How Do We Handle Algebra?
What is Algebra?
Algebra is a comprehensive component of mathematics that uses abstraction by substituting alphabetic characters for numbers. 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 by working through simple tasks such as factoring trinomials and eventually progressing on to finding the product of matrices. In most cases, just as in any other maths oriented 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.
Oh no! It’s Exponents, Radicals and Graphing
There are many higher level themes. To start off with there are exponents. A power 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 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 exponents you will frequently encounter exercises that require you to add, subtract, multiply and divide. 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. Radical expressions are denoted by the symbol “V” and when placed alongside number 4, it is read as square root of 4, which is equal to 2. The inverse exponential equation is 2^2 which is read, 2 to the 2nd power, and equals 4. As with exponents, radical expressions can be added, subtracted, multiplied and divided. Radicals can be converted into powers and exponents back into radicals. If powers and radicals aren’t enough, there is always graphing. Start with graphing straight lines and verifying if the line is horizontal or vertical or neither. Another question to ask is whether the line has an x-intercept or a y-intercept Furthermore, try and see if you can find the slope of a line. After you master graphing lines, a whole world of circles, parabolas and hyperbolas awaits you!
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 topic. The custom is to settle for a math tutor, but the cutting-edge algebraic software are no different. In fact, they are as good as math tutors. Know that frustration is not your only friend because any of these tools can assist you become an algebra guru in very little time.
