Note: Homework Hints are given only for the Level 1 and Level 2 problems.
However, as you go through the book be sure you look at all the examples in the text. If you need hints for the Level 3 problems, check some sources for help on the internet (see the LINKS for that particular section. As a last resort, you can call the author at (707) 829-0606.
On the other hand, the problems designated “Problem Solving” generally require techniques that do not have textbook examples.
There are many sources for homework help on the internet.
Algebra.help
Here is a site where technology meets mathematics. You can search a particular topic or choose lessons, calculators, worksheets for extra practice or other resources.
http://www.algebrahelp.com/
Ask Dr. Math
Dr. Math is a registered trademark. This is an excellent site at which you can search to see if your question has been previously asked, or you can send your question directly to Dr. Math to receive an answer.
http://mathforum.org/dr.math/
Quick Math
This site provides online graphing calculators. This is especially useful if you do not have your own calculator.
http://www.quickmath.com/
The Math Forum @ Drexel
This site provides an internet mathematics library that can help if you need extra help. For additional homework help at this site, click one of the links in the right-hand column.
http://mathforum.org/
There are many problems throughout the text labeled IN YOUR OWN WORDS. Just relax; do not be afraid to give your opinion. For the most part, these questions do not have “right” or “wrong” answers. You should spend about five minutes in answering each of these questions.
Look at Pascal’s triangle in Figure 1.4, and focus on the diagonals.
See Example 5
Problem 9a. Use the 5th row of Pascal’s triangle. Remember the 5th row is the row whose second entry is 5.
Problem 9b. Use row 6.
Problem 10a. Use row 7.
Problem 10b. Use row 8.
See Examples 1 and 2; use Pascal’s triangle. Draw the figure you are working with, and then either label the number of ways to get to each vertex (as in Example 1), or else count the number of rows and columns from A to B. For example, in Problem 12, from A go up two rows and then over three rows. Start at the top of Pascal’s triangle, and count down two and then over three to find the entry, which is the correct answer.
See Example 3 and number each vertex. Most of these locations have irregularities which prevents the efficient use of Pascal’s triangle.
See the traffic directors function as points in Pascal’s triangle.
This problem is an extension of Problem 19.
For Problem 21, how much do ten (empty) crates weigh?
For Problem 22, draw a picture.
For Problems 23-24, think about what you are reading before you answer.
Problems 25-26
Look at Pascal’s triangle (Figure 1.4) and look for a pattern.
See Example 3 and number each vertex. Most of these locations have irregularities which prevents the efficient use of Pascal’s triangle.
These are not typical math problems, but are problems that require only common sense. See Examples 6 and 7 for some insight into the general problem-solving techniques need these problems.