Algebra Applications
Let’s Explore Algebra
It is an domain of mathematics that use alphabetic characters in place of numbers to derive results for a given situation. This abstraction is the very reason why most people find algebra scary and too difficult to handle and it is the same reasons why some students find it fun to play around with. Algebra topics range from working with inequalities to factoring binomials all the way to finding the y-intercept. In almost all cases, just as in any other math related class, students start off by adding, subtracting 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 higher level topics. Firstly there are exponents. 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 exponent and refers the power to which that number is exponentiated. 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. If you pick up the basics, you will soon start working with rational and negative exponents and if you think those are not challenging enough, hopefully complex number will spin your head. A radical, in simple terms, 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. Moreover, powers can be added, subtracted, multiplied or divided by radicals. Radicals can be converted into powers and powers back into roots. If powers and roots aren’t enough, there is always graphing. Start with graphing straight lines and observing 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. you master the mathematical art of graphing, you will notice a whole new world full of 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. There are many resources out there that can help you master radical inequalities, quadratic formulas and polynomials. The tradition is to decide on a math tutor, but the latest 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 tools can help you become an algebra guru in very little time.