Algebra Explained
Algebra - what is it?
It is an area of mathematics that use alphabetic characters instead of numbers to derive results for a given situation. It is this generalization that often scares many and thrills some. topics of algebra range by working through simple tasks such as factoring binomials and eventually progressing on to finding the product of matrices. Most individuals start to study 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 many another advanced topics. First there are powers. A power is the tiny number placed to the right and slightly above 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 raised. 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 fundamental principles, you will shortly start working with rational and negative exponents 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. Radical expressions are denoted 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 contrasting exponential equation is 2^2 which is read, 2 to the 2nd power, and equals 4. As with exponents, radical expressions can be added, subtracted, multiplied and divided. Radicals can be switched into exponents and exponents back into roots. If you find that powers and radicals don’t really shake your interest, you could move on to graphing. Start with graphing straight lines and deciding if the line is horizontal or vertical or something else. Does the line have an x-intercept or a y-intercept? Can you find the slope of the line ? Once you master graphing lines , a whole world of circles, parabolas and hyperbolas awaits you!
Help is Available
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 non-linear equations , quadratic formulas and polynomials. The tradition is to settle for a math tutor, but the cutting-edge algebraic software are no different. In fact, they are better than math tutors. You can also use algebra calculators or algebra solvers. any of these instruments can help you become an algebra expert in no time.
