Practical Uses of Algebra
What is Algebra?
Algebra is a broad component of mathematics that uses abstraction by replacing alphabetic characters for numbers. It is this generalization that often scares many and quivers some. Algebra topics extend by working through simple tasks such as factoring polynomials and eventually progressing on to finding the inverse of a matrix. Most individuals begin to try Algebra by adding, subtracting, reducing and simplifying fractions . 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 many higher level topics. Firstly there are powers. An exponent is the small number placed to the right and slightly above a number or algebraic expression. An example is (x + y)3 where the 3 is the power and denotes the power to which that number is raised. The above algebraic expression is read, x plus y to the third power. While working with exponents you will often come across exercises that require you to add, subtract, multiply and divide. If you pick up the fundamental principles, you will soon get down to 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 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 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. As with exponents, radical expressions can be added, subtracted, multiplied and divided. Radicals can be switched into exponents 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 work out if they are horizontal, 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. you master the mathematical art of graphing, you will identify a whole new world filled with parabolas and hyperbolas.
Help is Out There
If you are learning algebra and this all seems a little too much, don’t sweat. It’s time to look around because there exists a wide array of resources that is able to help you master the subject area. 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 help you become an algebra expert in very little time.
