Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
Algebra is a branch of mathematics which involves the use of variables (typically letters) in place of numbers. In simple terms, algebra is about deriving unknown values through mathematical processes. Variables are combined with numbers into mathematical statements to describe relations between values. This article discusses the algebra concepts which are considered to be the most difficult for students to learn according to studies conducted by the International Academy of Science. Information from these studies has been incorporated into the development of Acellus courses for schools and Acellus Tutoring for home use.
Table of Contents
1 Expressions 2 Equations and Inequalities 3 Top-Five Most Difficult Algebra Concepts o 3.1 Multiplying Polynomials by Monomials o 3.2 Modeling Using Exponential Functions o 3.3 Averaging Data with Different Units o 3.4 Converting Units for Derived Quantities o 3.5 Complementary and Supplementary Angles
Expressions
An algebraic expression contains a combination of variables, constants, and a finite number of algebraic operations (i.e. addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and exponentiation). An expression does not contain any signs of equality (i.e. =). Example of an algebraic expression:
The signs of operation within an expression separate it into terms. The sign of operation is considered a part of the term it follows. The above example of an expression contains two terms.
An equation is comprised of two expressions that are equal to each other. Each equation contains a statement of equality (i.e. =). Example of an algebraic equation:
An inequality is comprised of two numbers or expressions that are not equal to one another. For example, the notation x < a means that x is less than a. The following are commonly used signs of inequality:
In addition to the signs of inequality shown above, there are two inequality relations that may constitute equality.
consists of the product of a constant and a finite number of variables. Here is an example of a polynomial:
What is a monomial?
A monomial is a polynomial which has only one term. Here is an example of a monomial:
Example Problem:
Multiply the following monomial and polynomial:
Step 1: Distribute Distribute by multiplying the monomial by each term in the polynomial.
Step 2: Simplify In order to simplify this algebraic expression you will need to use the formula for multiplying exponents:
Answer:
Step 1: Using the formula for exponential functions show below, solve for b.
Step 2: Type the following into a graphing calculator: y = 300(?(1.5))^x Graphing calculator output:
Step 2: Divide the total time (6 hr. 13 min.) by the number of athletes (3).
You can use units to help you know how to set up math problems. Set up the problem so all the units cancel out except for the units you want. Example Problem: A bicycle has a 27 inches diameter tire that is going around at 60 rpm (revolutions per minute). How many feet per second is this bicycle going?
What are complementary angles? Complementary angles are two angles which add up to 90. Example of complementary angles:
Example Problem: The supplement of an angle is 30 more than the angle. How large is the original angle?
Answer: 105
Copyright 2013 International Academy of Science. All Rights Reserved.