What is Algebra?
It is an domain of mathematics that use letter of the alphabets in place of numbers to derive results for a given situation. It is this abstraction that often scares many and shudders some. Algebra topics extend by working through simple tasks such as factoring binomials and eventually progressing on to finding the product of matrices. Most individuals 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.
Exponents and Radicals and Graphing Oh My!
There are numerous higher level themes. First there are powers. A power is the small number placed to the right and slightly above 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 raised. The above algebraic expression is expressed as, x plus y to the third power. In working with exponents 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, simply put, is the undoing of an exponent. Radical expressions are shown by the symbol “V” and when placed alongside 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 converted into exponents and powers back into radicals. If you find that exponents and radicals don’t really stir your interest, you could move on to graphing. The best way to start with graphing is to draw lines and try to work out if they are horizontal, vertical or neither. Another question to ask is whether the line has 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 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. 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. Know that frustration is not your only friend because any of these instruments can help you become an algebra expert in no time.