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Choosing Between Mental, Written and Calculator Methods

The same calculation can make one method sensible and another needlessly difficult. Open Full Article...

Surds and Exact Values: Keeping Roots Exact

If √2 is about 1.414, why would a mathematician sometimes prefer to leave the answer as √2? Open Full Article...

Calculating with Upper and Lower Bounds

If a length is written as 8 cm to the nearest centimetre, does that prove the real length is exactly 8 cm? Open Full Article...

Applying the Order of Operations Correctly

Why does 2 + 3 × 4 equal 14 rather than 20, even though both calculations look possible? Open Full Article...

Indices, Roots and Fractional Powers Explained

Why does 2³ mean 2 × 2 × 2, while 2^(1/2) extends the same power notation through a connection with roots? Open Full Article...