August 26, 2010
Algebra Is Not Hard
Let’s Explore Algebra
It is an area of mathematics that use letter of the alphabets instead of numbers to derive results for a given situation. It is this generalization that often frightens many and quivers some. topics of algebra range by working through simple tasks such as factoring binomials and eventually progressing on to finding the product of matrices. In many cases, just as in any other math related class, students start 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.
Exponents and Radicals and Graphing Oh My!
There are many advanced topics. Firstly there are powers. An exponent is the small number placed to the right and slightly above 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 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 rational and negative exponents. If that isn’t enough to make your head spin, then you can move on to radicals. A radical, in simple terms, is the undoing 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 converted into exponents and exponents back into radicals. If you find that exponents and roots don’t really brace your interest, you could move on to graphing. The best way to start with graphing is to draw lines and try to work 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!
Help is Available
If you are learning algebra and this all seems a little too much, don’t scratch. There are many resources out there that can help you master quadratic systems of inequalities, quadratic formulas and polynomials. The tradition is to settle for a math tutor, but the up-to-date algebraic software are no different. In fact, they are better than 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.
Filed by admin at 2:43 pm under Education + Schooling, Living With Science, Mathematics Resources
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