Algebra - what is it?
It is an domain of mathematics that use alphabetic characters instead of numbers to derive results for a given situation. It is this generalization that often frightens many and shudders some. Algebra topics range by working through simple tasks such as factoring trinomials and eventually progressing on to finding the inverse of a matrix. In many cases, just as in any other mathematics related class, students begin by adding, subtracting and simplifying algebraic expressions. later on, they would move on to more advanced stages of solving algebraic equations using the greatest common factors and converting fractions in to decimals.
Help!!! Exponents, Radicals and Graphing on the Way…
There are numerous higher level themes. Firstly there are exponents. A power is the small 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 exponentiated. 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, in simple terms, 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 switched into powers and exponents back into roots. If powers and radicals aren’t enough, there is always graphing. Start with graphing straight lines and determining if the line is horizontal or vertical or neither. Does the line have an x-intercept or a y-intercept? Furthermore, try and see if you can find the slope of a line. you master the mathematical art of graphing, you will identify a whole new world full of parabolas and hyperbolas.
Need Help?
If you are learning algebra and this all seems a little too much, don’t fret. Did you know that there are many resources out there that can help you master linear systems of inequalities, quadratic formulas and polynomials. The tradition is to decide on a math tutor, but the latest 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 help you become an algebra guru in no time.