The Algebra Choice
Algebra – what is it?
It is an domain of mathematics that use letter of the alphabets instead of numbers to derive results for a given situation. It is this abstraction that often scares many and thrills some. topics of algebra range from working with fractions to factoring binomials all the way to finding the y-intercept. Most individuals start to learn Algebra by adding, subtracting, reducing and simplifying algebraic expressions. They then move on to understanding equivalent fractions , finding Least Common Multiples (LCM) and converting fractions to decimals.
Oh no! It’s Exponents, Radicals and Graphing
There are numerous higher level topics. To start off with there are exponents. A power is the tiny 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. 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 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 switched into powers and exponents back into radicals. If powers and radicals aren’t enough, there is always graphing. The best way to start with graphing is to draw lines and try to figure out if they are horizontal, vertical or neither. 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. Look for math tutors or software applications 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 guru in no time.
