Archive for the 'The Mathematicians Way' Category

Is Algebra Good for You?

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

Let’s Explore Algebra

Algebra is a large component of mathematics that uses generalization by substituting letters for numbers. It is this generalization that often scares many and quivers some. Algebra topics range from working with inequalities to factoring binomials all the way to finding the y-intercept. In most cases, just as in any other math 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 advanced topics. Firstly there are powers. An exponent 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 raised. The above algebraic expression is expressed as, x plus y to the third power. While working with exponents you will frequently come across 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 reversing of an power. 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. Moreover, powers can be added, subtracted, multiplied or divided by radicals. Radicals can be converted into exponents and exponents back into radicals. If powers and radicals aren’t enough, there is always 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 identify a whole new world full of parabolas and hyperbolas.

Help is Available

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 radical systems of equations, quadratic formulas and polynomials. Look for math tutors or software packages that will walk you through step-by-step process on how to solve any problem. You can also use algebra calculators or algebra solvers. any of these tools can assist you become an algebra guru in no time.

Is Algebra a Factor?

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

Algebra – what is it?

Algebra is a wide branch of mathematics that uses generalization by replacing alphabetic characters for numbers. It is this generalization that often scares many and thrills some. Algebra topics extend by working through simple tasks such as factoring binomials and eventually progressing on to finding the product of matrices. Most individuals start 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.

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

There are numerous higher level themes. Firstly 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 raised. The above algebraic expression is expressed 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 basics, you will shortly get down to working with rational and negative exponents and if you think those are not challenging enough, hopefully complex number will spin your head. A radical, in simple terms, is the undoing of an power. Radical expressions are referred 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 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 powers and powers back into radicals. If you find that exponents and radicals don’t really perk up your interest, you could move on to graphing. Start with graphing straight lines and observing if the line is horizontal or 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 learn a whole new world full of parabolas and hyperbolas.

Help is Out There

If you are learning algebra and this all seems a little too much, don’t fret. It’s time to look around because there exists a wide array of resources that is able to help you master the theme. Look for math tutors or software packages 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 instruments can assist you become an algebra expert in no time.

Difficulties with Algebra

Saturday, April 25th, 2009

It is safe to say that algebra is the core of mathematics. If you genuinely want to know about mathematics and its basic principles then you should have a perfect and in depth knowledge of algebra. Deriving the result for the product of 223 and 112 is quite easy if you use a calculator. However, in a case where you need to work around the exponential of 223 and logarithm of 112, you will certainly need an algebraic software application. Graphing a circle will be easy for this given formula X 2 + Y2 = 4 but when it comes for an inequality like (X-2)2 + (Y-4)2 > 20 then it will be quite harder to plot the graph. In this situation algebra software package can help you a great deal because once you enter the inequality in the program, the graph will get plotted automatically within very little time. These software programs can easily work out any kind of algebraic, arithmetical and radical expressions of any kind of complexity.

Looking for Domain and Range of a Function

Although, finding the domain and range of a function such as Y = X2 can be easily found by considering the number range on the X-Y plane, defining the domain and range of a log(tan 2x + sin 3x) = cosine(-4)(2x) will be excessively difficult. But now you can solve such critical and complex problems with an algebra calculator without breaking sweat and you will also be getting all the steps as well

Coordinate Geometry

It is now, easier than ever to find the vertex and directrix or whether a parabola opens up or down, using algebra software systems. In addition, subtraction and multiplication of binomials, you are more likely to become worn-out because they require a lot of terms to be manipulated. However, by leaving the job up to algebra calculators, you will be able to get results within a shorter period with 100% accuracy. Solving determinants and matrices of 3×3 or 4×4 order can become very hard since it involves lots of calculation; getting inverse of matrices even more so. However using algebra software packages will make this task much simpler.

So, with the introduction of algebra software programs, the times where you dreaded the sight of indices, fractions or linear equations , comes to an end. If you could not stand geometry, you may even start liking it afterwards thanks to the computerized algebra systems that will automatically plot everything you ever need.