November 4, 2009
What Should We Do with Algebra?
Let’s Explore 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 people find algebra scary and too difficult to handle and it is the same reasons why some pupils find it fun to play around with. topics of algebra extend from working with equations to factoring binomials all the way to finding the y-intercept. Most people begin to learn 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 advanced subjects. Firstly there are exponents. An exponent is the little number placed to the right and slightly above a number or algebraic expression. In this example (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. If you pick up the fundamental principles, you will shortly get down to working with rational and negative exponents and if you think those are not challenging enough, hopefully complex number will spin your head. A radical, simply put, is the reversing of an power. The V beside 4 denote a radical expression which means, the square root of 4, which equals 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. Equally with exponents, radical expressions can be added, subtracted, multiplied and divided. Radicals can be changed into exponents and powers back into radicals. If exponents and radicals aren’t enough, there is always graphing. Start with graphing straight lines and defining if the line is horizontal or vertical or neither. Another question to ask is whether the line has an x-intercept or a y-intercept Can you find the slope of the line? you master the mathematical art of graphing, you will discover a whole new world filled with parabolas and hyperbolas.
Want Help?
If you are learning algebra and this all seems a little too much, don’t sweat. Did you know that there are many resources out there that can help you master radical equations, quadratic formulas and polynomials . The custom is to settle for a math tutor, but the modern algebraic software are no different. In fact, they are better than math tutors. Know that frustration is not your only friend because any of these instruments can help you become an algebra guru in very little time.
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