Algebra Knowledge Is Useful
What is Algebra?
Algebra is a wide category of mathematics that uses abstraction by exchanging alphabetic characters for numbers. It is this generalization that often frightens many and thrills some. Algebra topics range by working through simple tasks such as factoring polynomials and eventually progressing on to finding the inverse of a matrix. Most people start to try 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.
Help!!! Exponents, Radicals and Graphing on the Way…
There are numerous higher level subjects. First 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 exponent 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 exponents you can add, subtract, multiple or divide them. If you pick up the basic principles, you will shortly get down to working with rational and negative powers and if you think those are not challenging enough, hopefully radicals will spin your head. A radical, in simple terms, is the undoing of an exponent. Radical expressions are referred by the symbolic representation “V” and when placed beside number 4, it is read as square root of 4, which is equal to 2. The reverse exponential equation is 2^2 which is read, 2 to the 2nd power, and equals 4. Moreover, exponents can be added, subtracted, multiplied or divided by radicals. Radicals can be changed into exponents and powers back into radicals. If you find that exponents and roots 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 figure out if they are horizontal, 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 find a whole new world full of parabolas and hyperbolas.
Help is Out There
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 radical systems of equations, quadratic formulas and polynomials. Look for math tutors or software applications that will walk you through gradual 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 very little time.
