Math Question

[BFMF]

I know this is a simple math question, but my book doesn't go into detail and I'm a little confused on the correct way to solve this

Could someone set me straight and tell me which way is the correct way?




Excuse the quality, I opened up my paint program and quickly 'threw' it togather

[Jakemaster]

well, when you square a fraction its not really different from squaring a regular number.  When you multiply fractions, you multiply the numerators and the denominators, so the one on the top is right.  Yep, its right.  I find it easier to use a calculator (in advanced pre-cal, it allows you to spend more time on the problem, not the little math, also, you can use a calculator on the SAT, ACT, and PSAT, and you can even use one in real life!)

BTW, what math are you taking?  That seems really simple, even my textbook doesn't have anything that simple.

[Polynomial]

Too right, the one on the top is very correct.

Poly

[Jakemaster]

I would expect you to know it polynomial, just look at your name

[BFMF]

So why does my calculator show the bottom correct? It multiplies the denomerator but not the numerator

[beefhole]

So why does my calculator show the bottom correct? It multiplies the denomerator but not the numerator

You need to put parentheses around the fraction BEFORE you put the exponenent.

ex. calculator screen-

(3/4)2=.5625

Ans > Frac            9/16

[BFMF]

[quote]BTW, what math are you taking?

[BFMF]

[quote]You need to put parentheses around the fraction BEFORE you put the exponenent.

ex. calculator screen-

(3/4)2=.5625

Ans > Frac

[Jakemaster]

I understand taking simple math in college, it is just that I was curious as to what math it was, if it was anything in particular.  Parenthesis are VERY important on the calculator to help it understand what you want.  I have learned that the hard way.

[Hai Perso Coyone?]

I hate math

[Katahu]

You're not alone, Woozy.

[Ecko]

Next time youre doubting stuff like that,  see if the result seems logic-

(3/4)

[Hagar]

This is where a calculator can come in very handy. With simple fractions like this, first convert them to decimal as the others have said. This makes it so much easier. You can even do it by typing the calculation in Google.
0.75 x 0.75 = 0.5625 http://www.google.co.uk/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLD,GGLD:2004-34,GGLD:en&q=0%2E75+x+0%2E75+%3D

[BFMF]

Thanks guys

[Omag 2.0]

Is been told before I guess, but using the square outside the brakets means you need to square everything inside the brackets, not just a part of it. It's called following the rules of math...  ;D

( wait till you get to integrals.... or even worse... statistics ! ... ha!)  ;D

This site might be handy... http://www.mathwords.com/