Algebra – what is it?
Algebra is a broad category of mathematics that uses generalization by replacing alphabetic characters for numbers. It is this abstraction that often frightens many and shudders some. Algebra topics range by working through simple tasks such as factoring binomials and eventually progressing on to finding the inverse of a matrix. In many cases, just as in any other mathematics associated 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.
Oh no! It’s Exponents, Radicals and Graphing
There are numerous higher level topics. First there are powers. An exponent is the little number placed to the right and slightly above a number or algebraic expression. In this example (x + y)3 where the 3 is the exponent and refers the power to which that number is raised. The above algebraic expression is read, x plus y to the third power. While working with powers you will oftentimes come across exercises that require you to add, subtract, multiply and divide. If you pick up the basic principles, you will soon 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 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. Additionally, exponents can be added, subtracted, multiplied or divided by radicals. Radicals can be converted into powers and powers back into roots. 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? Can you find the slope of the line? you master the mathematical art of graphing, you will learn 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 sweat. There are many resources out there that can help you master linear equations , quadratic formulas and polynomials. Look for math tutors or software programs 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 tools can assist you become an algebra expert in very little time.
