What Should We Do with Algebra?
August 7th, 2010 August 7th, 2010 Posted in Best Science Resources, College Education, Great Mathematics TipsComments Off
What is Algebra?
It is an area of mathematics that use letter of the alphabets in place of numbers to derive results for a given situation. This abstraction is the very reason why most individuals find algebra scary and too difficult to handle and it is the same reasons why some pupils find it fun to play around with. Algebra topics range by working through simple tasks such as factoring binomials and eventually progressing on to finding the product of matrices. Most individuals start to try Algebra by adding, subtracting, reducing and simplifying fractions. They then move on to understanding equivalent fractions, finding Least Common Multiples (LCM) and converting fractions to decimals.
Oh no! It’s Exponents, Radicals and Graphing
There are many higher level subjects. Firstly there are powers. A power is the little number placed as superscript to a number or algebraic expression. An example is (x + y)3 where the 3 is the power and refers the power to which that number is raised. The above algebraic expression is read, x plus y to the third power. In working with powers you can add, subtract, multiple or divide them. You can work with fractional and negative exponents. If that isn’t enough to make your head spin, then you can move on to radicals. A radical, simply put, is the undoing of an exponent. Radical expressions are referred by the symbolic representation “V” and when placed next to number 4, it is read as square root of 4, which is equal to 2. The inverse of “V” symbol is “^” which denotes that the number it refers to is a multiple of the principle number. Therefore, 2^2 which is read as 2 to the 2nd power, equals 4. Additionally, exponents can be added, subtracted, multiplied or divided by radicals. Radicals can be converted into exponents and powers back into roots. If exponents and roots aren’t enough, there is always graphing. The best way to start with graphing is to draw lines and try to figure out if they are horizontal, vertical or neither. Another question to ask is whether the line has an x-intercept or a y-intercept Furthermore, try and see if you can find the slope of a line. After you master graphing lines, a whole world of circles, parabolas and hyperbolas awaits you!
Need Help?
If you are learning algebra and this all seems a little too much, don’t sweat. There are many resources out there that can help you master quadratic systems of equations , quadratic formulas and polynomials . Look for math tutors or software systems that will walk you through gradual process on how to solve any problem. You can also use algebra calculators or algebra solvers. any of these tools can help you become an algebra guru in very little time.