Apologia Physics: Motion in one direction

Using formulas to solve for Velocity, Distance, Acceleration, and Time
It is important to remember one key rule of algebra: order of operations, inside parenthesis and outside.  For example in the equation x = 1/2 at^2  be sure to square the number and the units of measure that are represented by t.  It is also helpful to write fractions (and the accompanying units of measure) with the numerator on top of a line and the denominator below the line.  This is obvious but if you use a slash as in the way I wrote one-half above, it can be confusing to eliminate the units of measure.

Several students were showing a shortfall in their knowledge of algebra and scientific notation so I sent them links to Khan Academy's Algebra Basics . Dr. Khan does a great job explaining anything mathematical.  I've used this site to refresh my memory on how to use sine, cosine, and tangent which we will be using soon in our calculations.

We have several students who would rather not use scientific notation but write out the number.  This is okay for small calculations and numbers but will be a major problem when using larger numbers and more complicated equations.  I told the class that if anyone has an aversion to the use of scientific notation they should immediately expunge this thought from their brain!