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	Complex numbers and the quadratic formula		1998-12-25
		From Richard Peter: My age is 16, and my name is Richard. My question relates to the topic complex numbers & the quadratic formula. I would like to know how to solve quadratic equations in which the discriminant is less than 0 (i.e. we get two complex solutions to the quadratic) 3x2+2x+5 = 0 and how mathematicians like euler contributed to this field. If it would be possible I would also like to know how this type of quadratic equations can be graphed? Answered by Harley Weston.
	Complex Numbers		1998-12-23
		From Wayne Bagley: I would like to know what is the square root of i , and i squared? I am looking for a response appropriate for secondary level students. Answered by Harley Weston.
	Some Word Problems		1998-12-17
		From Jennifer Rudd: To Whom It May Concern, I'm having some difficulty with these word problems. Maybe you could help. Thanks. A matte of uniform width is placed around a painting so that the area of the matted surface is twice the area of the painting. If the outside dimensions of the matte are 40cm and 60cm, find the width of the matte. The Joneses start out A 1520km car trip to Walker Park. On the first day they cover 960km. On the second day they complete the trip, but a rainstorm causes them reduce their average speed by 10km/h.If the 2-day trip took a total of 20 h, what was the average speed on each day? Granny stood up at her grandson's wedding reception and announced " My age now is a perfect square and it is equal to the difference between the square of my grandson's father's age and the square of his mother's age. Come to think of it the difference my age and the square of my grandson's age is seven times the age of his mother, my daughter in law." The grandson's wife remarked to her new husband," That means the difference between the squares of our ages is three times the age of your father!" How old was the bride? The volume of a retangular box 4cm high is 144 cubic cm. If the perimeter of the base is 24cm, find the dimensions of the box. P.S. the first two questions are the most important ones that need to be solved. Thanks for your help!! Answered by Jack LeSage and Penny Nom.
	Indeterminate forms		1998-12-11
		From R. Dixon: What is the correct evaluation of infinity/0 ? I've checked three different math sites. One says definitively, that infinity/0 is "not" possible. Another states that infinity/0 is one of the indeterminate forms having a large range of different values. The last reasons that infinity/0 "is" equal to infinity. Answered by Walter Whiteley and Harley Weston.
	Volume in gallons		1998-12-09
		From Hill Hermit: Please tell me the formula for computing the volume, in gallons, of a cylinder. Thanks from a parent. American gallons, please. Answered by Harley Weston.
	6.99999... = ?		1998-12-05
		From Tom: I have had a rather heated arguement with my students. Please settle this for me. Solve <,>, = 6.99999... __ 7 Thank you. Answered by Penny Nom.
	Intersection of Planes		1998-12-03
		From Lindsay Fear: My name is Lindsay Fear. I am an OAC student (which is the Ontario equivalent to Grade 12 in most other states and provinces). I am in an Algebra and Geometry course and am currently studying a unit on equations of planes. Our teacher has given us this question that my friend and I have attempted several times, but we are still unable to solve it. My teacher has also suggested using the internet as a resource. The question is: Prove that a necessary condition that the three planes -x + ay + bz = 0 ax - y + cz = 0 bx + cy - z = 0 have a line in common is that a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + 2abc = 1 Answered by Walter Whiteley.
	-(4)^0 = ?		1998-12-02
		From Derek Yau: I would like to know why any number to the exponent 0 equals to 1 also, I would like you to please answer this question: -(4)^0 = ? I know the answer is 1 but I am confused as to if it is a negative one or a positive one. Answered by Jack LeSage and Penny Nom.
	Platonic Solids Surface Area		1998-12-02
		From Rachel Bidwell: How do you find the surface area of the 5 platonic solids, when they each have a volume of one cubic inch Answered by Harley Weston.
	Percentage markup		1998-11-28
		From John Coffey: My 11th grade daughter asked me how to calculate retail mark up percentages, I would appreciate any help with this question. Answered by Penny Nom.
	Pick any odd number, square it, and then divide it by 8		1998-11-27
		From Brenda Meagher: Pick any odd number, square it, and then divide it by 8. No matter what odd number is chosen and squared and divided by 8, the remainder is one. Could you please explain this to me or is there a pattern that I am not aware Answered by Harley Weston.
	Matricies		1998-11-26
		From Stephanie Webster: If a matrix for a rectangle looks this way: AACC BDDB What does the matrix for a square look like? Answered by Penny Nom.
	Duplation method of multiplication		1998-11-26
		From Sara Whitford: I am wondering why 16 and multiples of 16 do not work in the ancient duplation method of multiplication used by the Egyptians. I discovered the method in the Journeys math text gr 7 level. Just curious. Am I doing something wrong?? Answered by Jack LeSage and Harley Weston.
	Three keys		1998-11-26
		From Karen Chan: A man has a bunch of three keys, only one of which fits the lock of his front door. When he comes home in the dark he tries the keys at random until he finds the one fits. Find the probability that in a week of five nights, he tries the right key first on at least one night. Answered by Penny Nom.
	Algebra		1998-11-25
		From Casey: yeah my son brought home a math worksheet and he was wondering and me too if u could help him and me out . he has problems like this 4n+9=7n+2= ??? and he has to show work so if u could help us out that would be great Answered by Jack LeSage.

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