Algebra Stepping Stones
Algebra - what is it?
It is an domain of mathematics that use letter of the alphabets in replacement of numbers to derive results for a given situation. It is this generalization that often scares many and shudders some. Algebra topics extend by working through simple tasks such as factoring trinomials and eventually progressing on to finding the product of matrices. Most individuals begin to learn Algebra by adding, subtracting, reducing and simplifying fractions. 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 numerous advanced themes. To start off with there are exponents. An exponent is the little 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 read, 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, in simple terms, is the undoing of an exponent. The V beside 4 denote a radical expression which means, the square root of 4, which equals 2. The reverse exponential equation is 2^2 which is read, 2 to the 2nd power, and equals 4. Moreover, powers can be added, subtracted, multiplied or divided by radicals. Radicals can be switched into powers and powers back into radicals. If exponents and radicals aren’t enough, there is always graphing. Start with graphing straight lines and observing if the line is horizontal or vertical or neither. 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 full of parabolas and hyperbolas.
Want Help?
If you are learning algebra and this all seems a little too much, don’t scratch. It’s time to look around because there exists a wide array of resources that is able to help you master the subject area. The tradition is to settle for a math tutor, but the modern 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 guru in very little time.
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