MATHCOUNTS Lesson

1:
Arithmetic/Pre-algebra

Things you should DEFINETLY already

know
Understanding of correct order of mathematical
operations
Common mathematical symbols
The commutative, associative, and distributive
properties
A basic understanding of the coordinate plane

Things you should know

Decimals
Fractions
Percents

Decimals
They are another way to express parts of a whole as
an alternative to fractions.
Typical, boring numbers
1.2, 5.06, 0.99

Fractions
Express parts of a whole, shows division
Numerator/Denominator
Mixed numbers include an integer and a fraction (1 )
Improper fractions are greater than 1 and can be reduced
(7/4)
Almost all competition math requires fractional answers
to be simplified common fractions (improper fractions, not
mixed numbers!)

Converting Decimals to Fractions

Each digit to the right of a decimal point represents
an amount out of a fraction with a denominator as a
multiple of 10
0.3 = three tenths = 3/10
1.08= 108/100 = 27/25 (try to simplify)
Try to memorize common fractions and their
decimal equivalents such as 1/3, 1/4, 1/6, 1/8, 1/9

Percents
Very similar to decimals, where now 100% is a whole
Convert a decimal to percent by multiplying the number by
100
.95 = 95%
Conversely, you can convert a percent to decimal by dividing
by 100
61% = .61

Exponents and
Radicals

Integer Exponents
When
we multiply two expressions with the same base,

we add their exponents

When we divide two expressions with the same base, we
subtract exponents
Ex:
With negative exponents we multiply/divide expressions
just like expressions with positive exponents
We can only apply our rules regarding multiplication/division when the
bases of the expressions are the same

Integer Exponents
Any
nonzero number raised to the zero power equals 1

When a exponential expression is raised to a power,

we multiply the exponent of the expression by the
power to which the expression is raised
Ex:

What is the difference between and ?

Fractional Exponents
What is ?
Ex:

What is the difference between and ?

What is the difference between and

Simplifying Radical Expressions

Case study:
Ex:

Rationalizing Denominators
First reduce the radical
Then split the expression under the radical into its
prime factors, and treat each factor sperately
Ex: