Algebra Homework Help Secrets
Better Algebra Grades-Less Effort
Need Algebra Homework Help?
Dealing with unknowns not our 'cup-o-tea'?
Spending too much time on struggling with functions?
Well... Help is just a few clicks away !
We will take you through the basics of Algebra - from understanding
unknowns, variables and constants to linear and quadratic algebraic
expressions.
Algebra Dictionary
To help you understand our Algebra Homework Help Secrets we have put together an
Algebra Dictionary of simple basic definitions of all the important
terms and words you will need to understand and master basic algebra skills.
Click Here to find definitions of key Algebra 1 terms
Basic Algebra
The secret to understanding and mastering Algebra is to realize that
Algebra is just arithmetic (adding, subtracting, multiplying,
dividing...) using symbols that represent numbers instead of numbers
alone. In algebra these symbols are usually letters such as x, y and z
which we call variables. Other symbols typically represented by the
letters a, b, c... are held at a constant value. In arithmetic we use
actual numbers that have a fixed and known value. In algebra we use
symbols that do not have a known value. If the unknown value of these
symbols is fixed we call them constants. If the unknown value of these
symbols can vary we call them variables.
Click Here for Basic Algebra Homework Help
Order of Operations
One of the most basic issues we need to deal with in our Algebra Homework Help Secrets is the order in which we carry out operations. In arithmetic and in algebra there is a specific order in which we must
do the basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc.
In this section we explain why this order is of critical importance and
give you an easy way to remember the correct order of operations.
Click Here for a clear discussion of
the Order of Operations
Units of Measure
In many algebra problems, especially algebra word problems, each
variable and constant has a specific unit of measure like centimeters,
meters, feet, inches... It is of critical importance to understand how
to convert from one unit of measure to another. In this section we show
you a special Algebra Homework Help Secret we call the "Unit Equation Approach"
where you treat units like numbers. When you master this equation you
will be able to convert units of measure with ease.
Click Here to learn the Unit Equation Approach
Significant Figures
In algebra problems we frequently must use several different
measurements in our calculations. Some measurements may be very
accurate while others are just estimates. The accuracy of a given number
is defined by the number of "significant figures" in that number. This
section will clearly explain significant figures and give you rules for
determining the significant figures of the answers.
Click Here for an explanation of Significant Figures
Exponents
When a given number or variable is multiplied by itself multiple
times we need to have shorthand method to represent this. For instance
when 2 is multiplied by itself we represent this as 2 x 2 =
22 which is referred to as 2 "raised to the 2nd power". The
superscripted 2 is called the exponent and stands for how many times two is multiplied by itself.
Click here to learn about Exponents
Scientific Notation
Once you have mastered exponents you can use a really
neat way of expressing very large and very small numbers called
Scientific Notation.
Click Here learn to use Scientific Notation
Algebra Equations
An Algebraic Expression is a combination of numbers, variables and/or
constants combined with any of the operators from arithmetic such as
2*x2 + 4*x - 2. In algebra we typically use * for
multiplication because we don't want to confuse the arithmetic operator
for times (x) with the variable x. When the algebraic expression is set
= to a number or another expression the result is an Algebra Equation
such as 2*x2 + 4*x - 2 = 0.
Click Here learn about Algebra Equations
Linear Equations
The simplest type of Algebra Equation is the Linear Equation or the
equation of a straight line. This takes on the general form of y = ax +
b. Linear equations describing a straight line can be derived in a
number of ways. This page explains linear equations and how they are
derived.
Click Here for an explanation of Linear Equations
Solving Linear Equations
In this section of Algebra Homework Help we discuss linear equations. These equations mainly contain either one variable
(typically x) or two variables (typically x and y). Step-by-step
procedures for solving both types of linear equations are discussed in
detail in this section.
Click Here to learn about Solving Linear Equations
Quadratic
A quadratic expression has the general form of ax2 + bx +c
and a quadratic equation has the general form ax2 + bx +c =
0. This type of equation describes a curved line rather than a straight
line. This page of our Algebra Homework Help defines and describes Quadratic Functions.
Click Here for info on Quadratic Functions
Completing the Square
One specific method that solves many but not quadratic equations
involves Completing the Square. This page gives a clear step-by-step
explanation of Completing the Square.
Click Here to learn about Completing the Square
Quadratic Formula
Another key Algebra Homework Help Secret is a general method that will work to solve any quadratic equation is to
use the Quadratic Formula. In this section take the mystery out of the
Quadratic Formula by showing you how it is derived. Once you learn this
you will have no trouble remembering and applying this important
formula.
Click Here to master the Quadratic Formula
Pythagorean Theorem
This very useful theorem or equation was first developed around 500
BC by the Greek philosopher Pythagoras. It establishes the relationship
of sides of a very specific type of triangle called a right triangle
in which one of the internal angles is 90 degrees. Once you know any two
sides of a right triangle you can use the Pythagorean Theorem to
calculate the other side. This has many applications in algebra,
trigonometry and geometry and is use routinely in construction and
surveying.
Click Here for a clear explanation of the Pythagorean Theorem
Graphing Functions
A function is defined as an algebraic equation of two variables that
expresses the dependence of one variable called the dependent variable
(usually x) upon the other variable called the independent variable
(usually). Generically this equation is expressed as y = f(x) which is
read y equals a function of x. Examples of a function are the straight
line equation y = ax + b and the general quadratic y = ax2 +
bx + c.
The corresponding values of y for given values of x can be plotted on a
piece of graph paper (paper with a grid of regularly spaced,
intersecting lines). This plotting activity is called Graphing Functions
and will give a visual representation of the shape of the function
y=f(x).
Click Here learn about Graphing Functions
Graph Paper
Unless you use a graphing calculator or graphing software, graph
paper is necessary for graphing functions. This section of Algebra Homework Help provides a
discussion of various kinds of graph paper, how to use them and links to
several sites where you can download free graph paper.
Click Here for Graph Paper
Algebra Word Problems
Using algebra to solve problems in the real world entails formulating
algebraic equations based on word descriptions. These kind of problems
are called Algebra Word Problems. The only way to get better at solving
these types of problems is through practice. This sections gives you a
step-by-step approach to solving these word problems and demonstrates
this approach with examples.
Click Here for Algebra Word Problems
Algebra Tutor
Even with the Algebra Homework Help Secrets we have shown you on this website,
sometimes, you just need a little one-on-one personal coaching. This
section reviews our options for online algebra tutors.
Click Here to find Online Algebra Tutors
Click here Algebra Homework Help
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