.Up for gaining more stars, badges and points? This “gameified” language learning app will get you hooked as you try to get your name on the leaderboard. The more you use the app, the more points you get.A vocab ulary  lesson, for example, would give you a variety of tasks and tests that will ultimately embed the words into your long-term memory. It would feel like you’re simply enjoying a series of game tasks, but lo and behold, you’re already learning Russian.Forty-four (44) words per hourâ€"thats the Memrise call-to-arms. Its designer, Ed Cooke, is himself a memory and learning dynamo. He has gathered in one place all the best scientific research and memory-enhancing techniques that makes learning a new language as intuitive and fun as possible.What you have with Memrise  are rich, engaging media resources (audio, video, animations) and multiple game modes (Visual Learning, Review Strengthen, Rapid Recall) that target different linguistic skills. All these are geared to not only boost learning, but more importantly, to ensure that you never forget what has been learned.DuolingoDuolingo  green owl watches over 70 million learners (Bill Gates included) who have used their online porta l and app to learn a new language.So, how does Duolingo  teach you new words? Well, you’ll be drilled, over and over until your phone’s battery runs out. For example, lets say they want to teach you the word, el niño  (the boy). You’ll probably be given multiple choice at first, so all you do is pick the correct answer.Then they’ll switch it up and ask you to  choose the correct English  translation  for the Spanish word. Then they’ll give you fill-in-the-blanks tasks. Next, you’ll probably hear the phrase being spoken, and you’ll have to type the words into a box. All this time, a cute picture of a boy will be accompanying the phrase so youve got something to go by.But this is no cookie-cutter tool. Not everybody gets the same series of tasks because it will all depend on how you perform. Duolingo’s algorithm rates your progress and determines how to serve you best.This app is perfect for the absolute beginner whos intent on learning a language on the go, or while waiting for his latte at Starbucks.SkypeYou may very well ask, “How  does Skype have anything to do with learning a new language?”Quite a lot actually. And if you’re going to be building a well-rounded language lab, Skype should be on your list.Think about it. Skype gives you the opportunity to talk to anyone in the world. This means you can cut through the geographical distance and get connected to specific people who can do a lot of good for your language learning cause.Do the terms “native speakers” and “language exchange partners” ring any bells? Well, Skype  is a way of getting in touch with these people.“Language exchange partners” belong to  a special group of native speakers who are also interested in learning your first language. So maybe you’re an English speaker trying to learn Japanese. You should strive to find a native Japanese speaker who’s interested in learning English, so you can trade the  language skills you have for the ones he or she has. This way, teaching and learning goes both ways. You teach each other your languages and may become lifelong friends in the process.Impossible? I think not.Here’s a post  that teaches you how to find these wonderful people and how to get the most out of your Skype.As we end this post, let me remind you of what you have in your handsâ€"it’s not just a phone, it’s not just a tablet.It’s a veritable language lab that learners of yore could  only dream of.You have in your hands the power to learn a new language in a whole new way. I encourage you to use it.Download the five  apps presented here, take them for a spin and then invest time in them. Soon enough, you’ll be amazed at what technology can do for you.You’ll never look at your smartphone the same way again.