The Nature of Mathematics, 12th Edition
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Section 5.4 Homework Hints

Problems 1-5
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.
Problems 6-17
See Example 1.
First, find the greatest common factor.
Then, use the fundamental property of to simplify the fraction.
Finally, leave your answer as a reduced fraction. Generally, the for 3/2 is preferred over the mixed number form 1 1/2.
Problems 18-37
See Examples 2, 4 and 5. Remember that negative exponents are sometimes used to represent fractions. That is 3^(-1) is another name for the fraction 1/3.
Problems 38-48
These problems involve order of operations (parentheses, exponents, multiplication/division left to right, and addition/subtraction left to right), as well as the operations with rational numbers (Examples 2, 4, and 5).

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/

    Mathematics Home Page
    Access the Clemens and Alcuins Library of CSB/SJU and find one of the world's best collections of mathematical internet sites.
    http://library.csbsju.edu/rqs.phtml?subject_id=32

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