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Math - Understanding Algebra

As much as your math teachers would like you to believe, Algebra will have absolutely nothing to do with the day to day world of the average person...BUT do YOU want to be just average?

Advance maths will give you the edge to enter into college programs and help you towards a degree that can mean the difference of $10,000 - $100,000 per year from the average jobs. While you may or may not use Algebra on the job, it will get you through the college years and it is the degree that will help you get far.

Sure, the average person will never need to use algebra in day to day life, but the lessons learned in algebra is of importance to all. Algebra is a way to teach logic. If you can handle the logic of algebra, then you can handle the logic to solve almost any problem in life.

If you want to get a handle on matters of logic, Algebra and Geometry will help train your mind on the logics involved in any given situation. Knowledge in these subjects, when practiced regularly, can steer you clear of scams, cons, and falling into the wrong circumstances.

Algebra is of great importance if you wish to pursue higher education. All colleges will require even a basic knowledge of this subject just to pass the entrance exams. While in college, you will also be expected to take some form of math and science which may include knowledge of this subject.

Those examples were just for the average person on the reason why one should consider studying these subjects with a degree of seriousness. For those who want to use math in their careers, there are many professions that incorporate the skills of Algebra such as the medical profession, science and research, engineering, and anyone who needs to figure out the unknown elements.

Indeed, professions such as quantum physicist and rocket scientists (extremely well paying careers, by the way) must resort to algebra to explore many unknown elements that will help the future of us all.

Algebra is helpful in trying to come up with the solution to a missing element with other given factors (Geometry is the same in this aspect.) Commonly known, you are usually trying to figure out the unknown which is symbolized by a letter of the alphabet. In the equation, you are given a handful of numbers to work with to come up with the answer to the missing element which is represented by the letter. Your job is to figure out the best approach using one of several basic procedures to solve the problem.

Unless you are in a field of research, medicine, or engineering, it is more than likely you will never use the formulae or equations you learn in class the rest of your life. The important thing you will take from this class is the ability to think and reason.

However, if you are seriously thinking of getting into professions which require logical thought such as law, marketing, economics, accounting, import/export, business, management, teaching, communications, computers (everything from software to hardware: inventing it, putting it together, fixing it, or improving it), web design and web site management, auto repair, HVAC repair, electrician,... these and many more professions require logical, calm and ordered thought.

Before you get started in algebra, be sure you have a handle on the basics of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, percentages, and decimals. All of these will come into play as you get deeper into the subject. If you are lost on any of these elements, it will be harder to wrap your mind around what you will learn in algebra. So it is crucial you have mastered those areas of math before you move on.

Basics To Know In Algebra

A variable is a symbol that represents a number. Normally, letters are used to represent an unknown number.

Symbols to know include:

  • *, x, or • - all mean to multiply
  • / or ÷ - both mean to divide
  • + - means to add or a positive number
  • - means to subtract or a negative number

The basic properties you will need to know are:

  • Associative Property - This involves 3 or more numbers, regardless of how the numbers are grouped on each side, the value on both sides remains the same. Both sides of the equation are equal to each other. For instance: 18 + 2 = 2 + 10 where both sides equal 20. Different numbers are used to reach the same conclusion.
  • Commutative Property - Much like the associative property, but the difference is both sides use the same numbers only in different order. So while the associative property will be equal on both sides and use different numbers to get there, the communtative property will order the same numbers differently on both sides of the equation. For instance: 10 + 8 + 2 = 8 + 2 + 10. The same numbers with the same conclusion, just ordered in a different manner.
  • Distributive Property - This is where it gets a bit more complicated. To distribute means to pass things out in an orderly manner and this is what you are doing with numbers. For instance: 3 * ( 4 + 2 ) = (6 * 2) + 6. These are both the same way to get to the number 18, but you get to choose how you will arrive there. You could work within the parenthesis and solve the problem first and then multiply it or work with the multiplication first and then add it.

Here are some resources to help you get started:

Books

Master Math: Basic Math and Pre-Algebra
Master Math: Basic Math and Pre-Algebra

Practical Algebra: A Self-Teaching Guide
Practical Algebra: A Self-Teaching Guide

Algebra the Easy Way
Algebra the Easy Way

All the Math You'll Ever Need: A Self-Teaching Guide
All the Math You'll Ever Need: A Self-Teaching Guide

Pre-Algebra Web Sites

  • A+ Math - games, flashcards, and homework help for elementary students.
  • Allmath.com - grades K-6. Flashcards for learning arithmetic, "Ask the Experts" and math biographies.
  • MathWorld Interactive - educational problem-solving project for students.
  • Mixed Math Mania - games, puzzles, brain teasers, space, bugs, pen pals and a place to put your stuff for kids grades 5 to 8.
  • Monster Math - fun basic math lesson in English and Spanish. Ten story problems about a monster party, with "try again" feedback. Requires registration.
  • Flashcards for Kids - control the complexity of the problem, from simple addition to complex division.
  • FlashMath - homework tool that targets the four basics, times tables, and Roman numerals (with tutorial). Donationware.
  • Kids Math - math lessons and exercises for kids of age 3 to 12, K-6.
  • Math for Kids: A Medieval Adventure in Problem-Solving - for upper elementary kids to learn how to solve math word problems. All problems have a medieval theme. Kids can even submit their own problems.
  • Math Word Problems for Grades 1-5 - classified by grade and topic.
  • Mathematics - supplies a variety of exercises which the computer rates correct or incorrect.
  • SuperKids Math Worksheet Creator - math drill worksheets.
  • Word Problems For Kids - for grade 5 to 12 students and teachers.

Algebra Web Sites

Calculus Web Sites
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