Real Life Algebra Use
Let’s Explore Algebra
Algebra is a comprehensive category of mathematics that uses abstraction by substituting alphabetic characters for numbers. It is this abstraction that often scares many and shudders some. Algebra topics range from working with inequalities to factoring binomials all the way to finding the y-intercept. Most people get down to study Algebra by adding, subtracting, reducing 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 another advanced subjects. First there are powers. A power is the little number placed as superscript to 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 exponentiated. The above algebraic expression is read, x plus y to the third power. While working with exponents you will often 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, simply put, is the undoing of an power. Radical expressions are denoted by the symbolization “V” and when placed next to number 4, it is read as square root of 4, which is equal to 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, exponents can be added, subtracted, multiplied or divided by radicals. Radicals can be changed into exponents and powers back into roots. If powers and roots 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? Can you find the slope of the line? you master the mathematical art of graphing, you will notice a whole new world filled with parabolas and hyperbolas.
Help is Out There
While you are learning algebra if the terms and concepts seem too much to handle, relax and take a break. Did you know that there are many resources out there that can help you master non-linear inequalities, quadratic formulas and polynomials. Look for math tutors or software systems that will walk you through stepwise process on how to solve any problem. Know that frustration is not your only friend because any of these instruments can help you become an algebra guru in no time.
