Algebra Tools: a Summary
Let’s Explore Algebra
Algebra is a wide category of mathematics that uses generalization by substituting letters for numbers. 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. Algebra topics range by working through simple tasks such as factoring trinomials and eventually progressing on to finding the inverse of a matrix. Most people start to try Algebra by adding, subtracting, reducing 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 advanced topics. Firstly there are powers. A power is the tiny number placed as superscript to 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, x plus y to the third power. In working with exponents you can add, subtract, multiple or divide them. If you pick up the fundamentals, you will soon start working with rational and negative exponents and if you think those are not challenging enough, hopefully radicals will spin your head. 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 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 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 Can you find the slope of the line? you master the mathematical art of graphing, you will identify a whole new world full of parabolas and hyperbolas.
Help is Out There
While you are learning algebra if the terms and concepts seem too much to handle, relax and take a break. Did you know that there are many resources out there that can help you master fractional systems of equations, quadratic formulas and polynomials . Look for math tutors or software applications that will walk you through stepwise process on how to solve any problem. You can also use algebra calculators or algebra solvers. any of these instruments can help you become an algebra expert in no time.
