UND-Pilsa Blog

What is Algebra?

It is an domain of mathematics that use letter of the alphabets in replacement of numbers to derive results for a given situation. It is this generalization that often frightens many and thrills some. Algebra topics extend by working through simple tasks such as factoring trinomials and eventually progressing on to finding the inverse of a matrix. In most 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.

Help!!! Exponents, Radicals and Graphing on the Way…

There are many advanced themes. First there are powers. A power is the tiny number placed as superscript to a number or algebraic expression. In this example (x + y)³ where the 3 is the exponent and denotes the power to which that number is raised. The above algebraic expression is expressed as, x plus y to the third power. While working with exponents you will oftentimes encounter exercises that require you to add, subtract, multiply and divide. If you pick up the basics, you will shortly start working with rational and negative exponents and if you think those are not challenging enough, hopefully radicals will spin your head. A radical, simply put, is the reversing of an exponent. Radical expressions are denoted by the symbolic representation “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 exponents back into roots. If you find that powers and roots don’t really brace your interest, you could move on to 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 . you master the mathematical art of graphing, you will chance on 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 fret. There are many resources out there that can help you master radical systems of inequalities, quadratic formulas and polynomials . Look for math tutors or software programs that will walk you through gradual process on how to solve any problem. You can also use algebra calculators or algebra solvers. any of these tools can help you become an algebra guru in no time.