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Algebra – what is it?

It is an area of mathematics that use alphabetic characters in replacement of numbers to derive results for a given situation. It is this abstraction that often scares many and quivers some. topics of algebra extend from working with fractions to factoring binomials all the way to finding the y-intercept. In many cases, just as in any other mathematics related class, students start off 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.

Help!!! Exponents, Radicals and Graphing on the Way…

There are numerous advanced topics. To start off with 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 power and refers the power to which that number is exponentiated. The above algebraic expression is read as, x plus y to the third power. While working with powers you will often see exercises that require you to add, subtract, multiply and divide. 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, simply put, 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. As with exponents, radical expressions can be added, subtracted, multiplied and divided. Radicals can be switched into exponents and powers back into roots. If you find that exponents and radicals don’t really shake your interest, you could move on to graphing. Start with graphing straight lines and determining if the line is horizontal or vertical or neither. Another question to ask is whether the line has an x-intercept or a y-intercept Furthermore, try and see if you can find the slope of a line. After you master graphing lines, a whole world of circles, parabolas and hyperbolas awaits you!

Help is Out There

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 study. The custom is to settle for a math tutor, but the latest 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 tools can help you become an algebra guru in very little time.