Made Moon Blog

Let’s Explore Algebra

Algebra is a wide category of mathematics that uses generalization by substituting alphabetic characters for numbers. It is this abstraction that often scares many and thrills some. topics of algebra range by working through simple tasks such as factoring polynomials and eventually progressing on to finding the inverse of a matrix. In most cases, just as in any other math associated class, students start 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.

Exponents and Radicals and Graphing Oh My!

There are many another higher level subjects. Firstly there are exponents. A power is the little 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 powers you will often see exercises that require you to add, subtract, multiply and divide. You can work with rational 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 exponent. The V beside 4 denote a radical expression which means, the square root of 4, which equals 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. Equally with exponents, radical expressions can be added, subtracted, multiplied and divided. Radicals can be switched into exponents and powers back into radicals. If exponents and roots aren’t enough, there is always graphing. Start with graphing straight lines and determining if the line is horizontal or vertical or neither. Does the line have an x-intercept or a y-intercept? Furthermore, try and see if you can find the slope of a line. Once you master graphing lines, a whole world of circles, parabolas and hyperbolas awaits you!

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. The tradition is to decide on a math tutor, but the latest 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 help you become an algebra expert in very little time.