11/21/2009 BetterExplained | Learn Right, Not Rote

Explanations for everyone.

I want to share hard-won “a ha!” moments in clear and simple language. Even math shortcuts can be fun, I
promise.

Math & Numbers

Intro: Mental math shortcuts, adding 1-100, how to learn math, understanding averages
Numbers: number systems, visual arithmetic, different bases, Prime numbers
Statistics: Combinations & permutations, Birthday Paradox, Bayes’ Theorem,
Geometry: Pythagorean uses, Pythagorean distance, degrees vs radians
Exponents & Logs: Intuitive exponents, natural log
Complex numbers: visual introduction, intuitive arithmetic
Calculus: a gentle introduction, discovering pi
Vector Calculus: Gradient, Flux, Divergence, Curl & Circulation

Programming & Web Development

Site tweaks: Faster Javascript load time (examples), HTTP caching, gzip compression
Ruby on Rails: Starting Ruby on Rails, Understanding MVC
Tools: version control, distributed VCS
Web Development: Debugging with Firefox, Javascript Reference, load XML/JSON data, gmail XSRF
attack, GUIDs, making bookmarklets
Low-level Programming: binary files, byte order, unicode, XOR variable swap, Fast 1/sqrt, gdb
debugging, symbol tables

Business, Writing & Communication

Writing: wordpress tips, how to blog
Business: Rule of 72, pareto principle, marketing lessons, stock market, accounting 101, interest rates
Thoughts: know thyself, simplicity vs. complexity, japanese innovation, notes on happiness

Recent Articles (See all)

Why Do We Need Limits and Infinitesimals?
Posted 11.13.2009, under Calculus, Math

So many math courses jump into limits, infinitesimals and Very Small Numbers ™ without any context. But why
do we care?

Math helps us model the world. We can break a complex idea (a wiggly curve) into simpler parts (rectangles):

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11/21/2009 BetterExplained | Learn Right, Not Rote

But, we want an accurate model. The thinner the rectangles, the more accurate the model. The simpler model,
built from …
Read more…

A BetterExplained Guide To Calculus

Posted 11.08.2009, under Guides, Math

Navigate a Grid Using Combinations And Permutations

Posted 10.20.2009, under Math

Math, BetterExplained eBook Available!

Posted 09.15.2009, under General

Understanding the Monty Hall Problem

Posted 09.04.2009, under Math

A Calculus Analogy: Integrals as Multiplication

Posted 07.15.2009, under Calculus, Math

Learning How to Count (Avoiding The Fencepost Problem)

Posted 04.28.2009, under Math

A Simple Introduction To Computer Networking

Posted 03.16.2009, under Guides, Programming

Understanding Exponents (Why does 0^0 = 1?)

Posted 02.17.2009, under Math

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11/21/2009 BetterExplained | Learn Right, Not Rote
Developing Your Intuition For Math
Posted 01.08.2009, under Guides, Math

Understanding Debt, Risk and Leverage

Posted 11.17.2008, under Business

Share your ‘Aha’s: links.betterexplained.com

Posted 10.10.2008, under General

Learning Calculus: Overcoming Our Artificial Need for Precision

Posted 08.21.2008, under Math

Intuitive Guide to Angles, Degrees and Radians

Posted 07.09.2008, under Math

Prehistoric Calculus: Discovering Pi

Posted 05.29.2008, under Calculus, Math

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copyright © 2009 Kalid Azad

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