Algebra in Our Lives

Posted on February 13th, 2010 — in Education Online, Science Stuff, University of Mathematics

What is Algebra?

It is an domain of mathematics that use letters in place of numbers to derive results for a given situation. It is this abstraction that often frightens many and thrills some. Algebra topics range from working with fractions to factoring binomials all the way to finding the inverse of a matrix. Most individuals start to learn Algebra by adding, subtracting, reducing and simplifying algebraic expressions. later on, they would move on to more advanced stages of solving algebraic equations using the greatest common factors and converting fractions in to decimals.

Exponents and Radicals and Graphing Oh My!

There are many advanced topics. To start off with 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 power and denotes the power to which that number is raised. The above algebraic expression is read, x plus y to the third power. In working with powers you can add, subtract, multiple or divide them. 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. Radical expressions are denoted 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 contrasting exponential equation is 2^2 which is read, 2 to the 2nd power, and equals 4. Equally with exponents, radical expressions can be added, subtracted, multiplied and divided. Radicals can be converted into powers and exponents back into roots. If you find that exponents and roots don’t really stir your interest, you could move on to graphing. Start with graphing straight lines and determining if the line is horizontal or vertical or something else. Does the line have an x-intercept or a y-intercept? Can you find the slope of the line? you master the mathematical art of graphing, you will come across a whole new world full of parabolas and hyperbolas.

Help is Available

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 inequalities, 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 help you become an algebra guru in very little time.

What Can I Do with Algebra?

Posted on August 2nd, 2009 — in Education Online, Science Stuff, University of Mathematics

Algebra is a primary branch in Mathematics, which deals with equations, inequalities, fractions and expressions. Being one of the leading arms of mathematics, it forms an whole part of basic education. Concepts in combinatorial mathematics, variables, polynomials and factorization are the main areas which algebra deals with. As you move along advance algebraic equations, you will deal with symbols and set theories which allows you to compute unknown values based on predetermined facts.

Algebra and its Roots of Geometry

Geometry brings into play the complete use of algebra to graph a circle, a hyperbola, a parabola or even finding the focus of a hyperbola. From the very basic computations of computing the midpoint of a line or the radius of a circle to the more complex operations of determining if a parabola opens down or to compute its directrix, algebra makes its presence visible to a high level of purpose in the field of geometry.

Solving Exponents and Equations in Algebra

Equipped with knowledge on how to play around with algebra, solving equations involving linear, quadratic or radicals will be no issue. Using algebraic expressions one can solve inequalities and even graph systems of fractional equations and complex inequalities. If exponents have been messing up your head, a careful grasp of algebraic expressions will relieve the pain allowing you to work through it easily. Algebra works with the Laws of exponents by facilitating one to add, subtract, divide and multiply expressions with ease and self-confidence.

Simplify Fractions and Polynomials - Try Algebra Calculators

Whether you have problems in solving, comparing or converting fractions, algebra solvers can work their magic for you. The modern software that supports solving algebraic expressions are able to solve any math problem easily and in no time. Complex matrix problems like inverse matrix and other matrix operations could be solved using algebraic calculators. Thanks to the algebraic solvers, simplifying algebraic expressions, which may involve factoring binomials or involves determination of the LCM, has now been made a very easy task.

Professional Help at an Arm’s Reach

Students can get professional help from private instructors who will provide you with a step-by-step answer for your problems. Math tutors are at your disposition for those hard problems which can get you easily bugged. The math solver applications that is widely available in today’s market provide countless options to suit a student’s every need. From calculators that cater to a specific type of algebra to ones that scan the entire scope of the subject, you will find a complete answer.

Choosing an Airline Credit Card

Posted on May 19th, 2008 — in University of Mathematics

Choosing an airline credit card is easier than you might think. When sorting through all of the many options available, there are three main questions you need to ask yourself: What airline do I use the most often? How many times per year do I fly? And, are the fees associated with the card worth the benefits?

What Airline Do I Use the Most Often?

The first thing you should determine when selecting an airline credit card is what airline you frequent the most. If you have an airline that you prefer to ride on all trips, find out if they have their own airline credit card. Many airlines today have partnered with lending institutions to offer their own cards, so the chances are pretty good that the airline you frequent offers a special card.

If, on the other hand, you tend to fly on whichever airline is cheapest or most available for the time you want to travel, you might want to choose an airline credit card with more flexibility. Several of these cards work with a number of different airlines and this will be the best choice for you and your lifestyle.

How Many Times Per Year Do I Fly?

You should also analyze how often you fly before choosing an airline credit card. If you only fly once every few years are so, you most likely will not benefit from airline miles credit cards. This is because most of these cards work on a points system. After accumulating a pre-determined number of points, you are eligible for reduced or free air travel. With many cards, these points expire after a specific amount of time. Therefore, you might not be able to take advantage of the points you earn if you do not fly frequently.

If, on the other hand, you fly often during the year, you want to be sure to select airline credit cards that do not place a cap on the number of points you can earn. Many place restrictions on the number of points that can be earned each year. Or, they might have “black out dates” during which you cannot take advantage of your free or reduced travel privileges. Check into this information before applying for an airline credit card. If there are black out dates, make sure they are not dates that will adversely affect you. Similarly, if there are caps on how much travel you can earn, be sure the cap is acceptable to you.

Are the Fees Associated with Airline Credit Cards Worth the Benefits?

Generally, airline miles credit cards have annual fees. In addition, they tend to have higher interest rates than non-airline credit cards. Sit down and determine how much free or reduced travel you believe you can earn in a one year or two year period from your airline credit card. Then, determine how much you will pay in annual fees. If the annual fees are more than the free or reduced travel you will earn, it is not worth it for you to get an airline credit card.

You also need to determine if you will be able to pay the balance of the airline credit card in full at the end of each billing cycle. If not, you could be paying a great deal in finance charges. Once again, the cost of finance charges can be more than the rewards you earn with the card. In this case, it is not in your best interest to use an airline credit card.

If you will be able to pay your card in full at the end of each billing cycle and you will be able to take full advantage of the airline credit card rewards program, then it is a good idea to get one of these cards. If not, go for a credit card without a rewards program that has a low interest rate instead.

For more information on choosing an airline credit card, Willard Roberts recommends that you visit CreditCardAssist.com.