Sam Zappala

I’m Sam Zappala; I’ve been a math teacher/tutor since 98. When teaching, I want the students to work with me. I want to gain their respect. When I work with the students, if there’s an easier way; I’ll inform them. This is how to make it work without as many steps. I teach Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry. I will also get into Calculus and SI (metrics).
For example let's use multiplication: 18*27=?. Make the 18 into a 20. Break the 20 into 2*10. So: 2*27=54; *10=540. Subtract 2*27 to get back to the original problem. 540-50=490; -4=486.
When working with Geometry and/or Trigonometry, the first formulas I want the students to remember are: a^2+b^2=c^2; for rt triangles; and a/sin(alpha)=b/sin(beta)=c/sin(gamma); for all triangles.
To get deeper into trig; odliqu (nothing is equal; no right angle) triangles are measured. In order to find side "c"; the formula to use is: c=a^2+b^2-2ab*cos(gamma)=c^2; or c=(a^2+b^2-2ab*cos(gama))^.5.