While there are buttons to do this, fractions are much easier to type in manually. The reason is that most scientific calculators only output in decimal format. For example, to evaluate 4/5 + 6/7, type in 45+67={\displaystyle 4\div 5+6\div 7=} to get approximately 1.657. Use parentheses for more complex operations. To convert back to fractions, use 2ndPRB{\displaystyle \mathrm {2nd} \ \mathrm {PRB} } to get the answer in mixed fractions. Do this using the x2{\displaystyle x^{2}} button. Type in the number you want to square, then hit the that button. For example, to square the number 12, type 12x2={\displaystyle 12\ x^{2}=}. To find powers of any number, use the {\displaystyle \wedge } key. For example, type 35={\displaystyle 3\wedge 5=} to get 243. Type 2ndx2{\displaystyle \mathrm {2nd} \ x^{2}} to display the square root. To find the square root of 9, type 2ndx29={\displaystyle \mathrm {2nd} \ x^{2}\ 9=}. There are two buttons for logarithms. The LOG{\displaystyle \mathrm {LOG} } is the logarithm base 10. Use whichever one is appropriate. For example, to find the logarithm base 10 of 100, simply type LOG100={\displaystyle \mathrm {LOG} \ 100=}. The exponential function ex{\displaystyle e^{x}} is found by typing 2ndLN{\displaystyle \mathrm {2nd} \ \mathrm {LN} }. If you need to use Euler's number only, use e to the first power. For example, to find the natural log of e, type in LN2ndLN1={\displaystyle \mathrm {LN} \ \mathrm {2nd} \ \mathrm {LN} \ 1=}. Sine, cosine, and tangent come standard with any scientific calculator. To use these buttons, be sure that you know whether to use degrees or radians. To convert, use the DRG{\displaystyle \mathrm {DRG} } button to highlight DEG or RAD. Other calculators will generally have a button that converts between these two systems. For example, if you wanted to find the sine of 60 degrees, make sure that you are in degree mode by checking the lower right of the display. Then, type SIN60={\displaystyle \mathrm {SIN} \ 60=}. Do this using the x1{\displaystyle x^{-1}} button. On some calculators, it may be labeled as 1/x{\displaystyle 1/x} instead. Type in the number you want to find the reciprocal of, then hit the reciprocal button. For example, to find the reciprocal of 3, type 3x1={\displaystyle 3\ x^{-1}=}.

Summary: Make a fraction. Square a number. Find a square root. Find logarithms. Use the exponential function. Find trigonometric functions. Find the reciprocal of a number.

The goal of the first session is to find out what the student needs to work on and learn but more importantly to let the student know that you are his/her support. He or she does not have to bear the entire burden alone anymore. You are here as an expert to direct the process so that he or she can work his/her way out of this failing predicament. This will immediately give confidence to the student. The first session involves a lot of important psychological work that you will build on. Ways to assess the student include through examination, or perhaps by doing a quick interview with the parents of the child or a look at their previous results. For example, a child is doing maths, and is fabulous at algebra, but has trouble remembering his or her timetables. Make sure you nail the timetables into their system; many a source of failure can be pinpointed on a failure to grasp a key underpinning at some point during the studies. Set goals that focus on the gaps. Then proceed to goals that focus on the future.

Summary: Assess needs. Aim to fix any major gaps.

Even when you are not running, you should try to keep good posture. This will naturally improve your form when running. When you stand, keep your back straight and your shoulders rolled back. Try to work standing up if you can to naturally strengthen your back muscles. Dynamic stretching exercises are a good warm-up for running. These increase your range of motion and help prepare your muscles for exercise. Dynamic stretches include: Shoulder circles: slowly move your shoulders forward in a circular motion. Do ten times before rolling them backwards in a similar motion. Side bends: Stand straight with your legs apart. With a straight arm, reach down the side of your legs before coming back to the center. Repeat with the other side of your body. Hip circles: Put your hands on your hips. Make a circle with your hips, keeping your legs and torso still. Leg swings: Balance your weight on your left side of your body. Swing your right leg back and forth rapidly. (You can balance your left hand on a wall if necessary). Do 6-10 times before switching to your other foot. Leg bouncing: Brace your hands against the wall. Quickly bounce on the on the balls of your feet. Your heels should be lifting from the ground. Your arms are an underutilized force that will balance and push you forward. Strength training may be able to increase your overall energy, running economy, and endurance. Try to have two training sessions a week. Some exercises you can try are: Bench press: Lie on a bench with two dumbbells extended above your shoulders. Lower one dumbbell to shoulder height, and slowly lift it back up until your arm is straight. Lower the other dumbbell in the same manner. Bicep curls: Hold a dumbbell in both hands. Stand straight with your elbows near your torso and your palms facing forward. Curl one arm up slowly. Wait a second before lowering it back down. Repeat with the other arm. Dumbbell squat to press: Hold a dumbbell in both hands at shoulder height. Slowly lower into a squat. Rise back up, stretching the dumbbells above your head. Your arms should be straight above your head. Lower the weights back to shoulder height before repeating. Core exercises will increase your energy and provide essential stability to your running. These exercises will often not just give your abs strength, but they can also strengthen your hips, glutes, and legs, which are essential components for a good stride. Some good core exercises are: Plank: Lie down on your stomach. Lift your body until it is resting on your forearms and toes. Your body should form a straight line from your shoulders to your toes. Try to hold the pose for at least 20 seconds. Bridging: Lie back on the ground. Your knees should be bent about hip's width apart. Relax your arms on the floor. Squeeze your glutes. Lift your hips and pelvis off the ground. Your body should form a straight slope from your knees to your neck. Hold for 10 seconds before lowering. Lunge with a medicine ball: Hold the medicine ball with both hands straight in front of your body. Lunge forward, bending the front leg and keeping the back leg straight. Move the medicine ball from right to left across your body before bringing it back to center.
Summary: Improve your posture. Stretch before running. Strengthen your arms. Train your core.