Algebra – what is it?
Algebra is a comprehensive branch of mathematics that uses abstraction by substituting letters for numbers. 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 students find it fun to play around with. topics of algebra range from working with fractions to factoring binomials all the way to finding the y-intercept. In nearly all cases, just as in any other mathematics associated class, students start off by adding, subtracting and simplifying algebraic expressions. They then move on to understanding equivalent fractions , finding Least Common Multiples (LCM) and converting fractions to decimals.
Help!!! Exponents, Radicals and Graphing on the Way…
There are many another higher level themes. Firstly there are powers. An exponent is the little number placed as superscript to a number or algebraic expression. In this example (x + y)3 where the 3 is the exponent and denotes the power to which that number is exponentiated. The above algebraic expression is read, x plus y to the third power. In working with exponents you can add, subtract, multiple or divide them. You can work with rational 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 reversing of an power. Radical expressions are denoted 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. Moreover, powers can be added, subtracted, multiplied or divided by radicals. Radicals can be changed into powers and exponents back into radicals. If powers and radicals 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. Once 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. It’s time to look around because there exists a wide array of resources that is able to help you master the topic. The tradition is to decide on a math tutor, but the latest algebraic software are no different. In fact, they are as good as math tutors. You can also use algebra calculators or algebra solvers. any of these tools can assist you become an algebra guru in very little time.
