Algebraic Operations on ACT Math Strategies and Formulas

Algebraic Operations on ACT Math Strategies and Formulas SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Variables, exponents, and more variables, whoo! ACT operations questions will involve all of these (and so much more!). So if you ever wondered what to do with or how to solve some of those extra long and clunky algebra problems (â€Å"What is the equivalent to ${2/3}a^2b - (18b - 6c) +$ †¦Ã¢â‚¬  you get the picture), then this is the guide for you. This will be your complete guide to ACT operations questions- what they’ll look like on the test, how to perform operations with multiple variables and exponents, and what kinds of methods and strategies you’ll need to get them done as fast and as accurately as possible. You'll see these types of questions at least three times on any given ACT, so let's take a look. What Are Operations? There are four basic mathematical operations- adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing. The end goal for any particular algebra problem may be different, depending on the question, but the operations and the methods to solve them will be the same. For example, when solving a single variable equation or a system of equations, your ultimate objective is to solve for a missing variable. However, when solving an ACT operations problem, you must use your knowledge of mathematical operations to identify an equivalent expression (NOT solve for a missing variable). This means that the answer to these types of problems will always include a variable or multiple variables, since we are not actually finding the value of the variable. Let’s look at two examples, side-by-side. This is a single variable equation. Your objective is to find $x$. If $(9x-9)=-$, then $x=$? A. $-{92/9}$B. $-{20/9}$C. $-{/9}$D. $-{2/9}$E. $70/9$ This is an ACT operations problem. You must find an equivalent expression after performing a mathematical operation on a polynomial. The product $(2x^4y)(3x^5y^8)$ is equivalent to: F. $5x^9y^9$G. $6x^9y^8$H. $6x^9y^9$J. $5x^{20}y^8$K. $6x^{20}y^8$ (We will go through exactly how to solve this problem shortly) Let's break down each component of an operations problem, step-by-step. (Also, bonus French braid lesson!) Operation Question How-To's Let us look at how to identify operations questions when you see them and how to solve for your answer. How to Identify an Operations Problem As we said before, the end goal of an operations problem is not to solve for a missing variable. Because of this, you can identify an operations problem by looking at your answer choices. If the question involves variables (instead of integers) in the given equation and in the answer choices, then it is likely you are dealing with an operations problem. This means that if the problem asks you to identify an â€Å"equivalent† expression or the â€Å"simplified form† of an expression, then it is highly likely that you are dealing with an operations problem. How to Solve an Operations Problem In order to solve these types of questions, you have two options: you can either solve your problems by using algebra, or by using the strategy of plugging in numbers. Let’s begin by looking at how algebraic operations work. First, you must understand how to add, multiply, subtract, and divide terms with variables and exponents. (Before we go through how to do this, be sure to brush up on your understanding of exponents and integers.) So let us look at the rules of how to manipulate terms with variables and exponents. Addition and Subtraction When adding or subtracting terms with variables (and/or exponents), you can only add or subtract terms that have the exact same variable. This rule includes variables with exponents- only terms with variables raised to the same power may be added together (or subtracted). For example, $x$ and $x^2$ CANNOT be combined into one term (i.e. $2x^2$ or $x^3$). It can only be written as $x + x^2$. To add terms with variables and/or exponents, simply add the numbers before the variable (the coefficients) just as you would add any numbers without variables, and keep the variables intact. (Note: if there is no coefficient in front of the variable, it is worth 1. $x$ is the same thing as $1x$.) Again, if one term has an additional variable or is raised to a different power, the two terms cannot be added together. Yes: $x + 4x = 5x$ $10xy - 2xy = 8xy$ No: $6x + 5y$ $xy - 2x - y$ $x + x^2 + x^3$ These expressions all have terms with different variables (or variables to different powers) and so CANNOT be combined into one term. How they are written above is as simplified as they can ever get. Multiplication and Division When multiplying terms with variables, you may multiply any variable term with another. The variables do not have to match in order for you to multiply the terms- the variables instead are combined, or taken to an additional exponent if the variables are the same, after multiplying. (For more on multiplying numbers with exponents, check out the section on exponents in our guide to advanced integers) $x * y = xy$ $ab * c = abc$ $z * z = z^2$ The variables in front of the terms (the coefficients) are also multiplied with one another as usual. This new coefficient will then be attached to the combined variables. $2x * 3y = 6xy$ $3ab * c = 3abc$ Just as when we multiplying variable terms, we must take each component separately when we divide them. This means that the coefficients will be reduced/divided with regard to one another (just as with regular division), as will the variables. (Note: again, if your variables involve exponents, now might be a good time to brush up on your rules of dividing with exponents.) $${8xy}/{2x} = 4y$$ $${5a^2b^3}/{15a^2b^2} = b/3$$ $${30y + 45}/5 = 6y + 9$$ When working on operations problems, first take each component separately, before you put them together. Typical Operation Questions Though there are several ways an operations question may be presented to you on the ACT, the principles behind each problem are essentially the same- you must manipulate terms with variables by performing one (or more) of the four mathematical operations on them. Most of the operations problems you’ll see on the ACT will ask you to perform a mathematical operation (subtraction, addition, multiplication, or division) on a term or expression with variables and then ask you to identify the â€Å"equivalent† expression in the answer choices. More rarely, the question may ask you to manipulate an expression in order to present your equation â€Å"in terms of† another variable (e.g. â€Å"which of the following expressions shows the equation in terms of $x$?†). Now let’s look at the different kinds of operations problems in action. The product $(2x^4y)(3x^5y^8)$ is equivalent to: F. $5x^9y^9$G. $6x^9y^8$H. $6x^9y^9$J. $5x^{20}y^8$K. $6x^{20}y^8$ Here, we have our problem from earlier, but now we know how to go about solving it using algebra. We also have a second method for solving the question (for those of you are uninterested in or unwilling to use algebra), and that is to use the strategy of plugging in numbers. We’ll look at each method in turn. Solving Method 1: Algebra operations Knowing what we know about algebraic operations, we can multiply our terms. First, we must multiply our coefficients: $2 * 3 = 6$ This will be the coefficient in front of our new term, so we can eliminate answer choices F and J. Next, let us multiply our individual variables. $x^4 * x^5$ $x^[4 + 5]$ $x^9$ And, finally, our last variable. $y * y^8$ $y^[1 + 8]$ $y^9$ Now, combine each piece of our term to find our final answer: $6{x^9}y^9$ Our final answer is H, $6{x^9}y^9$ Solving Method 2: Plugging in our own numbers Alternatively, we can find our answer by plugging in our own numbers (remember- any time the question uses variables, we can plug in our own numbers). Let us say that $x = 2$ and $y = 3$ (Why those numbers? Why not! Any numbers will do- except for 1 or 0, which is explained in our PIN guide- but since we are working with exponents, smaller numbers will give us more manageable results.) So let us look at our first term and convert it into an integer using the numbers we selected to replace our variables. $2{x^4}y$ $2(2^4)(3)$ $2(16)(3)$ $96$ Now, let us do the same to our second term. $3{x^5}{y^8}$ $3(2^5)(3^8)$ $3(32)(6,561)$ $629,856$ And finally, we must multiply our terms together. $(2{x^4}y)(3{x^5}{y^8})$ $(96)(629,856)$ $60,466,176$ Now, we need to find the answer in our answer choices that matches our result. We must plug in our same values for $x$ and $y$ as we did here and then see which answer choice gives us the same result. If you are familiar with the process of using PIN, you know that our best option is usually to start with the middle answer choice. So let us test answer choice H to start. $6{x^9}y^9$ $6(2^9)(3^9)$ $6(512)(19,683)$ $60,466,176$ Success! We have found our correct answer on the first try! (Note: if our first option had not worked, we would have seen whether it was too low or too high and then picked our next answer choice to try, accordingly.) Our final answer is again H, $6{x^9}y^9$ Now let us look at our second type of problem. For all real numbers $b$ and $c$ such that the product of $c$ and 3 is $b$, which of the following expressions represents the sum of $c$ and 3 in terms of $b$? A. $b+3$B. $3b+3$C. $3(b+3)$D. ${b+3}/3$E. $b/3+3$ This question requires us to translate the problem first into an equation. Then, we must manipulate that equation until we have isolated a different variable than the original. Again, we have two methods with which to solve this question: algebra or PIN. Let us look at both. Solving Method 1: Algebra First, let us begin by translating our equation into an algebraic one. We are told that the product of $c$ and 3 is equal to $b$. A â€Å"product† means we must multiply $c$ and 3 and so our equation looks like this: $3c = b$ Now we are asked to find the sum of $c$ and 3. This means we must isolate $c$ so that we can add them together. So let us first isolate $c$ by using our knowledge of algebraic operations. $3c = b$ $c = b/3$ Now, we can sum $c$ and 3 by replacing our $c$ with $b/3$. $c + 3$ ${b/3} + 3$ Our answer matches answer choice E. Our final answer is E. Solving Method 2: Plugging in numbers Alternatively, we can use our technique of plugging in numbers. Because our question deals with variables, we can choose our own numbers (so long as they follow the rules of our given information.) We are told that the product of $c$ and 3 is equal to $b$. So let us assign a value to $c$ and use this information to find the value of $b$. So let us say that $c = 4$. (Why 4? Why not!) If $c = 4$, then the product of $c$ and 3 is: $3c = b$ $3(4) = b$ $b = 12$ So, when $c$ equals 4, $b$ equals 12. Now we must find the sum of $c$ and 3. $3 + c$ $3 + (4)$ $7$ Now that we have found our sum, we must identify the answer choice that gives us this sum. All of our answer choices are presented to us in terms of $b$, so we will use our found value of 12 to replace $b$ for each. As with all PIN questions, let us start with the middle answer option. Answer choice C gives us: $3(b + 3)$ We can tell just by looking at it that this will be far larger than 7, but we can always test this out. $3(12 + 3)$ $3(15)$ $45$ We can eliminate answer choice C. Just by glancing, we can see that answer choices A and B will also be larger than 12, which means we can eliminate them as well. Let us try answer choice D. ${b + 3}/3$ ${12 + 3}/3$ $15/3$ $5$ Answer choice D did not match our sum, which means we can eliminate it as well. By process of elimination, we are left with answer choice E, but let us test it to be sure. ${b/3} + 3$ ${12/3} + 3$ $4 + 3$ $7$ Success! We have found the answer choice that matches the sum we found. Our final answer is, once again, E, ${b/3} + 3$. As you can see, the answer to your operations questions will always be in variables and the problem will always require you to interpret and manipulate expressions with variables, but there are always multiple options for how to solve these types of problems. You've got the power to decide how you would like to solve and manipulate your operations problems. Magic! Strategies for Solving Operations Questions Now that we’ve seen the types of operations questions you’ll see on the ACT, let’s review our solving strategies. #1: Use PIN when needed (or to double-check your answer) If you ever feel concerned that you may be going down the wrong path while manipulating your operations problems, or if you simply want to double-check your answer, it's never a bad idea to use the strategy of plugging in numbers. Although it can take a little longer plug in your own numbers for your variables, you'll never have to fear misremembering how to manipulate your exponents, your variables, or your equations as a whole. Once you're able to use real numbers for your variables, the math will be a piece of cake. #2: Focus on one aspect of the term at a time It can become all too easy to lose yourself when working with multiple variables at once, especially when it comes to multiplication and division. The test-makers know this and will provide bait answers for any number of common mistakes. In order to keep all your components organized, focus on just one piece of each expression at a time. First, look at the coefficients, then look at the variables. This will help keep all your moving pieces in order and lessen the odds of mix-ups and mistakes. #3: Eliminate your answer options as you go Operations problems can sometimes mess with your head, not because they are inherently difficult, but because the ACT is a marathon and your brain can get tired and confused (and lazy). This, combined with the fact that all the answer choices generally look quite similar, with only small differences- a minus sign instead of a plus sign, one coefficient difference, etc.- can lead you to select the wrong answer, even when you know what the correct one should be. To avoid this kind of careless error (the worst kind of error!), eliminate your answer choices as you go through your problem. Know that the coefficient for your $y$ value must be 3? Immediately cross out any answer choices that give you anything other than $3y$. It may seem inefficient to solve problems this way, but it will keep your answers much more clear. #4: Keep careful track of your negatives Not only can it be difficult to keep track of multiple variables, but it's even easier to mix-up the proper negative and positive signs. Many students make careless errors with their negative signs and the ACT test-makers are all too aware of this. They will provide all manner of bait answers for anyone who misplaces even a single negative sign, so be very careful. $(a+2b+3c)-(4a+6b-5c)$ is equivalent to: A. $-4a-8b-2c$B. $-4a-4b+8c$C. $-3a+8b-2c$D. $-3a-4b-2c$E. $-3a-4b+8c$ For a problem like this, we are being asked to subtract the entire expression, $4a + 6b - 5c$, from the entire expression, $a + 2b + 3c$. This means that the negative sign will be negating every term in the expression $4a + 6b - 5c$. So we must put a negative sign in front of each term. $4a$ becomes $-4a$ $6b$ becomes $-6b$ $-5c$ becomes $- -5c$ or $+5c$. Now let us put these pieces together with the first expression. $a - 4a = -3a$ $2b - 6b = -4b$ $3c + 5c = 8c$ Our final expression will be: $-3a - 4b + 8c$ Our final answer is E, $-3a - 4b + 8c$. [Note: many (many!) students put a negative sign only in front of the first term in the parenthesis, which in this case the $4a$. If you had done this, you would have gotten: $a - 4a = -3a$ $2b + 6b = 8b$ $3c - 5c = -2c$. This would have given you answer choice C, $-3a + 8b - 2c$. Again the test-makers know this is a common error and there will always be a bait answer to tempt anyone who makes this kind of mistake.] Operations in the "real world." Hyuk, yuk, yuk. Test Your Knowledge Now that we’ve gone through the tips and tricks of operations questions, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test with more real ACT math problems. 1. Which of the following is an equivalent simplified expression for $2(4x+7)-3(2x-4)$? F. $x+2$G. $2x + 2$H. $2x+26$J. $3x+10$K. $3x+$ 2.Which of the following expressions is equivalent to ${1/2}y^2(6x+2y+12x-2y)$? A. $9xy^2$B. $18xy$C. $3xy^2 + 12x$D. $9xy^2-2y^3$E. $3xy^2+12x-y^3-2y$ 3.$t^2-59t+54-82t^2+60t$ is equivalent to: F. $-26t^2$G. $-26t^6$H. $-81t^4+t^2+54$J. $-81t^2+t+54$K. $-82t^2+t+54$ 4.The expression $-8x^3(7x^6-3x^5)$ is equivalent to: A. $-56x^9+24x^8$B. $-56x^9-24x^8$C. $-56x^18+24x^15$D. $-56^18-24x^15$E. $-32x^4$ Answers: H, A, J, A Answer Explanations: 1. As always, we can solve this question using algebra or using PIN. Let us look at both ways. Method 1: Algebra First, we must distribute out our terms. Only afterwards will we subtract them. Let us take each half of our expression by itself. $2(4x + 7)$ $8x + 14$ $ -3(2x - 4)$ $-6x + 12$ (Note: keep careful track of your negatives here, especially in the second half of our expression.) Now, we can put the two together. $8x + 14 - 6x + 12$ $2x + 26$ We cannot go any further, as we have combined all our like terms. Our final answer is H, $2x + 26$ Method 2: PIN As an alternative to algebra, we can always use plugging in numbers. So let us assign our own value to $x$, which we will call 3. (Why 3? Why not!) This means that we will replace any $x$ in our given equation with a 3. $2(4x + 7) - 3(2x - 4)$ $2(4(3) + 7) - 3(2(3) - 4)$ $2(12 + 7) - 3(6 - 4)$ $2(19) - 3(2)$ $38 - 6$ $32$ Now, let us find the answer choice that matches with our found answer of 32, once we replace the $x$ with 3. As usual, when using PIN, let us start with the middle answer option. $2x + 26$ $2(3) +26$ $6 + 26$ $32$ Success! We found our answer on the first try. But remember- when using PIN, always check your other answer options to make sure there are not repeat correct answers. We can see straightaway that answer choices F and G will be too small, since answer choice H was a match. So let us try answer choice J. $3x + 10$ $3(3) + 10$ $9 + 10$ $19$ This answer choice is too small and we can see just by looking that answer choice K will be too small as well (since they only differ by 1). This means we are safe with our answer choice H, as no others produced a match. Our final answer is H, $2x + 26$. As we saw from earlier in the guide and from the example problem above, we can always use algebra or PIN for our operations problems. Knowing that, we will only go through one method each for the rest of our answer explanations. 2: For this problem, let us do our solve using algebra (again, we could also use PIN, but for the sake of brevity, we are only choosing one method for each problem). We are given the equation: ${1/2}y^2(6x + 2y + 12x - 2y)$ Now, let us first make life easier by combining the like terms in the parenthesis. $(6x + 2y + 12x - 2y)$ $(6x + 12x + 2y - 2y)$ $(18x)$ The $y$ terms cancel one another out, so we are left with only $18x$ in the parenthesis. Now, we must multiply our $18x$ by ${1/2}y^2$. As always, when multiplying, we must multiply first the coefficients and then combine them with the combined variables. So: ${1/2}y^2 * 18x$ $(1/2) * 18 = 9$ $y^2 * x = y^2x$ Put the two together and we have: $9y^2x$ So our final answer is A, $9xy^2$ 3: Because we used algebra last time, let us try our hand at solving this question using PIN. Because we are using our own numbers, we don’t have to worry about whether or not we are matching up the right terms, or if we are combining them incorrectly; we can bypass all the mess and use numbers instead. We have one variable, $t$, so let us say that $t = 2$. (Why 2? As always, why not!) $t^2 - 59t + 54 - 82t^2 + 60t$ $(2)^2 - 59(2) + 54 - 82(2)^2 + 60(t)$ $4 - 8 + 54 - 328 + 120$ $-268$ Now, we must find the answer choice that matches our found answer of 102, once we replace $t$ with 2. Let us start in the middle, with answer choice H. $-81t^4 + t^2 + 54$ $-81(2)^4 + (2)^2 + 54$ $-81(16) + 4 + 54$ $-1296 + 58$ $-1238$ We can see just by looking that answer choice G will be too small as well ($-26 * 16 = -416$), and answer choice F will be too large (-26 * 4 = -104). So let us try answer choice J. $-81t^2 + t + 54$ $-81(2)^2 + 2 + 54$ $-81(4) + 56$ $-324 + 56$ $-268$ Success! And we can also see that the only difference between answer choices J and K are the coefficient in front of $t^2$ (-81 vs. -82), so we know that answer K would produce an incorrect and smaller number than answer choice J. Our final answer is J, $-81t^2 + t + 54$ 4: Because we used PIN last time, let us use algebra for this problem. Because we do not have like terms in the parenthesis, we must distribute out our expression using multiplication. $-8x^3(7x^6 - 3x^5)$ $-8x^3(7x^6) - -8x^3(3x^5)$ And take each piece separately. $-8x^3(7x^6)$ = $-8 * 7 = -56$ and $x^3 * x^6 = x^[3 + 6] = x^9$ (for more on this, look to the section on exponents in our advanced integers guide). So, combined, we have: $-56x^9$ And the other half of our expression will be the same. $- -8x^3(3x^5)$ $8x^3(3x^5)$ = $8 * 3 = 24$ and $x^3 * x^5 = x^[3 + 5] = x^8$ So, combined, we have: $24x^8$ Now our equation looks like this: $-56x^9 + 24x^8$ Our final answer is A, $-56x^9 + 24x^8$ (Take care! The only difference between answer choice A and B is the negative sign. If you weren’t careful with your double negatives, you may have fallen for this bait answer.) Ten thousand gold stars for solving your operations problems! The Take-Aways Though operations problems are easy to get wrong if you’re going too quickly through the test (or trying to solve them in your head), the basic elements are the same as any problem with variables- combine like terms, keep your work organized, and use PIN if you feel overwhelmed (or simply want to double-check your answer). You have a multitude of options for solving ACT algebra questions, so don’t be afraid to use them. What’s Next? Still in the mood for math? Well we've got you covered! First, take a gander at exactly what's tested on the ACT math section in order to get a feel for your strong and weak points. Next, dive right into our ACT math guides for any topic you feel you haven't quite mastered (or just any topic you want to refresh). From circles to ratios, slopes to polygons, we've got your back. Running out of time on the ACT math section? Check out our guide on how to help maximize your avaialable time in order to get your best score possible. Nervous about test day? Ease your mind by taking a look at what to do the night before and the day of the test. Trying for a perfect score? Look no further than our guide to getting a perfect 36 on the ACT math, written by a perfect-scorer. Want to improve your ACT score by 4 points? Check out our best-in-class online ACT prep program. We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your ACT score by 4 points or more. Our program is entirely online, and it customizes what you study to your strengths and weaknesses. If you liked this Math lesson, you'll love our program. Along with more detailed lessons, you'll get thousands of practice problems organized by individual skills so you learn most effectively. We'll also give you a step-by-step program to follow so you'll never be confused about what to study next. Check out our 5-day free trial:

Middle east geography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Middle east geography - Essay Example Although Islam is the largest religion in the Middle East, the region also represents other faiths such as Christianity and Judaism. Survey reports indicate that Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Berber, and Kurdish are the major languages in the Middle East. While analyzing the region’s population growth trends, it is clear that Middle East has experienced a dramatic rise in population since 1970s. To illustrate, statistical reports (as reported by The New York Times, 2007), indicate that the region’s population increased from 127 million in 1970 to 305 million in 2005. During the period between 1976 and 1986, Iran’s population grew by 50%. According to a World Bank report, an annual population growth rate of 1.73 was reported in Middle East in 2010 whereas this rate was 1.75 in 2009 (Trading Economics, 2012). In many parts of the Middle East, average population growth rate is 3% or above; this trend indicates that population is a given state is likely to double in every 20 to 30 years (Imagery for Citizens, n.d). It is observed that high rate of population growth in the Middle East has serious impacts on the region’s social, economical, and political landscape. As a result of this issue, the Middle East governments struggle to provide necessary services to their people. This region is already suffering from water scarcity issues, and the high population growth has exacerbated the issues over water. As per the The New York Times (2007) report, rising population growth contributes to the region’s mounting needs of food imports; and in an attempt to respond to issues over water and food and search for improved living conditions, rural inhabitants heavily migrate to urban areas. This practice raises many potential challenges to urban infrastructure too. Similarly, huge population growth puts strains on the region’s economic landscape. As discussed earlier, the rising population growth has forced Middle East

Anishinabee social movment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Anishinabee social movment - Essay Example Through military expedition, the British tried to conquer the natives, but they were unsuccessful as the former migrated to various states in Canada. The biggest blow for Ojibway came when America got her independence from England. The new US government put an end to the Indian free movements. They were thus, confined in reservation areas with less hunting and fishing grounds and unlike their predecessors, Americans military force was more brutal and led to a lot of massacres. Through trickery and false accusations of Indian chiefs, Americans tried to contain the natives who they deemed hostile. However, military warfare seemed a futile way of trying to control the Indians as they were natural warriors. They therefore turned on indirect ways of ‘civilizing’ the natives. By the late 1800s, Indian children were accepted in large numbers into American schools. The strategy was to indoctrinate and incorporate American values and culture into the children while at the same time teaching them to abscond their native customs. Therefore, children were forbidden to speak their native language, their long hairs were cut short and their tribal regalia and medicine were openly burned. The ultimate result was children turned against their elders and customs. Indians were therefore forced to relocate to towns after they lost their lands. Currently, the situation is worse. Apart from the fact that Indian culture and history is deliberately ignored in the school system, the portrayal of the natives is shocking and false. The social, economic and political injustices that American Indians faced have been swept under the rug and what is taught in schools is utter nonsense that tries to justify the unjust occupation of Indian land. However, a recent crop of young Indians have begun retracing their roots. They are busy searching for elders who are accustomed to their olden

The growing importance of business ethics

The growing importance of business ethics This essay discusses the growing importance of business ethics in todays business world. It identifies and analyses the dilemma the multinational corporations are facing and the standards and principles they need to apply when facing these situations. It also identifies how a companys code of conduct can help it to achieve its ethical standards in its global market and create an image of a responsible company providing fair working environment and high ethical standards. In addition, It critically discusses the role and responsbilities that how an MNC can encourage ethical business practice in todays complicated and competitive business environment. The business world is becoming a global village. Various countries markets are becoming available to foreign investors and companies, this allows companies to go across the international borders to do business. It also results in greater competition and opportunities. Many companies become multinational corporations in this process. Multinational corporations are active and important players in todays international business. MNC refers to firms that have extensive and intensive involvement in global market, it also refers to firms that engage in foreign direct investment and own or control resources and activities in more than one country MNC generally coordinate their activities from a central headquarters, but may also allow their affiliates or subsidiaries in foreign markets considerable latitude in adjusting their operations to local circumstances. Businessmen nowadays are not merely satisfied with their home countrys markets and will go overseas to gain a market share in its global business. This leads to globalisation. Globalisation is defined as the expansion and deepening of ties across national borders, has gained ground in all aspects of the business environment. (Morrison, J 2006, p448) It enables individuals, corporations and organisations to reach around the world farther, faster, deeper and cheaper than ever before. It is the product of a particular form of governance rooted in the domestic political economies of the early industrialisers. (Prakash, A Hart, J 2000, p32) Some people argue that globalisation enables firms from developed countries to increase unemployment rate from their home countries by transferring job opportunities to a foreign country with low labour cost and serious environmental protection issue. According to the law of comparative advantage, the citizens of each nation can gain by spending more of their time and resources doing those things where they have a relative advantage. (Carbaugh, R, 2007, p14) Success in international trade comes from the interaction of four country-and firm-specific elements. Porters national competitive advantage Porters Diamond Factors conditions Includes not only land, labour, capital factors, also include factors such as educational level of workforces and infrastructure of a county Demand conditions A large and complicated domestic consumer demand would enable the country and companies to compete more effective and more competitively advantaged with other countries. -Related and supporting industries This includes industries supporting the main industry of the country. For instance, Swedens strong paper industry enables its country to have a strong truck manufacturing industry such as Scania. -Firm strategy, structure, rivalry This factor recognises the positive aspect of competition. Thus government might establish an environment that fosters such factors. The problem of international resource allocation, determinants of the pattern of world trade, and gains from trade, all relate to trade, profits and benefits. (Meier, G 1998, p417) However, when a MNC explores its foreign markets, there are cultural and ethical barriers. A MNC will have to encounter a variety of business practices, moral behaviour, ethical standards and cultures which are quite different from their home country. . The main dilemma is MNC are required to use more than their corporate code of conduct, they are also encouraged to apply a higher standard level of ethical business practice. Ethics are defined as the process of distinguishing the right and good from the wrong and bad, and they imply a moral duty to pursue the good and the right. Business ethics is the good or bad behaviour companies carry on in their business. It shows that business should act responsible rather than just seeking profit and economic gains. It forces the companies to adapt themselves in a more ethical and morally correct behaviour and enable companies not only consider profits also have to take the whole society into consideration such as environmental issue. A companys code of conduct sets out what a company can do and what a company cannot do. It establishes a level of business ethics when it operates both in host and home country. A MNCs ethical behaviour should be consistent in its global market. MNC should apply laws and ethical standards at home country and foreign markets where they operate. It should be followed consistently anywhere the MNC has its international business. A universal business ethics standard should be enforced for a MNC to the all the counties where it operates. Its ethical values and integrity should not be changed or damaged to pursue an economical gain or profit. The most important thing is that right ethical vales must be applied in anywhere in the world where the corporate operates its business no matter where it is. A good corporate code of conduct should have the following characteristics: a uniform standard of ethics in its global market set it as high and as practical as possible apply the code of conduct strictly and consistently employees should be fully aware of the code A strong code of conduct would assist a company to gain respect and support from its customers, local authorities even its competitors. To achieve success in todays competitive environment, a MNC should adopt a global standards and a common set of values which it can apply to everywhere it operates business. Besides establishing an ethical culture of a company, a good conduct code will also help the company to create an image of responsible and fairness in its global market. Moral principles might become a minor issue when a company explores its opportunities in a country where laws are not strong enforced and a fragile legal system exists. MNC might adopt a lower standard of moral behaviour in foreign countries where laws are not restrictive as in their home countries. The questions for MNC might be: Are we still going to stick into our principles? Are we going to accept and adapt ourselves to principles and standards that are lower than ours? A recent case is that Levi Jeans. It exited Chinas jean market a few years ago because of its notorious human rights records. The violation of human rights in China makes Levi in a dilemma whether it continues to operate in China or not. However, its global high standard of business ethics make it exited this major market because they cannot lower their moral standards so as to gain pure economic profits in China. In the world of business ethics today, the impact of ethical standards on MNC activities is becoming more and more important. As business ethics becomes more integrated into activities, we must pay attention to the risk of applying ethical standards from the home country to host country where MNC operates. For example, should an American company apply the same ethical behaviour and standard to a developing country such as Thailand? MNC also have to consider how to respect the local culture and apply to the ethical standards of the host country. An important problem for corporations is how to define ethical and unethical behaviour in a variety of countries. In todays world, the behaviour seems difficult to define and distinguish. If MNC apply correct behaviour, it would increase its image and reputation of good corporate governance, otherwise they will damage their reputations in its global market. As differences in the nature, methods, and scope of regulation highlight variations in models of economic organization, these can tighten trade tensions (Pollack, M Shaffer, G 2001p179) The more MNC interacts in a foreign market and country, the more they are going to testify whether their own values and moral judgment are right and absolute since the standards varies from one country to another. However, MNC should be aware that cultural differences and local traditions can be so different that they are contrary to MNC standard in their home country to a large extent. An MNC is usually expected to find itself unprepared in dealing with ethical behaviour in a foreign country. Even if the problems are the same in a foreign country, the ways to solve it might be different. A typical example here is gift-giving. In many countries and cultures, gift giving is allowed and tolerated. For example, in Japan, give giving is not unethical and often encouraged. It represents a kind of relationship between business and business or business and governments. This is quite different from the perspective of western society or ethical standards. This clearly illustrates the importance of nature of differences between different counties and cultures when evaluating different practices, while MNC have to consider whether it complies with its global ethical standards and principles. The main ethical dilemma here is what kind of ethical behaviour should MNC adopts when values conflict with another. Should a company invest in a country where weak labour laws exist or environmental issues are not considered seriously? Or should a company invest in a country where bribery is a common practice? Business ethics can help employees to be prevented from exploitation by profit seeking companies. It is quite clear that some activities are unethical and would not be tolerated no matter where it happens. For instance, forced labour should not be allowed in anywhere in the world. A recent case is that in Thailand, almost 200 people were killed in an international toy manufacturing factory. The cause of the deaths not only pointed to the ineffective sprinkler system, it also because the management level the facotory locked employee in the factory and eventually caused 200 deaths. This kind of behaviour should not be allowed and tolerated in any ethical standards and norms. Responsibilities of MNS to encourage ethical business practice Bribery issue There are two kinds of corruptions: State Capture Individuals, organizations, corporations exercise their power to influence the formation of regulations and policies to benefit themselves to some extent, usually achieved by bribing government officials Administrative corruption Government official use their power and influence to force companies, individuals, groups to pay certain fees by distorting laws and regulations. MNC will often encounter different practices, standards of business behaviour and cultures. They might face the situation that whether to bride a local government official in order to obtain a business contract or deal. A major and common problem in todays international business is how MNC can deal with bribery. In theory, there is no any country on this planet would allow businessmen to bribe government officials and officials are not allowed to take bribe offered by a businessman. However, in practice, this happens quite often. Corruption is a mutual mechanism. Corruption will never happen without demand and supply. Many MNC said that they would not accept and tolerate any kind of bribery. They would prefer not to compete for the business contracts if bribery has to be taken in the whole process. In many developing and less developed countries (LDC), a main problem is that the rising of corruption and bribery in local governmental bodies is leading to both politital and social instability. This problem is more prevalent and serious in these developing or less developed countries law enforcements are not so strong or undeveloped. Child labour issue Another main unethical practice facing MNC is the use of child labour. The labour market difficulties in developed countries are important and deserve full consideration (Michie, J 2003, p194) In most developed countries, use of child labour morally not allowed and more importantly it is prohibited by legislation. Hence, MNC operates in developing and LDC countries are expected to apply the same standards and rules. However in some countries in the world, use of child labour are often allowed and sometimes encouraged. Children are often expected to help their parents to sustain financial problem. This has been a culture or tradition in those countries. This is mainly because of the poor education provided by the local government and insufficient funds to help those children to be well educated. In this instance, children would not be able to survive if they do not work. MNC have to face these situations when they operate in these countries. In these countries, child labour is encouraged to have economical gains. Further, because these societies often do not have the finance, facilities and manpower to provide necessary and appropriate education, children would not be able to survive if they do not work. In Europe, it is concerned with the upheaval caused by globalisation. It must determine how best to use education and training to commit European countries to a process of job creation, whilst ta king control of the globalisation and economy. (Prakash, A Hart, J 2000 p90) However, for MNC, they should not employ children without assessing the consequences. A detailed analysis should be conducted by MNC to assess whether children are suitable to conduct work for them. In addition, they should also provide a fair and safe working environment for those children. Another effective way is to work and cooperate with the local government to provide necessary education and ensure children have necessary education and training before they can start in the workforce. Conclusion: Multinational corporations have become an important and active role in todays globalisation. They have strong power and influences on a foreign countrys policies, regulations even legal issues. The way how they perform in a foreign market has become quite important for both the home country and host country it operates. The moral and ethical standards and principles MNC applies overseas should be consistent with those standards in their home countries. They have a strong responsibility to encourage, promote and apply a globally consistent ethical standards and principles.

Davos: the World Economic Forum Essay

Davos is a town located on the Landwasser River, in the Swiss Alps, between the Plessur and Albula Range in Switzerland. At 1,560 meters, it is the highest city in Europe. From the middle of the 18th century, Davos became a popular destination for the ailing because the climate in the high valley was proved excellent by doctors and recommended for lung disease patients. Arthur Conan Doyle wrote an article about skiing in Davos in 1899. In the early 90s, Davos became famous worldwide for hosting the World Economic Forum (WEF), an annual meeting of global political and business elites (often referred to simply as Davos) and the home of one of Switzerland’s biggest ski resorts. Organization is defined as â€Å"an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. (World Economic Forum, 2012) These meetings bring together CEOs from the 1000 member companies as well as selected politicians, representatives from academia, NGOs, religious leaders and the media. Around 2200 participants gather for the five-day event and attend some 220 sessions. The discussions focus around key issues of global concern (such as international conflicts, poverty and environmental problems) and possible solutions. In all about 500 journalists from online, print, radio and TV take part, and are furnished with access to all of the sessions, some of which are also webcast. (Davos, 2011) The organization also convenes some six to eight regional meetings each year in locations such as Latin America and East Asia, as well as two further annual meetings in China and the United Arab Emirates. Beside meetings, the foundation produces a series of research reports and engages its members in sector specific initiatives. The Forum was founded in 1971 by Klaus Schwab, a German-born business professor at the University of Geneva, who is currently an Executive Chairman of WEF. Originally named the â€Å"European Management Forum†, it changed its name to the World Economic Forum in 1987 and sought to broaden its vision further to include providing a platform for resolving international conflicts. (Davos, 2012) In the summer of 1971, Schwab invited 444 executives from Western European firms to the first European Management Symposium held in the Davos Congress Centre under the patronage of the European Commission and European industrial associations, where Schwab sought to introduce European firms to American management practices. He then founded the WEF as a non-profit organization based in Geneva and drew European business leaders to Davos for the annual meetings each January. (Davos, 2012)

Finding the Best Sat Essay Writing Test Samples Two Approaches

Finding the Best Sat Essay Writing Test Samples Two Approaches Some questions will need you to examine a graph. You're able to get explanations for any questions which you get wrong. To really improve at the test, you will need to understand the grammar behind the appropriate answers and the erroneous ones. In here you'll see examples on various subjects in some specific formatting styles and of distinct kinds of essays. Sat Essay Writing Test Samples Two Approaches - What Is It? Within this section you will locate teachers' expectations from students at every level and will get to know peculiarities of them all. Whenever you have the last score that you're pleased with, after that you can send only that score to all of your schools. Below tests can help you improve your English writing skills. You will have to use precise language to demonstrate mastery of English writing. Everything should lead back to the most important point in some manner. You've got ample time to m ake certain you comprehend the passage, and it's important you do so in order to acquire the maximum reading category score possible. So that you will have some source material to work with for your practice session, take a couple of minutes to do a little bit of quick, informal research through internet searches to obtain a notion of a few points on either side of the problem. As a way to make a high reading score, in addition, it is imperative that you compose a considerable amount. Every college campus in Texas delivers prospective students an opportunity to take a complimentary TSI practice test, which indicates how well a student is probably going to score on the comprehensive exam. The resume should contain only what a particular school will want to understand, as stated by The College Board. Learning how to consistently compose a perfect SAT essay is going to be a massive boost to your application to such schools. Students should find out more about the colleges and un iversities where they are considering applying to determine which schools require an SAT writing score. Things You Should Know About Sat Essay Writing Test Samples Two Approaches Below is a good example of the way the SAT might test transitions. For instance, you will get up to 40 minutes to compose your IELTS essay. Your essay rating will appear on every score report you send to colleges, irrespective of whether the school demands an essay. Their two scores in every single category is combine to provide you with a complete score out of 8. Provided that you know the fundamental steps of essay writing, you ought to be well-equipped to deal with any essay topic. Although essay questions can repeat, it's hard to predict the precise topic you might have to to write about. Obviously, you've got to use academic words in your essay. Take into consideration the subject generally. There are distinct methods of structuring several types of essays. Determining the sort of essay is the very first step to writing a targeted essay. If you are getting ready for a test, you should attempt to find as many sample topics as feasible begin writing essays on such topics. You've got an extremely good possibility of raising your score, which will significantly boost your odds of getting in. You should have your reasons, and our primary concern is that you find yourself getting a great grade. Since you might guess, he's not having a great moment. Even if you're not preparing for a standardized test you will nonetheless find decent writing skills extremely beneficial. If you must perform essay assignment and wish to do it at top-notch level, Essay-Writing-Tips. You are going to want to do as a number of these essay practice sessions as possible, but before you start on the following session, you will need to assess your essay. The essay provides you with an opportuni ty to reveal how effectively it is possible to read and comprehend a passage and compose an essay analyzing the passage. For instance, if you'll be asked to compose a persuasive essay, consider the fundamental building blocks that would go in that essay's structure. The Meaning of Sat Essay Writing Test Samples Two Approaches To put it differently, it's a prelude to your conclusion. As an example, some English words are utilized to express a lot of ideas. A sentence includes a subject and a predicate. Your final sentence should uphold your principal idea in a very clear and compelling way. There are various forms of essays you could be requested to write in elementary, middle or higher school. Some individuals travel with friends and loved ones. You'll ideally wish to compose a couple practice essays before you sit for the true thing. Students lead busy lives and frequently forget about an approaching deadline. Things You Should Know About Sat Essay Writing Test Samples Two Approaches The very last thing you desire is to need to retake the whole exam, or, worse yet, not have the ability to apply to a specific college, simply because you took the exam without the essay. As you pay for homework, we provide those options at no cost. If a student makes the decision to skip the essay part of the SAT and applies to a college or university which requires a score for the writing part of the SAT, the student is going to have to retake the complete SAT. Check out PrepScholar's internet prep program. Writing a personalized research paper means work through a great deal of. Your thesis should inform the reader what point you are going to be making or what question you're going to be answering about this issue. In here you'll discover a lot of helpful suggestions on essay writing process. That is why it's completely feasible to get ready for the essay ahead of time. Choosing Good Sat Essay Writing Test Samples Two Approaches Before you begin reading, consider the question that follows the passage. What you don't need to do is waste time that you might have spent on a less difficult passage. Pick that alternative if you believe the very best choice is to leave the appropriate part of the passage as it is. If you can't, you want to pick the answer choice which makes it absolutely obvious. For example, every passage will request that you discover the most suitable location for a sentence within a particular paragraph. Once you have the outline ready, you merely should develop the ideas into paragraphs. This paragraph is not as clear on that matter, as it suggests that experimental (pretest) questions can appear on any section. Shorter paragraphs are less difficult to skim and simpler to read. The GPA requirement that actually matters is the GPA you require for an actual likelihood of getting in. It's still true that you must send all test sections, and there's a chance an admissions officer might observe any reduced scor es, but formally they simply review the greatest scores. At least 6 months before applying, you still need to doublecheck merely to make certain, which means you have sufficient time to select the test. Log into the student score portal and learn to utilize your registration number from the SAT or Subject Tests to confirm your account.

Physician Assisted Suicide And Voluntary Euthanasia,...

Physician Assisted Suicide and Voluntary Euthanasia, Legitimacy and Legality Isaac Roer Saginaw Valley State University Abstract This paper discusses why the U.S. should implement the availability of physician assisted suicide/death and voluntary euthanasia. It discusses countries that have this legally, how they do not abuse the fact, and the percentages of both physicians and patients that are affiliated with PAS/VE. It continues with the legal moral issues it has within the United States. It also touches on the majority of the opposing viewpoints and why they have no merit in stopping the allowance of PAS/VE in the states. The paper also discusses why PAS/VE are often requested by many patients that have debilitating diseases or syndromes. Physician Assisted Suicide and Voluntary Euthanasia, Legitimacy and Legality Introduction The medical field has an expensive and controversial task with many of its long term patients. When someone is on their death bed, what can and should we do? As of now in the United States, we have our medical staff treat them well, give the patient a fluffy pillow and a morphine drip. This keeps them as happy as they can be and fills up a bed and hours of medical staff s time. But in many other counties there has been a different answer that seems to benefit both sides. Physician assisted suicide or voluntary euthanasia, which is as it sounds, the patient’s choice to end any suffering, and save the medical bills for anyoneShow MoreRelatedThe Euthanasia Debate Essay1290 Words   |  6 Pagesat the thought of suicide, but is euthanasia the same thing? Do human beings have the right to choose death? â€Å"Americans have developed a paradoxical relationship with death-we know more about the causes and conditions surrounding death, but we have not equipped ourselves emoti onally to cope with dying and death (Bender and B. Leone).† Death is a scary subject for all humans. And death caused by oneself, or suicide, is even scarier. Suicide on a medical terms, or euthanasia, confuses many peopleRead MoreEssay about Euthanasia Should Be Legal3711 Words   |  15 PagesEuthanasia is a controversial issue. Many different opinions have been formed. From doctors and nurses to family members dealing with loved ones in the hospital, all of them have different ideas for the way they wish to die. However, there are many different issues affecting the legislation and beliefs of legalizing euthanasia. Taking the following aspects into mind, many may get a different understanding as to why legalization of euthanasia is necessary. Some of these include: misunderstanding of