Is Algebra Waste of Time?
What is Algebra?
It is an area of mathematics that use letters in replacement of numbers to derive results for a given situation. It is this generalization that often scares many and thrills some. Algebra topics range from working with fractions to factoring binomials all the way to finding the y-intercept. Most people begin to study Algebra by adding, subtracting, reducing 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.
Help!!! Exponents, Radicals and Graphing on the Way…
There are many another advanced themes. First there are exponents. A power is the small number placed as superscript to a number or algebraic expression. In this example (x + y)3 where the 3 is the exponent and denotes the power to which that number is exponentiated. The above algebraic expression is read, x plus y to the third power. In working with powers you can add, subtract, multiple or divide them. 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, in simple terms, is the reversing of an exponent. Radical expressions are shown 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 inverse 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 powers and exponents back into roots. If you find that powers and roots don ‘t really brace your interest, you could move on to graphing. Start with graphing straight lines and verifying if the line is horizontal or vertical or something else. Does the line have an x-intercept or a y-intercept? Furthermore, try and see if you can find the slope of a line. Once 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 discipline. Look for math tutors or software systems that will walk you through step-by-step process on how to solve any problem. Know that frustration is not your only friend because any of these tools can assist you become an algebra expert in no time.