Algebra Applications
Friday, June 18th, 2010What is Algebra?
It is an area of mathematics that use alphabetic characters instead of numbers to derive results for a given situation. This abstraction is the very reason why most individuals find algebra scary and too difficult to handle and it is the same reasons why some pupils find it fun to play around with. Algebra topics range from working with equations to factoring binomials all the way to finding the y-intercept. In almost all cases, just as in any other math oriented 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.
Oh no! It’s Exponents, Radicals and Graphing
There are many higher level topics. First 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 denotes the power to which that number is raised. The above algebraic expression is read as, x plus y to the third power. While working with powers you will oftentimes come across exercises that require you to add, subtract, multiply and divide . If you pick up the basic principles, you will shortly start working with rational and negative powers and if you think those are not challenging enough, hopefully radicals will spin your head. A radical, simply put, is the undoing of an power. Radical expressions are denoted by the symbol “V” and when placed beside number 4, it is read as square root of 4, which is equal to 2. The opposite exponential equation is 2^2 which is read, 2 to the 2nd power, and equals 4. Additionally, exponents can be added, subtracted, multiplied or divided by radicals. Radicals can be switched into exponents and powers back into radicals. If powers and radicals aren’t enough, there is always graphing. Start with graphing straight lines and deciding 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. Once you master graphing lines, a whole world of circles, parabolas and hyperbolas awaits you!
Want Help?
If you are learning algebra and this all seems a little too much, don’t fret. 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 packages 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 instruments can assist you become an algebra expert in no time.
