Do You Know Your Algebra?
Saturday, October 31st, 2009What is Algebra?
It is an area of mathematics that use letter of the alphabets in replacement of numbers to derive results for a given situation. It is this abstraction that often frightens many and quivers some. topics of algebra range by working through simple tasks such as factoring trinomials and eventually progressing on to finding the inverse of a matrix. Most individuals start to learn 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.
Exponents and Radicals and Graphing Oh My!
There are numerous higher level subjects. To start off with there are exponents. An exponent 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 exponentiated. The above algebraic expression is expressed as, x plus y to the third power. In working with powers you can add, subtract, multiple or divide them. If you pick up the fundamentals, 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, simply put, is the undoing of an power. Radical expressions are referred by the symbolic representation “V” and when placed next to number 4, it is read as square root of 4, which is equal to 2. The opposite exponential equation is 2^2 which is read, 2 to the 2nd power, and equals 4. Additionally, powers can be added, subtracted, multiplied or divided by radicals. Radicals can be switched into powers 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? Can you find the slope of the line? you master the mathematical art of graphing, you will discover a whole new world filled with parabolas and hyperbolas.
Help is Available
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 discipline. Look for math tutors or software packages that will walk you through stepwise process on how to solve any problem. Know that frustration is not your only friend because any of these tools can help you become an algebra expert in no time.