24 MathDork Lessons - Here's What you get

Algebra Doesn’t have to be so serious!!

Properties of Real Numbers

Commutative Property
See how the word “commutative” contains the word “commute?” This lesson illustrates why, when you move numbers around, they still add up to the same number, or multiply to give the same result. A funny alien theme.

Associative Property
Questions about the difference between commutative and associative? Clear it up in just a few minutes. And get the tool for remembering it forever! Theme: MathDork talks to girls at a party.

Distributive Property
Distribute means “multiply out over parentheses.” See several examples of how this works.

Golden Rule

Golden Rule of Algebra
The trappings of ancient Egypt lead you through the Golden Rule of Algebra. Do Unto One Side of the Equation What You Do Unto the Other.

Order

Order of Operations
Animations illustrate how to simplify the messiest arithmetic expressions using the Order of Operations. You’ll want to view this one a few times, and then you’ll be ready to tackle any one of these. Theme: Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally.

Absolute

Absolute Value
What’s the deal with those “bar” things? Many students of all ages have questions about absolute value. Here you will find an animated explanation that you will see nowhere else! View this lesson, and not only will you have the concept down pat, but working with signed numbers will make a lot more sense.

Signed Numbers

Signed Numbers – Basic Concepts
Covers the basics. How to simplify numbers with several signs in front of them, and a visual tool for remembering. Ever wonder why two negatives multiplied together make a positive? Here is the real explanation—and it makes sense!

Signed Numbers – Addition
How to add signed numbers (and subtract – since subtraction is adding the opposite). Game show theme using $$ examples.

Exponents

Exponents – Introduction
“MathDork” and “Mimi” answer the questions that most students ask about raising a number to a power. What is an exponent? How do you raise a number to a power?

Exponents – Multiplying and Dividing
No need to memorize “rules” for multiplying and dividing with exponents. With this animated explanation, you will know what to do.

Exponents – Power to a Power
Does raising a number to a power, and then to a power again make you feel powerless? A simple animated explanation that you will remember every time!

Working with Variables

Working With Variables – Identifying Like Terms
An endearing squeaky robot breaks down the concept of like terms into easy-to-understand bits and bytes. This interactive lesson works through several examples.

Working With Variables – Combining Like Terms
Our friend the robot teams up with a magnet-toting helicopter to help you identify like terms for simplifying an expression. This lesson is especially visually entertaining.

Working With Variables -- Substitution
An ant, a Chihuahua, and a nascar driver guide you through the substitution process. This topic, which some students find confusing, is actually quite simple. You will see!

Solving Equations

Solving Equations – Basics
Help MathDork buy some junk food. This interactive lesson demonstrates how to set up a basic equation.

Solving Equations – Solving With Plus and Minus
A panoply of strange characters illustrates the basics of word problems, and how to solve very basic equations.

Solving Equations – Solving With Multiplication and Division
A crazy caveman theme will make you smile, as you see examples worked out on a cave wall.

Solving Equations – Solving With Multiple Steps
Mini-Dorks (A little creepy if you ask us) show you how to solve 2- and 3-step equations. We recommended viewing this lesson multiple times, until you almost know the steps by heart.

Factoring

Factoring Numbers
This is the clearest demonstration you’ll ever see of how to obtain the prime factorization of an integer. Factoring is kind of fun, and easy to check.

Graphing

Graphing – Basics
We’re very proud of this set of four lessons on graphing. You’ll find all of your basic graphing questions answered. How do you remember which is the X axis and which is the Y axis? When plotting ordered pairs, do you count the dots or the spaces? What if one of the coordinates is zero? Click the coordinates on the interactive self-quiz.

Graphing – Solution Pairs
Finally, understand completely the concept of solution pairs. How to find solution pairs by trial and error.

Graphing an Equation
Ever wonder why graphing solution pairs for a equation makes a line? This interactionanimation is the best explanation anywhere!

Inequalities

Inequalities – Basics
So what’s the deal with those little caret symbols? And how to remember which is which? Find out how to work with inequalities in this entertaining Southern-swamp-themed lesson.

Inequalities – Understanding Symbols
Extend your understanding of inequalities by learning what they mean when working with variables.