What is a Pentagon

What is a Pentagon What is a Pentagon? Geometry is a branch of Mathematics which deals with the study of shapes and their properties. A polygon is 2-dimensional figure which has straight lines connected together to form a closed shape. It is important to note that a polygon does not have curved sides. The straight lines form the sides and angles of the polygon. The word poly- means many and -gon means angle. Based on the number of sides a polygon has, they are named differently. For instance, a triangle is a polygon with 3 sides, a rectangle is a polygon with 4-sides. Now, a polygon which has 5 sides, thus forming 5 angles is known as the Pentagon. The word pentagon refers to penta- meaning 5 and -gon meaning angle. Pentagons are very commonly observed in various geometric calculations and thus play an important role in geometry. As shown in the diagram below, a pentagon has 5 vertices and 5 edges (or sides). Types of Pentagons: Regular and Irregular Pentagons: Pentagons are classified into 2 types based on their side measurements. The 2 types are Regular Pentagon and the Irregular Pentagon. Regular pentagon is a pentagon which has all the 5 sides of equal lengths. This also implies that all the 5 angles of the regular pentagon are equal. However, for an irregular pentagon, all the 5 sides and the 5 angles are not of equal measurement. This can be observed in the diagram as shown below. Convex and Concave Pentagons: Pentagons can also be classified into 2 types based on their angle measurements. The 2 types are Concave Pentagon and Convex Pentagon. Convex Pentagon: But if all the interior angles of a pentagon are lesser than 180, then such a pentagon is known as the Convex Pentagon as shown in the figure below. Properties: In a convex pentagon, all the vertices point outward away from the interior of the pentagon. A line drawn through a convex pentagon will intersect the pentagon twice. All the diagonals of the convex pentagon lie inside the pentagon as shown in the figure below. Concave Pentagon: If one or more of the interior angles of a pentagon has a measure greater than 180, then such a pentagon is known as the Concave pentagon. These are opposite to the convex pentagons. Properties: In a concave pentagon, vertex appears to be pushed inside the pentagon. A line drawn through a concave pentagon (depending on where the line is drawn) can intersect the pentagon at more than 2 points. The figure below shows that the line drawn intersects the pentagon at 4 points. Not all diagonals of a concave pentagon lie inside the pentagon. Some of the diagonals may also lie outside as shown in the figure below. Angles of a Pentagon: 1) Sum of the Interior Angles of Regular Convex Pentagon: We can find the sum of all the angles in a regular pentagon as well its each interior and exterior angle. If a convex regular polygon has n sides, then the sum of all its interior angles, S = (n 2) * 180 A pentagon has 5 sides, so applying the above formula we get: Sum of all the interior angles in a regular convex pentagon, S = (5 2) * 180 = 540 2) Interior angles of a Regular Convex Pentagon: We can find the interior angles of a Regular Convex Polygon of n sides by using the formula: Each Interior angle = (n 2)/ n * 180 Each Interior angle of Regular Convex Pentagon = (5 2) / 5 * 180 = 108 3) Exterior angles of a Regular Convex Pentagon: We can find the measure exterior angle of a Regular Convex Polygon of n sides by using the formula: Each Exterior angle = 360/n Each Exterior angle of Regular Convex Pentagon = 360/5 = 72 4) Diagonals of a polygon: Diagonal of a polygon is a line segment that joins any two non-adjacent vertices. Number of diagonals in a polygon of n sides = n * (n 3)/ 2 Therefore, number of diagonals in a pentagon of 5 sides = 5 * (5 3)/2 = 5 diagonals. Perimeter of a Pentagon: Perimeter of a polygon (regular or irregular) can be easily calculated by simply adding up all the side lengths of the polygon. Perimeter of a Pentagon = Sum of all the side lengths of the pentagon In case of a regular pentagon, all its sides are equal. If the side length of a regular pentagon = s, then the Perimeter of a Regular Pentagon = s + s + s + s + s = 5s Example: Calculate the perimeter of a regular pentagon whose side length is 6m. Given side length, s = 6m Perimeter, P = 5 * s = 5 * 6m = 30m Area of a Pentagon: Area of a Regular pentagon can be calculated by using different measurement and methods. One of the easiest way to calculate the area of regular pentagon is by using the below formula: Area of a Regular Polygon, A = 1/2 * Apothem * Perimeter (Note: Apothem of a Polygon is the perpendicular line segment drawn from the center of the polygon to the midpoint of one the polygons sides). Area of a Regular pentagon: Area of a regular pentagon can be calculated by using trigonometry as follows: Let the side length of the regular pentagon, PQ = s (as shown in the figure) OM is the Apothem and let its length be = a MQ = s/2 (as M is the midpoint of PQ) Interior angle of regular pentagon = 108, hence angle OQM = 108/2 Therefore, angle OQM = 54 In triangle OMQ, tan (54) = Opposite side/ Adjacent side = OM/ MQ tan(54) = a/(s/2) == tan(54) = 2a/s == a = s/2 * tan(54) Area of a Regular Polygon, A = 1/2 * Apothem * Perimeter Therefore, Area of a Regular Pentagon, A = 1/2 * s/2 * tan(54) * 5s = 5s2/4 * tan(54) This can be simplified to Area of a Regular Pentagon, A = 1.72 s2 (approximately) Area of an irregular polygon: This can be calculated by dividing the polygon into set of triangles, and then adding the area of each triangle to get the total area of the irregular pentagon. Example: Calculate the area of a regular pentagon if its side length is 6m. Area of a Regular pentagon = 1.72 * s2 == Area = 1.72 * 62 = 1.72 * 36 = 61.92m2 Therefore, area of the given regular pentagon = 61.92m2

A Student Review of Brigham Young University

A Student Review of Brigham Young University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teachtheyre sharing their college experiences as well. Abigail received her bachelors degree in Spanish translation from Brigham Young University in 2012. She specializes in a number of levels of Spanish tutoring, among other subjects. See what she had to say about her experience attending Brigham Young University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Abigail: Brigham Young University is a very large walking campus, to some students chagrin. I walked for most of my time as a student and planned my commutes and my class schedule accordingly, but I also rode a bike for a couple of years which was very practical. There are large student parking lots on the perimeters of campus, but they were usually always full during popular class times and you typically still had a substantial hike on foot after you parked. The city of Provo does have a bus system, but I never had occasion to use it. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants at Brigham Young University? Abigail:Very available, I wish I had used this resource more. Professors are open about their office hours and I always felt comfortable seeking out a teacher in their office. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Abigail: Social! Dynamic! Family style! Fun! At BYU you can choose dorm style or cooking style apartments. I chose the latter because I wasnt a fan of the cafeteria diet, but there certainly are options for that. Since this is a church school, student resident life is organized by into congregations as well, and that group dictates most of the social life/activities you are involved in. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported at Brigham Young University? Abigail: Im not sure what major/program is most popular at BYU, but they do have a prestigious language program largely due to the fact that most of the student body are LDS and many of them have served volunteer foreign language speaking missions. I studied Spanish Translation, and the program did a thorough job of orienting us toward the world of opportunities in that field and there was always a wealth of experience available within an international church. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Abigail: It is extremely easy to make friends as a freshman. There are always activities in your building and in your ward that connect you to the people you live around and go to church with. I was part of Sigma Delta Pi as part of my Spanish degree, but there were never any events or meetings associated with my membership in that group. Your ward plays a stronger, more significant role in your social life than a fraternity or sororityin fact, I dont know of any fraternities or sororities on campus. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Abigail: The Career Center is always buzzing and there is an actively updated job board with campus job postings. This information is also available online, and I was always able to find a campus job. There is also an annual job fair with many reputable companies who come to recruit. BYU students are known for being good students, good citizens, squeaky clean, honest, hard working, and cultured. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Abigail: The BYU library is enormous and mostly underground. There is always a place to study whether you do better in large space with many people studying quietly or more secluded cubicles or nooks and crannies that you can sneak away to. There are also many computer labs. I didnt have a computer for most of my time as a student and I was always able to find one to use on campus as well as to print. Describe the surrounding town at Brigham Young University. Abigail: Provo and Orem are fun college towns with malls, movie theatres, restaurants, indoor rock climbing, museums, water parks, canyons, mountains, and the Provo River. I was around south Provo and Orem almost as much as I was on campus. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Abigail: Its a huge student body. 30,000 plus students. I had some very large lectures with hundreds of people, but I also had small classes with only a dozen people. I loved both experiences. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Abigail: Every Tuesday morning the whole campus shuts down at 11:00 for a campus wide devotional or forum. You can attend these devotionals in person in the Marriott Center, or watch them broadcast throughout campus. Rich, inspirational, intellectual messages are delivered to the student body each week. Check out Abigails tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Biology Animations Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace

Biology Animations Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace Animation is one of the modern technologies of the computer applications. It is playing an important role in our day to day life. The meaning of the word animation means to bring to life. It creates an illusion of movement.Animations are effective teaching tools in biology. It is designed to improve understanding of some of the main concepts taught in Modern Biology and Biochemistry. Animation is possible because of a biological phenomenon known as persistence of vision. Objects that is seen by the peoples eye remains chemically mapped on the eyes retina for a short time after viewing. Combined with human minds need to conceptually absolute a perceived action. Animation makes a visual impact. Animation is a way for students to express their understanding of biological processes and for teachers to assess students understanding. Itreveals different levels of student learning and makes them think. It makes the students to take ownership of the learning and make them to understand the concepts and makes a mental picture in them. It helps to focus their learning. Animation is a component of online learning unit. Animations can definitely help any student to gain a better understanding of what biology is all about

5 Simple Things to Add to Your Next Vocal Warm-Up

5 Simple Things to Add to Your Next Vocal Warm-Up Suzy S. Singers, you probably already know the importance of a proper vocal warm-up, whether youre practicing or performing. But heres something smart to keep in mind warming up goes far beyond breathing exercises and scales! Even if youre technically just standing still, in reality your whole body is working when youre singing.   Your muscles are active from your head to toes as you stand straight and tall.   Your blood is pumping and your abdominal muscles are definitely engaged as you inhale and exhale.   Basically, your entire body is your instrument! Pretty cool to think about. We love these recommendations from the Finding My Singing Voice blog consider adding these unconventional warm-ups to your routine: 1. Drink water Most singers already know how essential proper hydration is, but just the act of swallowing is beneficial, too. 2. Drink hot tea For singers with allergies, tea can help to wash down phlegm and clear the nasal passages. Other hot drinks will also work, but watch out for too much caffeine it can dry the vocal cords. Tea has additional health benefits (it’s loaded with antioxidants) and half the caffeine (or less) of coffee. 3. Yawn Yawning is the ultimate throat and palate stretch! 4. Stretch Singing involves the whole body, and unnecessary tension anywhere can have a negative effect on the voice. A good side stretch can help open up the ribcage and free up your breath. (See also: Can Yoga Help You Sing Better?) 5. Meditate Mindfulness meditation is the practice of focusing the mind, usually by observing the breath and disengaging from thoughts. It’s a great way to calm anxious nerves and tame self-criticism. Now its your turn what other activities or routines do you practice to get ready for a performance?   Head on over to our Facebook page and share them! You might also like Find Your Voice as a Singer: 4 Tips That Work Singers: Do You Make These 4 Common Errors? Using Scales to Improve Your Vocal Range and More Photo by Synergy by Jasmine.

The Importance of Differentiated Instruction for Students

The Importance of Differentiated Instruction for Students Differentiated Instruction: Does it Matter to Students? ChaptersAs Things Stand NowConcern for Special Needs StudentsTechnology in the Classroom: Helpful or Not?Teaching and Learning with Differentiating InstructionPeople often reflect on their Glory Days â€" the Bruce Springsteen definition, not the Little Mix album.The term glory days can mean any time in their past that the speaker believes is better than now.Per the chart-smashing Springsteen song, most feel their glory days were during secondary school, usually playing some sport or generally being very popular.For this writer, the time spent in secondary school was anything but glorious.Trapped in a teaching model that did nothing for my optimal learning style â€" kinesthetic learning, mediocrity set the tone for every class’ mark and borderline failure was where my exam scores hovered.To make matters worse, for a lack of explanation of why I consistently performed so poorly, I was mostly thought of as a bad student.It was only later, in vocational training, when we got hands-on w ith the equipment and tools, that I discovered I learn best by doing rather than listening or seeing.In spite of hefty criticism levelled at the concept of individual learning styles, there is substantial evidence that students have a preference for how they receive information, giving overall validity to the concept.Among all of the educational initiatives being bandied about and all of the struggles the Department for Education is undergoing, trying to improve teaching methods and students’ scores...Could taking into consideration how a student learns be all it takes to optimise public education? Or is there more to this story?Come with Superprof now. Let’s explore some of the greatest concerns of crowded classrooms and how teachers can make the best use of time and resources to maximise their teaching strategy.teaching strategies to employ and no learning strategies to devise.Concern for Special Needs StudentsAmong all of the advances made in educational philosophy, the ackno wledgement of learning disabilities ranks as one of the most accepting, and one of the most divisive.Dyslexia is a prevalent learning disability in which students with an otherwise normal capacity and desire to learn are hindered by their brain’s inability to process language.Causes of dyslexia are thought to be both genetic and environmental. However, students all over the globe struggle to learn because of dyslexia; it affect between 3% and 7% of learners worldwide.A similar condition, dyscalculia, renders even simple maths learning a cause for frustration and anxiety.Although dyslexia was identified as a neurological impairment in 1881, through the subsequent century, failures of dyslexic students to master learning concepts was often  equally  attributed to poor educational practices and poor student motivation.Historically, students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were labelled naughty children when, in fact, their inability to sit still and pay attention was due to a developmental neurological disorder.This condition too is prevalent worldwide; between 5 and 7% of the global student population is thus afflicted.Here again, although awareness of ADHD as a medical condition dates back to 1902, it only became widely acknowledged and managed in mainstream education in 1981.Identifying special needs students and assessing what their needs actually are went a long way towards levelling the academic playing field.Unfortunately, special education initiatives did nothing for students without special needs who nevertheless struggle to learn.Some teachers assign homework online; otherwise, technology hasn't made much impact on learning Source: Pixabay Credit: FirmBeeTechnology in the Classroom: Helpful or Not?Visuals are a powerful teaching tool.In the early days of formal education, classroom visuals consisted of a blackboard and possibly a world map. Perhaps a frieze demonstrating the proper way to write letters in cursive script adorned th e space above the chalkboard.As technology advanced, so too did classrooms: overhead projectors (1930), video (1951) and... who could forget the Banda worksheets (1923), with their purple ink and smelling of alcohol?That mimeograph machine gave the teacher more latitude in curriculum development. No longer limited to textbook content, teachers were free to devise more varied content and even include diagrammes and charts.For learners who are more inclined to visual learning, all of these advances were giant leaps towards their learning preference.The wireless radio made its way into classroom in the 1920s. Shortly thereafter, stations started broadcasting on-air classes â€" the precursor to today’s online and distance learning.Astoundingly, for all of the technological advances in the last 100 years, using technology in the classroom pretty much stalled after the PC (personal computer) went mainstream.To be sure, curricular requirements have expanded to include coding and keyboard ing classes, but they still follow the traditional teaching model: the educator speaks and the learner does.So, while technological advances have helped students learn, essentially they are confronted with the same teaching methodology that has dominated educational philosophy for centuries.Find out what the best tutors know about differentiation in the classroom...Merely repairing a dam leak overlooks the possibility of its imminent failure GeorgeB2Teaching and Learning with Differentiating InstructionIn a sense, you might say that all of the instructional strategies devised to date are akin to plugging a cracking dam with bubble gum: they address the current emergency but do nothing to remedy the bigger problem.Improving the learning experience of those with special needs and outfitting the school classroom with a variety of learning implements are valiant efforts â€" nobody could fault the education professionals for that.However, they fail to take into consideration a few basic facts:1. Grouping students by age rather than by intellect or different learning styles inevitably leaves portions of the student body with their educational needs poorly met.2. The traditional teaching model feeds students information but does not teach them how to use that information, or even how to learn.3. Multiple intelligences are not considered in the traditional learning plan.4. Summative assessments â€" periodic exams do nothing to evaluate a student’s potential for learning, only for how well s/he retained recently taught material.Again: no one is faulting hard-working teachers or parents who do their best to support their children’s education program.Our thesis embraces student-centered learning â€" the very foundation of differentiated learning.Differentiation calls for students to work in small groups, arranged by aptitude and intellectual ability.Furthermore, the students’ learning preferences are taken into consideration:Primarily visual learners would be given lots of different material to look at and draw conclusions fromPrimarily auditory learners would benefit from listening to recordings of learning materialsPrimarily kinesthetic learners would be tasked to build or otherwise create materials that would support conclusions they’ve drawn from their studies.No matter which learning style any student prefers, assignments would be tailored to their interests.Teachers, no longer at the front of the class (and hoping that students are paying attention), circulate around the room, providing individualized guidance and contributing to group work, all while conducting a formative assessment on each pupil as the work progresses.For teachers, this might sound like a nightmare of classroom management. But for students...When teachers differentiate instruction, student learning soars!Through targeted learning activities, students discover their strengths and are afforded the learning process that suits them the best.In a learning environment th at fosters inclusion of gifted students as well as those with special learning needs, student achievement is all but assured.Finally...Contrary to the nightmare scenario envisioned above, when educators eschew direct instruction in favour of differentiation strategies, they find their rooms filled with responsive students ready to hone their thinking skills and comprehension of whatever topic Teacher would embrace that day.Briefly stated, differentiation of instruction is understanding by design â€" a concept every student could benefit from.Isn’t it about time to take the pressure off of the teachers? To let students set their learning goals and be permitted the necessary avenues and tools to reach them?That would be effective teaching indeed!Now read our full guide to differentiating learning!

Learn Afresh For Exams With Online Tutors After A Great Spell Of Holidays

Learn Afresh For Exams With Online Tutors After A Great Spell Of Holidays 0SHARESShare Holidaying is part of student life and great holidays are sure to boost one’s spirits. Getting back to studies after a spell of marvelous holidays and facing the ensuing exams is crucial for students. Online tutors rush to your help on such occasions and guide you through your crucial hours of exam prep with easy methods and fruitful suggestions. What do online tutors do for your exam prep? Understanding your capabilities: Even you could not have gauged your plus and minus in learning a subject with such a precision as online tutors do. They help you in the eleventh hour with strategies that show you the gateway to pick up scores in a subject Easy tips for writing strategies and problem solving: Even a genius needs ways and means to express his knowledge or else his attempts in writing an exam go waste. Tutors online explain how to prep for an exam, how to manage your time and what to prep. They give you the prep material as well to make your job easy Reviews and practice sessions: Reviews, feed backs and practice sessions provided by Best online tutoring service providers place you in the track and help you understand the level of your progress .Many of them provide coaching courses in short durations to help you score with ease and redouble your skills in the subject Boosting the confidence: It is but natural to feel hazy and unclear about subject preps after lots of fun and festivity. Tutors online understand your hang overs and refresh your mind with techniques that enhance your confidence in the subject and reassure your learning scales for getting into track without delay It is not just tutoring, online tutoring companies like Tutor Pace undertake. It is rather sharing your educational burden to minimize it and bring forth good benefits like great scores in the oncoming exams. Avail the college online tutoring services to enjoy the benefits. [starbox id=admin]

How Online English Tutor Shoo Away The Fear Of College English

How Online English Tutor Shoo Away The Fear Of College English 0SHARESShare Feeling fret learning English? Wish to have high grades in English, but don’t know how? Various students think that this subject is so much complicated and they can’t score high in it. But, it is absolutely incorrect as experts say that English is such a vast subject and actually easy in learning. This subject requires a strong attention, analytical thinking and perfect communication skill. Whether you are choosing high level literary theory or a freshman composition, one will need to be open to cultural awareness, active listening and class discussion. That is why you should select to Online English Tutor. The instructor is best choice for you if you want to become genius in your college english. Experts say that english is a discipline that consists of loads of viewpoints, and that supports the field go on with career growth. Whether you want to take a few important courses or wish to learn how to speak fluent English, you should learn this subject with an understanding and an open mind. And, your  online english tutor is always ready to help your to sort out your english homework help. These instructors are highly trained and skilled in their specific field. They have lots of high-techniques and quality tricks that are actually so valuable for students. It is absolutely correct that over thousands of college students wish to join this type of online tutoring website. Today’s learners are aware of the fact that what is the advantages of online english instructor and what are the benefits of online tutoring. Various experienced students have revealed that online english tutoring is the marvelous method to achieve high score in this subject. It is the reason that more than thousands of students have trust on online tutoring. Tutoring sites provide english  assignment help  and best teaching services that help students to accomplish their dreams. Your instructor gives you an amazing positive hope in which you can feel optimistic energy within you. These teachers are experienced and specialized in their subject. They have over five years experienced in teaching and they have very friendly nature. They make you feel comfortable every time while learning. Student is completely free to ask question and can interrupt anytime. For more information and knowledge or quality english tutoring, just log on to Tutor Pace. It is one stop learning destination for all subjects at very affordable prices. [starbox id=admin]

Checkmate Talking About Overcoming Adversity in English

Checkmate Talking About Overcoming Adversity in English Ugandan girl, Phiona Mutesi leads chess revolution from the slums Whenever we read the paper, we generally extract the information we need without being moved by many, if indeed any, of the articles. Today, however, was an exception for me as I was genuinely touched by a piece I read in the UK Guardian newspaper about an Ugandan girl of humble origins who is on her way to becoming one of the finest chess players or Grandmasters in the country.Before we read the article, lets think about some of the issues it raises:Discussion Questions  Have you ever overcome a situation of adversity?Do you think women have achieved full equality with men in the country in which you live?Is there a group in your country you feel are unrepresented and maybe even that their rights are denied? If so, what can be done to improve the situation of this group?Grammar Questions:  In journalism this is called a color piece, meaning that it focuses on descriptions and impressions rather than analysis. As a result, the article in rich in adjectives. See if you can spot ten ex amples.Pick out one example of a comparative adjective and one example of a superlative adjective?What is the  most used tense in this article: Past simple or present simple?Pick out two examples of direct and two examples of indirect speech in the text.Find two synonyms for the word adversary in the text.Ugandan girl, Phiona Mutesi leads chess revolution from the slumsby Xan Rice in KampalaDespite background the 15-year-old girl is already countrys number two player and has competed at World Chess Olympiad.Photo of Phiona Mutesi by Xan Rice for The Guardian. In a rickety church in a Ugandan slum, a girls hand thrusts forward and a black bishop falls. The girl shows no emotion, though she knows the end is near. Striking quickly, silently, the black queen is toppled, and then the king. Only then does she smile.You attacked too much, she tells the boy sitting opposite her on the wooden bench, a homemade board between them.Phiona Mutesi is 15. She has just finished primary school and i s still learning to read. Her family is so poor they have been evicted from tiny, rented shacks more times than she can remember. She is about as far as you could get from the typical chess player in Uganda â€" doctors, bankers, and their children who attend elite schools.Yet Mutesi already has a strong claim to be the best female player in the country. Last September she competed in the World Chess Olympiad in Siberia as Ugandas No 2, the only girl in a team of university students and working women. On her return she triumphed in the richest and most prestigious local tournament, defeating the countrys top-ranked player along the way.So unlikely and swift has been her rise â€" she has had little formal training and plays largely on instinct â€" that some of Ugandas chess officials are now whispering that Mutesi may not be being unrealistic when she says in a soft voice: I want to be grandmaster. That is still a long way off. But it may not be as improbable as the achievements that she and the other children of Katwe slum in Kampala have already achieved.Theyve caused a chess revolution here, says Godfrey Gali, general secretary of the Uganda Chess Federation.Born in 1995 in Katwe, a vast slum where streams of sewage crisscross the dirt paths, Mutesi was three when her father died. Her sister died soon afterwards. Mutesis mother worked hard, rising at 3am to go the market to buy avocados, eggplants and pumpkins to resell, but money was always tight. After one year of primary school Mutesi was forced to drop out, along with her brothers, and sell boiled maize in the slum.They were just a few of many children in Katwe compelled to work rather than learn â€" children that Robert Katende, a 28-year-old Ugandan employed by the US charity Sports Outreach Institute, was trying to help. Realising his football project was not for everyone, Katende decided to teach chess to a few children. Mutesis brother was among them. One day she followed him to Agape church, where t he games took place. She was nine at the time.I had never heard of chess. But I liked how the pieces looked, she says.Mutesi was a quick, determined learner. Every night she practiced against her brothers, a kerosene lamp in their shack illuminating a board borrowed from Katende. Within a year she was regularly beating Coach Robert. He was impressed â€" I could see how she planned many moves ahead â€" but not surprised. Other children in his class had already proved that growing up poor was no hindrance to being a good player, and may even have been an advantage. These kids in the slums are used to thinking How will I get through the day, Katende says. They are survivors, and chess is a game of survival.After initial resistance from the chess federation, which had insisted that the national junior championships were for schoolchildren, but not children from the streets, Katende was allowed to enter a team from Katwe in 2005.For most of the children it was the first time they had lef t the slums.At the tournament they were isolated, and some of the other competitors thought they were dirty, Katenda recalls. In fact they were wearing their best clothes and looking as smart as they could.In 2007, aged 11, Mutesi entered for the first time. Some of her opponents were twice her age. She won the competition. She defended her title the following year. Though tournaments have not been held since, Mutesi and some of her Katwe team-mates were moving on to bigger things. In 2009 she and two boys from Katwe travelled to Juba, in South Sudan, for a regional childrens tournament involving 16 countries. It was the first time she been to an airport, had her own room, or ordered from a menu.She won all her games, and the girls title. The boys were undefeated too; together they won the team prize. That alone was not groundbreaking â€" though a minnow in world terms, Uganda is rated third among the chess-playing countries in sub-Saharan Africa.But the fact that Mutesi and her two team-mates were all from very poor backgrounds, with little or no access to theory, was unprecedented.In Uganda chess has always been seen as a game for the rich, like golf, says Gali. Now the kids from the slums are among the best players in country.At the Olympiad in Siberia Mutesi was trailed by American and Dutch television crews who had been alerted to her remarkable story. She struggled, losing her first four games â€" opponents included the Canadian No 1 and an Egyptian grandmaster â€" before managing a win. Her consolation was meeting her chess hero, Gary Kasparov.I performed badly, but next time will be better, says Mutesi.Signs are good that it will. She was undefeated at the year-end tournament in Kampala, beating most of her Olympiad team-mates, and taking the first prize of £130. Some of it she used to buy hair extensions and some to pay off her school fees. The rest she offered to Katende. He refused it, but helped her to buy four mattresses and a quadruple bunk bed. Now, for the first time, Mutesi and her family dont have to share two flimsy mattresses on her floor.Phiona has become something in the country, from nothing, her mother, Harriet, says.Katende smiles and says: In chess, it does not matter where you come from. Only where you put the pieces.Did you find this article interesting? Feel free to share it on Facebook and Twitter.