Do You Need Help With Algebra Homework?

If you are a student of Algebra then many times you must have been in situations when you need help with your homework, but there is no one you can turn to. When learning algebra, it is important to have a clear understanding about the various math definitions and rules such as exponents, graphs, factoring quadratic equations, and the quadratic formula. Many times class instruction may not be enough as there are so many students in a class that teacher cannot pay attention to all. The slow learners usually suffer in a classroom setting. If you are one of those then don't live with the fear of math as there are many expert algebra tutors available to help you with homework.

There are several free algebra websites that provide help with homework. This can be a good method to deal with the problem, but this is not a long term solution. Most of these websites offer free homework solutions with the help of formulas, worksheets, practice tests, and quizzes. You can also post your query or problem on a forum, blog or message board. However, there is a disadvantage in doing so as you may have to wait for several days to get an answer. Another drawback is that the answer may not be sufficient enough to help you understand the concept clearly. To understand a problem in the right way, you must understand the method of solving the problem.

Though free algebra homework answers are available online, it is important for a student to get a clear understanding of the different topics of math. Another alternative method would be to seek help from friends and family members. If there is someone in the family who is good in algebra then he or she can help you with your homework. Sometime, you may need help with just a specific topic of algebra, and most students seem to seek help in factoring.

You can seek help from the above mentioned methods to solve an algebra problem but this may not be enough. Thus, consider hiring a private algebra tutor online. Thankfully, there are several websites that provide a list of private tutors available in your area. You can now easily save time and trouble by seeking help from a professional algebra tutor in your neighborhood. Private tutoring services have several benefits. You will not have to travel to any far off place to get your doubts cleared. An expert algebra tutor can help you with homework and clear all your doubts related to the subject.

Even the Brightest May Need Math Homework Help When Learning Algebra

Learning algebra can be difficult for even the brightest of students. Furthermore, all levels of students, from junior-high school through adult, as well as many college students find it necessary to review algebra concepts in preparation for advanced courses such as calculus. For others, algebra review is an integral part of studying for standardized tests like the GRE.

When it comes to pre-algebra and algebra, solving for an unknown factor can be very intimidating for students who are used to performing more straightforward operations. The concepts are often complex, and the confusing symbols may seem like a foreign language - unfamiliar and intimidating; but once students grasp the fundamental logic behind the language, solving equations becomes manageable. To improve and succeed with algebra, it's important to build understanding from the ground up, so that students see algebra not just as a system of arbitrary rules, but as a language that makes sense. Algebra does not need to be a source of frustration! With the right tools, any student can learn how to approach an equation and solve it correctly.

If a student is struggling, it's important to evaluate the reasons why they are not learning and find a learning style that they can embrace. What obstacles are interfering with their performance? Is it a lack of attention in class, trouble asking for help, a poor grasp of fundamental concepts, or a need for a visual learning component?

Because pre-algebra and algebra lays the foundation for more advanced math courses, it is especially essential that students understand each concept. When it comes to any math curriculum, missing even one lesson due to class absence, distraction, or just plain lack of comprehension can lead to poor grades on tests. Because all concepts depend on previously learned rules, students who have holes in their understanding of algebra can find themselves at a significant disadvantage. In many cases, what begins as frustration with one or two concepts develops into a general lack of confidence: students come to believe that algebra is simply impossible for them and respond by resisting the subject altogether. The embarrassment that comes from scoring poorly on tests and giving incorrect answers when called on in the classroom can lead to chronic under-performance, further discouraging the student and instilling a deep-seated anxiety about math.

It's important to think of math as a kind of chain, with each lesson as a link: if a link is missed, the subsequent sections of the chain no longer make sense. There are many reasons students might miss a link.

More than half of math teachers have no specialized training in teaching math and many students feel their teachers move too quickly through the material, but find it embarrassing to ask them to repeat what has already been taught. Once students are liberated from the pressures of the classroom, many find their math skills immediately start to blossom.

A math tutoring program can help you fill in all the gaps so that comprehension will fall naturally into place and put a student on the road to success. Look for a tutor who is extremely adept at explaining difficult concepts in simple, accessible language. The environment should be comfortable so that when students don't understand a concept the first time around, they can simply do the lesson over--without embarrassment--until all the steps are crystal clear. Algebraic concepts should be presented in an organized, logical manner. A good math educator or tutor often supplements learning with colorful graphics and diagrams, as well as examples of using algebra to solve real-life problems.

Tutors can also provide free practice exercises and tests with a huge variety of new problems to test current skills and build strength in the weaker areas. Students and parents both can keep track of progress and work together to bring up even very poor algebra grades up and give students the joy of finally "getting it"!

To maximize the effects of an algebra tutoring program, students should study at a time when they're relaxed, such as in the morning before school or at night. Students should also be allowed to take a break in between periods of study, so attention and energy level remains high. When reviewing for an algebra test, there is simply no better way to study than to do practice problem after practice problem. Remember--good study habits are an important ingredient in success!

Algebra Basics

'Algebra' the word is derived from the name of book by a Persian Mathematician. (Book was named: Al-Kitab al-Jabr wa-l-Muqabala).

Algebra is a branch of mathematics concerning the study of structure, relation and quantity.

Algebra introduced the idea of problem solving using 'variables' in the field of mathematics. After it was accepted universally, algebra today considered as one of the main branches of mathematics along with, geometry and number theory.

Algebra was born out of experiences from real life instances where the need was found to calculate one or more unknown quantities from a few known or calculated ones.

Algebra basics are a part of the curriculum of Secondary Education in India, where kids are taught the concept of variables for problem solving. The basics include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and percentage calculation with variables, and later stages include introduction of the concept of polynomials (more that one degree of variables), their factorization and determination of roots.

Linear equations, intermediate linear equations, quadratic equations are all classifications of Algebra. Before the concept of algebra was introduced, this class of problems was solved using complex methods in advanced geometry. Since its introduction many mathematicians all over the world have been studying this technique and till date many speculations of its origin are unconfirmed.

Initially, only linear equations were used where there was only a single value to be calculated and all the other values related to it were known. For example, if I had Rs.100 and I spent Rs.75, the amount of money left with me is a single unknown quantity and can be easily derived using linear equation method as

75 + x =100 => x=25.

Later, it was understood that only such simple calculations would not formulate the essence of calculation of mathematics and the idea of more than one unknown quantity was introduced with experiences from real life. We might have some known values but the calculation of unknown values cannot always be obvious. Furthermore, there are times when two unknown quantities are dependent on each other. Such factors made mathematics complicated and fearful. But the introduction of algebra has simplified problem solving approach so much that very complex problems can now be solved within minutes (or even less).

Surprisingly, many students are scared of algebra because it includes fictitious quantities. That's kinda true! Algebra does emphasize on fictitious or imaginary data. But, the data is not in numbers. Algebra imagines the unknown quantity to be something, any variable, say 'x' or 'y' or 'z' etc. and the final value is calculated after series of calculation and reasoning.

Starting algebra from the basics and then moving to the complex variations would be better in case you're a learner and scared of mathematics. After all, we all aim at reducing our problems, don't we?

Happy problem-solving!

Math Homework Help - How to Easily Identify and Solve Quadratic Equations

One of the most common questions that a student asks his or her algebra tutor when seeking math homework help concerns finding math solutions for problems involving quadratic equations. Before attempting to solve any equation, the algebra tutor should aid the student in identifying this type of equation. It can easily be identified by the highest power of the variable x, which should be equal to two. When math solutions require the student to solve a quadratic equation, the algebra tutor should focus on how to solve the equation for the value(s) of x when y is set equal to zero. In other words, the student should solve for the x-intercept(s). The x-intercept(s) are the point(s) at which the graph of the quadratic equation cross(es) the x-axis. Alternatively, the student may be asked to find the zeros or the roots of the quadratic equation, which are identical to solving for the x-intercepts! There are several different ways in which the student can solve this type of equation. Firstly though, y should be set equal to zero. Once this is accomplished, the equation can be solved using either graphing, factoring, or using the quadratic equation.

When providing math homework help, the algebra tutor should highlight that the least accurate method of solving the equation involves graphing the equation and noting where the graph crosses the x-axis. These points are referred to as the x-intercepts as mentioned before. Note that there may be either zero, one, or two x-intercepts. The math solutions for this type of problem are usually not listed as points, but rather as values of x. This method may potentially yield inaccurate solutions since it involves reading values off of a graph that may not have been drawn with complete precision by the student. In order to correct this problem, the student may also use a graphing calculator to check his or her math solutions.

Factoring is another, more exact method that can be used by a student seeking math homework help to solve a quadratic equation. From the start, the algebra tutor should emphasize that not all quadratic equations are factorable. For that reason, it is always a good idea for the student to as well be familiar with using the quadratic formula which will be discussed shortly. Factoring can be useful since it is quick and can easily be checked by plugging the solutions back into the original quadratic equation.

The last method to be discussed is the quadratic formula. This method is foolproof in that the student does not necessarily need to know how to factor the original quadratic equation. Also, this method allows the student to solve for x-intercepts that are not necessary whole numbers. In other words, in terms of math homework help geared toward the student, the quadratic equation can be used to solve for radical, irrational, or even imaginary solutions! The algebra tutor should as well help the student realize that the quadratic formula can only be used to find solutions when the original equation is in general (or standard) form. This means that the quadratic equation cannot be in vertex form. If this is the case, the quadratic equation can easily be converted to general form so the quadratic formula can be used. In the quadratic formula, a represents the coefficient of the term with the x-squared term, b represents the linear coefficient, and c represents the constant term (the term with no variable multiplied onto it). Once these are identified, the quadratic formula can easily be used to find math solutions for a variety of different problems involving equations.

Algebra for Beginners - How To Factor and Use the Difference of Two Squares

Formulas are an important part of all math classes because they state relationships that are ALWAYS true, and they generally make various mathematical tasks easier to perform. Factoring is one of those fundamental tasks in Algebra. Factoring allows us to reduce algebraic fractions into simpler form, and it can help us solve equations. Factoring the difference of two squares is one of the most commonly used processes in all of Algebra. Understanding when and how to use it is critical to success in Algebra.

We have already learned the meaning of "to factor," but it is always a good idea to review the definition. Factoring is the process of re-writing an expression using multiplication.

Before we can factor the difference of two squares, we need to be able to identify it. What exactly is a difference of two squares? To fully understand, let's look at each word. "Difference" means subtraction, but subtraction of what? "Two" tells us that we have two numbers and/or algebraic expressions. Thus far, we know we are going to subtract one number or expression from another; but these numbers are special. Our two numbers or expressions are perfect squares, like 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49, etc and/or a^2, b^4, x^2, (xy)^2, etc. A "difference of two squares" will look like 25 - 9 or x^2 - y^4. Now, we are ready for the actual formula.

In symbols: a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b)

In words: The difference of the squares of two numbers factors as the product of the sum and difference of those numbers.

Note: It is extremely important that you be able to state these definitions out loud and that you understand every word. Don't move on until you know you are ready.

Before we actually use this formula, let's make certain it is true. While this is not a formal proof, we are going to test this formula with a number example like 25 - 9. (Both 25 and 9 are perfect squares.) By our formula, since 25 = 5^2 and 9 = 3^2, 25 - 9 must be equal to (5 + 3)(5 - 3). So, is the formula true? 25 - 9 = 16 by just doing order of operations. (5 + 3)(5 - 3) = (8)(2) = 16. Both expressions have the value 16. Again, I caution that this is not a proof. Since the proof is not the point of this article, I will ask that you either trust me or do several more examples to convince yourself of the validity of this formula.

About now, you ought to be thinking, "Why would I want to do that?" It is easier to evaluate 25 - 9 than it is to evaluate (5 + 3)(5 - 3); but keep in mind that we will primarily be using this relationship for the purpose of reducing algebraic fractions and solving algebraic equations.

For example: Solve the equation x^2 = 16.

Many students will quickly jump to the "answer" of 4 since 4^2 is 16. However, this equation has two answers, but it is not obvious where the other answer comes from. Noticing that both x^2 and 16 are perfect squares, we should think about the possibility of a difference of two squares. We can rewrite x^2 = 16 as x^2 - 16 = 0. Now we have a difference of two squares that factors as (x + 4)(x - 4) = 0. The two different factors produce the two solutions, x = 4 and x = -4.

To make best use of this strategy, you must form a new habit. Every time you encounter an equation of the form x^2 = a number, take the time to re-write that equation. Thus, you must see a^2 = 121 as a^2 - 121 = 0. This, then, can be factored as (a + 11)(a - 11) = 0 for the two solutions of a = +11 and a = -11.

Forming a habit of constantly looking for a difference of two squares can make reducing algebraic fractions a much simpler process.

For example: If possible, reduce the fraction (x^2 - 25) / (x + 5).

We can recognize a difference of two squares in the numerator, so factoring it should be automatic. This produces (x + 5)(x - 5) / ( x + 5). Reducing the common factors of (x + 5) leaves the final reduced result of x - 5.

Why does it matter that x - 5 is the reduced version of (x^2 - 25) / (x + 5)? There are two different reasons for doing this. First, let's look at these two equations: (x^2 - 25) / (x + 5) = 12 and x - 5 = 12. These two equations are equivalent, but which one would you rather solve? Could you do the first one in your head? Probably not. But the second equation has the obvious answer of x = 17.

The second reason for using the difference of two squares is that it makes evaluation of expressions for a given value much simpler. We already know that (x^2 - 25) / (x + 5 ) is the same as x - 5. Now, let's pretend that x has the value of 13 and I ask you to evaluate (x^2 - 25) / (x + 5) for x = 13. The unsimplified version becomes (13^2 - 25) / (13 + 5) or (169 - 25) / (13 + 5) or 144/18 = 8. That was a lot of work. But evaluating x - 5 with x = 13 is simple: 13 - 5 = 8.

With only a little practice, you will be able to simplify and evaluate expressions like the one above in your head. The ability to recognize and factor the difference of two squares will make your life in Algebra class much easier.

Quadratic Equations - An Introduction

Quadratic equations are the algebra topic taught to grade ten or eleven students. The word quadratic means, degree two in mathematics. Therefore any equation in degree two is called a quadratic equation. The form of standard quadratic equation is written as given below:

ax² + bx + c = 0

Where, "a", "b" and "c" are the real numbers and "a" can't be zero because in that case the quadratic term "ax²" becomes zero and the equation itself lose its identity and change to linear equation (degree one) which can be written as "bx + c = 0".

Some examples of quadratic equations are given below to make their identity more clear.

1. 3x² + 2x + 5 = 0

2. - x² + 3x - 9 = 0

3. x² + 1 = 0

4. - 9x² - 6x - 8 = 0

5. 4y² + 9 = 3y

Keep in mind that any letter can be used as a variable in the equations as I used "x" and "y" in the examples above.

In standard form these equations have three terms; first term in degree two called the quadratic term, second term in degree one called the linear term and third term is a constant number as shown in above examples.

Look at example # 3, there are only two terms in the equation. The term with degree one (linear term) is missing because the coefficient for this term is zero. This example can be written in standard form as shown below:

x² + 0x + 1 = 0

Now you have understood the way to write quadratic equations, the next step is to know about solving these equations. There are many ways to solve, such as solve by graphing, factor method, square root method, completing the square method and last but not least the formula method to solve quadratic equations.

To solve these equations using factoring method basic knowledge of factoring polynomials is required. You can read my articles about factoring polynomials for deeper knowledge about the topic.

To use formula to solve these equations, students should be very confident in radicals and they specially should have good knowledge of square roots. There is a special character used in formula called discriminate and is denoted by "D". The value of "D" is calculated by using the following formula:

D = b² - 4ac

Or in other words, linear coefficient "b" squared minus 4 times quadratic coefficient "a" times the constant term "c".

These equations if plotted on the graph, make a special cup shaped curve called parabola. There is a separate unit in grade eleven or twelve text books to study about parabolas.

There are many applications of these equations in higher algebra and to solve equations in higher degrees.

Algebra Online Help Aids

Have your kids asked you for help on their algebra homework, and you haven't done algebra since Mrs. Flores sixth period algebra class in high school, or you have a big algebra test coming up and you just can't get the hang of it. Well, don't stress out too much, as you can now find algebra worksheets, algebra calculators and popular algebra solvers on the internet, which will help you through the arduous learning process.

An algebra worksheet is a great way to hone your math skills, and practice for an upcoming math test, or just get some valuable algebra tips. Algebra worksheets usually contain thousands of problems and equations that you can use to test yourself. Usually, the site offering the algebra worksheets will grade your answers for you, or provide an answer key.

For algebra software tools that will help solve algebra equations, algebra calculators may be the answer you are looking for.

Algebra calculators will help you when you are stuck on a problem, you can't figure out. The online calculators will solve equations, and usually, provide you with a detailed explanation of the problem, which will not only give you the answer, but show you how the equations were solved, step-by-step. You can find many calculators online that use a variety of methods to reach the solution to the problem. Some calculator software will solve equations by factoring, completing the square root of a number or simply by utilizing other methods required in answering algebra questions. You can even find graphing calculators, which plot equations. These calculators employ technology that allows you to flip your plotted graphs 360 degrees, providing a more well-rounded understanding of the problem.

Another great supplemental tool for learning algebra is the popular algebra solvers, you can find on many internet sites. Much like the algebra calculator, these software programs provide answers to tough algebra equations. All you have to do is enter your algebra problem and the software does the rest. This great algebra tool helps to provide a tutor whenever you or your child needs one, helping you avoid the steep costs and long hours that come with employing a tutor.

In order to find these popular software tools, all you have to do is perform a Google search, using the search terms "algebra worksheets," "algebra calculators," or "algebra solvers" - depending on what your needs are.

Ten years ago, algebra used to be a monster for some people, scaring them even at the mere mention of the word "algebra." With the advent of the internet, however, there are several tools, you can use to learn algebra much faster. These software programs were built to help give people of all ages the necessary supplements to make the learning process more expansive, while being as smooth as possible.