Welding

Math Fundamentals for Welding 161

The class Math Fundamentals for Welding covers basic arithmetic operations used in welding, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. This class discusses the concept of rounding whole numbers and decimals before or after calculating a problem. Math Fundamentals for Welding also gives an overview of fractions, which are used in welding measurements and blueprints along with decimals.

Knowledge of basic math concepts is integral to a welder’s understanding of welding measurements and joint design.

  • Difficulty Beginner

  • Format Online

  • Number of Lessons 20

  • Language English

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Course Outline
  • Using Math in Welding
  • Using a Calculator
  • Whole Numbers, Place Values, and Decimals
  • Rounding Whole Numbers
  • Rounding Decimals
  • When to Round
  • Place Value and Rounding Review
  • Addition and Subtraction
  • Adding and Subtracting Decimals
  • Multiplication
  • Division
  • Division Problems
  • Dividing Decimals
  • Solving Math Problems
  • Fractions
  • Reducing Fractions
  • Improper Fractions and Mixed Numbers
  • Converting Improper Fractions and Mixed Numbers
  • Converting Fractions and Decimals
  • Final Review
Objectives
  • Describe how math is used in welding.
  • Describe how to use a calculator.
  • Distinguish between whole numbers, place values, and decimals.
  • Explain how to round whole numbers.
  • Explain how to round decimals.
  • Describe the effects of rounding on precision.
  • Solve addition problems. Solve subtraction problems.
  • Solve addition problems using decimals. Solve subtraction problems using decimals.
  • Solve multiplication problems.
  • Define division.
  • Solve division problems with remainders and decimals.
  • Solve division problems with decimals.
  • Define fractions. Identify the components of fractions.
  • Explain how to reduce fractions.
  • Define improper fractions and mixed numbers.
  • Explain how to convert between improper fractions and mixed numbers.
  • Explain how to convert between fractions and decimals.
Glossary
Vocabulary Term
Definition

blueprints

A document containing all the instructions necessary for completing a project. A welding blueprint contains welding symbols, fractions, and other measurements.

borrowing

The borrowing of one value from the column of numbers to the left. In subtraction, borrowing, also known as regrouping, is done when the top number is smaller than the bottom number.

calculators

A small electronic device used to compute mathematical operations such as addition or subtraction, as well as more complex calculations. Calculators can reduce mathematical errors.

carrying

Transferring a digit from one column of digits to the next column on the left. Carrying may be necessary in addition when adding numbers with two or more place values.

decimal

A number representing a portion of a whole. Decimals are indicated by values to the right of a decimal point.

decimal point

A dot that appears between whole numbers and decimals. The greater the number of places to the right of a decimal point, the smaller the decimal’s value.

decimals

A number representing a portion of a whole. Decimals are indicated by values to the right of a decimal point.

denominator

The bottom number of a fraction. The denominator expresses the quantity of total parts into which the whole number has been divided.

dividend

The quantity that a number is divided into. In the problem 14 divided by 7, the dividend is 14.

division

A mathematical operation that indicates how many equal quantities add up to a specific number. Division can be written as a fraction, a slash mark ("/"), or a "÷" symbol.

divisor

The quantity by which a number is divided. In the problem 14 divided by 7, the divisor is 7.

equations

A mathematical statement that shows the equality of two expressions. In 2 + 2 = 4, each side of the equation is a different way to express the same value.

expression

A combination of mathematical symbols and numbers. Addition, multiplication, and other basic math functions are all expressions.

geometry

The measurement, properties, and relationships of the lines and points of an object that make up its shape. Geometry is used in welding when designing parts.

graphing calculator

A digital calculator capable of plotting graphs, solving simultaneous equations, and performing tasks with variables. Graphing calculators can display several lines of text at once.

greatest common factor

GCF. The highest number that can evenly divide into two numbers in a fraction. Finding the greatest common factor for the numerator and the denominator is the first step to reducing a fraction.

improper fraction

A fraction in which the numerator is larger than the denominator. Improper fractions represent amounts greater than one.

joint

The meeting point where two materials are welded together. Welding creates a permanent joint.

mathematical functions

A sequence of steps in a mathematical equation. Mathematical functions are used in formulas and may require addition, subtraction, and other calculations.

memory

The place in an electronic device where data is held in storage. A basic calculator has four different memory functions.

mixed number

A whole number combined with a fraction. Mixed numbers can be converted to improper fractions, and improper fractions can be converted to mixed numbers.

numerator

The top number of a fraction. The numerator indicates the number of parts contained in the fraction.

place value

The numerical value of a digit, based on its place in a number. Each place has a value of ten times the place to its right.

placeholder

A symbol or number used in math to represent a term or quantity that is not yet known but will be determined in the problem. A placeholder represents a number that has not yet been determined.

precision

The exactness of a measurement or detail. A measurement that includes many decimal places indicates a need for higher precision.

quotient

The answer in a division problem. In the problem 18 divided by 9, the quotient is 2.

regrouping

The borrowing of one value from the column of numbers to the left. In subtraction, regrouping, also called borrowing, is used when the top number is smaller than the bottom number.

remainder

The quantity left over when one number is divided by another. Remainders are used to maintain whole numbers.

repeating decimal

A decimal in which one or more digits repeat endlessly. The decimal 2.666... is the repeating decimal value of the fraction 1/3.

rounding

A method used to simplify numbers. Rounding involves either increasing or decreasing a number.

scientific calculator

A type of calculator used for calculating advanced scientific, mathematics, and engineering problems. Scientific calculators include trigonometric functions.

subtraction

A mathematical operation that takes away a quantity from a larger whole. Subtraction is indicated by a minus (-) sign.

tolerances

An acceptable deviation from a desired dimension that still meets specifications. Tolerances indicate the allowable difference between a physical feature and its intended design.

trigonometry

The branch of mathematics that addresses the measurements and relationships of a triangle and its parts. Scientific calculators are used to perform trigonometry.

whole number

Any number that has not been divided into a fraction or decimal. Whole numbers are basic units in math.

addition

A mathematical operation that unites two separate quantities into one sum. Addition is indicated by the "+" sign.

addition

A mathematical operation that unites two separate quantities into one sum. Addition is indicated by the plus (+) sign.

fractions

A number that indicates a part of a whole. Fractions appear as one number over the other with a horizontal line or slash between them.

fractions

A numerical expression representing a part of a larger whole. Fractions appear as one number over the other with a horizontal line or slash between them.

multiplication

A mathematical operation that indicates how many times a number is added to itself. Multiplication is indicated by a small "x," parentheses, or by a dot.

multiplication

A mathematical operation that indicates how many times a number is added to itself. Multiplication is often denoted by a small "x".

welding procedure specifications

WPS. A formal, written document detailing specifications for a welding procedure. The WPS contains codes, guidelines, and recommendations for welding procedures.

welding procedure specifications

WPS. A formal, written document detailing specifications for a welding project. The WPS contains codes, guidelines, and recommendations for various welding procedures.