Algebra – the Smart Choice
Algebra – what is it?
It is an domain of mathematics that use letter of the alphabets in replacement 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 students find it fun to play around with. topics of algebra extend from working with inequalities to factoring binomials all the way to finding the inverse of a matrix. Most people start 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.
Exponents and Radicals and Graphing Oh My!
There are many another advanced topics. Firstly there are powers. A power is the little number placed to the right and slightly above a number or algebraic expression. An example is (x + y)3 where the 3 is the power and denotes the power to which that number is raised. The above algebraic expression is read as, 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 shown by the symbolization “V” and when placed alongside 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 switched into exponents and exponents back into radicals. 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 Can you find the slope of the line? Once you master graphing lines, a whole world of circles, parabolas and hyperbolas awaits you!
Need Help?
While you are learning algebra if the terms and concepts seem too much to handle, relax and take a break. It’s time to look around because there exists a wide array of resources that is able to help you master the subject. 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. You can also use algebra calculators or algebra solvers. any of these instruments can help you become an algebra guru in no time.
