Succeeding in Algebra
Let’s Explore Algebra
Algebra is a wide part of mathematics that uses abstraction by replacing alphabetic characters for numbers. It is this abstraction that often scares many and quivers some. topics of algebra range from working with fractions to factoring binomials all the way to finding the inverse of a matrix. In most cases, just as in any other mathematics oriented class, students begin 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 another higher level topics. First there are exponents. An exponent is the small 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 refers the power to which that number is raised. The above algebraic expression is expressed as, x plus y to the third power. In working with exponents 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 exponent. 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. Moreover, exponents can be added, subtracted, multiplied or divided by radicals. Radicals can be converted into exponents and powers back into radicals. If you find that exponents and radicals don’t really stimulate 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 Can you find the slope of the line? you master the mathematical art of graphing, you will come across a whole new world filled with parabolas and hyperbolas.
Help is Available
If you are learning algebra and this all seems a little too much, don’t scratch. It’s time to look around because there exists a wide array of resources that is able to help you master the discipline. The tradition is to settle for a math tutor, but the modern algebraic software are no different. In fact, they are as good as math tutors. You can also use algebra calculators or algebra solvers. any of these instruments can help you become an algebra guru in very little time.
written by admin • Permalink • Comments Off • Leave a Comment »