Problem of the Week

Check out this week's Problem of the Week!

Solution transcript and video below the break.

Back to School!

At the Center of Math, we hope you are all enjoying the last week of August! September is right around the corner, and although school may not be the first thing on your mind, now is a good time to start preparing for the academic year ahead– especially if you are starting a new phase in your life, like college! The #CenterofMath wants to help you succeed mathematically and in all of your academic pursuits. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind as the final days of summer float by!


Get Organized!

It may sound self explanatory, but being organized can help in all aspects of your life–especially school! Whether it's keeping your room clean or keeping your notebooks in line, knowing where you're belongings are can save you time and stress. In college, staying organized with your classes becomes especially important. Find a method that works for you and stick to it! Perhaps a large wall calendar suits you best, or a small day planner does the trick. If you're a technology fanatic, use your phone or computer calendar. Keeping track of your assignments, exams, and activities will allow you to prioritize your time and stay on top of your work.

Stay Healthy
You may not see a clear correlation between your grades and your health, but making good decisions regarding your health can yield benefits in many different areas. Eating a balanced diet can make you feel more upbeat and energetic. Those cafeteria cookies are a good treat, but over indulging can lead to health issues and make you feel sluggish. Another important aspect of a healthy life is getting enough sleep. A lack of sleep can worsen your immune system and make you more prone to catching those colds that run rampant in college dorms. Try getting in a healthy routine now, and it will be much easier to keep once classes begin.

Review Material/Keep Learning
To train your muscles, you can run or exercise. Although your brain isn't a muscle, it still needs to be 'trained'. Make sure you stay in the academic mindset by reading, completing puzzles, or reviewing class material so that by the time school starts, you've already completed your warm up and are ready to go!

The Center of Math can help with this. Head to our blog to check out some best selling books and puzzle games.

Our YouTube channel features quick reviews, 1 minute shorts, and even full lectures to set your mind into math mode before school starts. You can even watch them while lounging outside!

Use Your Resources

Each student on a college campus is given an academic advisor, usually specified for a particular major or program of study. It can be extremely helpful to visit this advisor, as they can provide useful advice and assist you in scheduling your classes. Furthermore, many majors have specific tutoring services that employ students who have taken the courses already. Along the same lines, professors often hold office hours with an open door policy. They like to meet face to face with students, and showing up to your professor's office can help you build connections and a solid repertoire.  All of these resources are beneficial to you and free of charge, but no one will force you to take advantage of them! Take it upon yourself and go the extra mile, because typically it'll help you in the future! Now is a great time to figure out what is available to you at your campus!

What Your First Day of College Will be Like

So, you made it to college? You're probably pretty excited, right? Nervous? Scared? All of the above? Don’t worry: so is everyone else, but college is a great time in your life filled with new discoveries, challenges, and personal growth. As a writer here at the Center of Math, and someone who has experienced first day jitters, I wanted to talk about my experiences and give you some advice that will hopefully calm your nerves.

Top 3 Alternatives to Expensive Graphing Calculators

The back-to-school rush is in full swing, and not only does that mean that students will wind up saddled with unreasonably priced textbooks, they'll also be forced into buying unreasonably priced graphing calculators. Since the Worldwide Center of Mathematics is committed to affordable and high-quality math resources, we wanted to share with you an easy way to save some cash on your back to school shopping. Here are three very powerful ways that you can skip the absurd price point of modern graphing calculators, without skimping on the calculation power that you'll need for your classes.