MHB Can Factoring Be Considered a Skill?

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Factoring is discussed as a mathematical skill, with participants sharing methods for simplifying the expression of 343. One contributor suggests using logarithms, while another argues that division is a more straightforward approach. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding mathematical concepts and techniques rather than viewing them as mere tricks. There is a consensus that factoring requires skill and knowledge. The discussion ultimately highlights the value of different problem-solving strategies in mathematics.
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I say we take the log on both sides as step one.

Yes?
 
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log base 7 looks good, yes.

-Dan
 
The first thing I would do is start dividing 343 by 7! 343- 40(7)= 343- 280= 63= 9(7) so [math]343= 7(49)= 7(7)(7)= 7^3[/math]. [math]\sqrt{343}= 7^{3/2}[/math] so [math]7^{2n}= 7^{3/2}[/math] so [math]2n= 3/2[/math], n= 3/4.

No logarithms necessary!
 
Country Boy said:
The first thing I would do is start dividing 343 by 7! 343- 40(7)= 343- 280= 63= 9(7) so [math]343= 7(49)= 7(7)(7)= 7^3[/math]. [math]\sqrt{343}= 7^{3/2}[/math] so [math]7^{2n}= 7^{3/2}[/math] so [math]2n= 3/2[/math], n= 3/4.

No logarithms necessary!

Nicely done! It pays to know math tricks.
 
Beer soaked non sequitur ramblings follow.
mathland said:
Nicely done! It pays to know math tricks.
A man's mind stretched by a new idea can never go back to its original dimension.
 
I don't think I would consider factoring a "trick".
 
Country Boy said:
I don't think I would consider factoring a "trick".

I meant to say skill not trick.
 

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