The Interesting Algebra
March 2nd, 2010Let’s Explore Algebra
It is an domain of mathematics that use alphabetic characters in place of numbers to derive results for a given situation. It is this generalization that often frightens many and thrills some. Algebra topics extend by working through simple tasks such as factoring polynomials and eventually progressing on to finding the inverse of a matrix. In nearly all cases, just as in any other math associated class, students begin by adding, subtracting 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 subjects. First 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 exponent 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. 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 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. Equally with exponents, radical expressions can be added, subtracted, multiplied and divided. Radicals can be switched into powers and powers back into radicals. If you find that exponents and radicals 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? Can you find the slope of the line? you master the mathematical art of graphing, you will notice 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 subject. Look for math tutors or software systems that will walk you through stepwise process on how to solve any problem. You can also use algebra calculators or algebra solvers. any of these tools can assist you become an algebra guru in very little time.
