Anytime you're working with a part of a whole or a fraction, you also are dealing with percentages. For example, 1/4 is the equivalent of 25 percent or .25. A quick way to convert between fractions and percentages is to divide the numerator by the denominator. In this example, 1 divided by 4 is .25. To convert to a fraction from a percent, put the value of the percent over 100 and reduce, such as 25/100 or 1/4.
For every math problem in which you see an unknown value, such as x, y or z, you must solve for that variable. This means that you must get the value alone on one side of the equals sign. For example, solve the equation: y+2=52. Subtract the two on both sides of the equation to make: y=52. Solve this slightly more complicated equation: (y+2)^2=4. Here, you're goal is still to isolate the y-variable. The easiest course of action to take is the square root of both sides to make: y+2=2. Solve for y: y=0. Whatever action you do must be applied to both sides of the equation.
The triangle is an important geometry shape with a few key properties. Be familiar with the Pythagorean theorem (a^2+b^2=c^2) where a, b and c (hypotenuse) are two sides of a right triangle. Solve the problem: A right triangle has side lengths of 2, 5 and x. What is one value of x? Set up the equation: 2^2+5^2=x^2. 29=x^2 or x=√29. You should also remember that all three angles in a triangle total 180 degrees. For example, what is the measure of the third angle in a right triangle, which has a 50-degree angle. A right angle is 90 degrees, so add 90 to 50 to make 140. Subtract 140 from 180 to make 40, which is the measure of the third angle.
When solving general equations, one important concept to remember is the solving order: parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition and subtraction or PEMDAS. Every problem in math should be solved, according to this standard order. Solve the equation: x + 2---3-(5+x). There is nothing to simplify in the parenthesis, so move onto multiplication (2x3) and solve: x+6-(5+x). Distribute the negative sign (-) to the expression in the parenthesis. Rewrite: x+6-5-x. Add or subtract remaining numbers to make: 1.