Читать книгу Algebra II For Dummies - Sterling Mary Jane - Страница 4

In This Chapter

▶ Abiding by (and using) the rules of algebra

▶ Adding the multiplication property of zero to your repertoire

▶ Raising your exponential power

▶ Looking at special products and factoring

Algebra is a branch of mathematics that people study before they move on to other areas or branches in mathematics and science. For example, you use the processes and mechanics of algebra in calculus to complete the study of change; you use algebra in probability and statistics to study averages and expectations; and you use algebra in chemistry to work out the balance between chemicals. Algebra all by itself is esthetically pleasing, but it springs to life when used in other applications.

Any study of science or mathematics involves rules and patterns. You approach the subject with the rules and patterns you already know, and you build on those rules with further study. The reward is all the new horizons that open up to you.

Any discussion of algebra presumes that you’re using the correct notation and terminology. Algebra I (check out Algebra I For Dummies [Wiley]) begins with combining terms correctly, performing operations on signed numbers, and dealing with exponents in an orderly fashion. You also solve the basic types of linear and quadratic equations. Algebra II gets into more types of functions, such as exponential and logarithmic functions, and topics that serve as launching spots for other math courses.

Going into a bit more detail, the basics of algebra include rules for dealing with equations, rules for using and combining terms with exponents, patterns to use when factoring expressions, and a general order for combining all the above. In this chapter, I present these basics so you can further your study of algebra and feel confident in your algebraic ability. Refer to these rules whenever needed as you investigate the many advanced topics in algebra.