Algebra - what is it?

Algebra is a large part of mathematics that uses generalization by exchanging alphabetic characters for numbers. 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 pupils find it fun to play around with. Algebra topics extend by working through simple tasks such as factoring trinomials and eventually progressing on to finding the inverse of a matrix. In nearly all cases, just as in any other mathematics associated class, students start by adding, subtracting and simplifying algebraic expressions. later on, they would move on to more advanced stages of solving algebraic equations using the least common multiples and converting fractions in 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 small 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 as, x plus y to the third power. In working with exponents you can add, subtract, multiple or divide them. If you pick up the fundamental principles, you will soon 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 exponent. Radical expressions are shown by the symbol “V” and when placed next to number 4, it is read as square root of 4, which is equal to 2. The contrasting exponential equation is 2^2 which is read, 2 to the 2nd power, and equals 4. Moreover, powers can be added, subtracted, multiplied or divided by radicals. Radicals can be changed 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. Another question to ask is whether the line has an x-intercept or a y-intercept Can you find the slope of the line? you master the mathematical art of graphing, you will identify a whole new world filled with parabolas and hyperbolas.

Want Help?

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 fractional systems of inequalities, quadratic formulas and polynomials . Look for math tutors or software systems 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 help you become an algebra guru in very little time.