According to a survey, 82% of US students in Grades 7-10 demonstrated a fear of math, risking America’s ability to compete for STEM jobs. Again, as per a survey of Cuemath, the Covid-19 pandemic has hugely affected the learning ability of one in every four students up to Grade-5, and the learning loss appeared to be severe in the case of mathematics.
Of all the topics learned in math class, complicated equations and multiplying fractions are mostly feared by students worldwide. In fact, Algebra class is one of the few places where anyone can purchase 64 apples, and no one wonders why.
One of the primary reasons for the struggle and fear of students is as they try to memorize. But, when the problem changes, so do the steps, and they are left hugely perplexed. The key to accomplishing success in Algebra is comprehending why you’re doing each step. Or, to put it simply, it’s not just about the x, but about the why.
We get what you’re thinking- if only it were so easy to comprehend Algebra homework help. Well, with the correct explanations, a few helpful strategies up your sleeves, a little bit of hard work, and a lot of patience, you can succeed! To aid you in today’s comprehensive post, we will walk you through certain foolproof study tips and common pitfalls to avoid that will enable you to succeed in Algebra effectively.
Let’s dive right in!
Unique Strategies To Help You Master Algebra
- Know Your Arithmetic Well
According to the best minds associated with Math Homework Help online services, you must know your basic Arithmetic to learn Algebra remarkably. Yes, that incorporates addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
We are not saying you need to memorize your multiplication tables. What is vital is that you comprehend the underlying concept behind each operation. For instance, multiplying 2 and 4 is adding 2 together 4 times. This may seem undeniably simple, but knowing basic arithmetic operations will be extremely helpful throughout your challenging Algebra learning journey.
- Remember PEMDAS
One of the trickiest things about solving an Algebra equation as a beginner is knowing when to start. A close look at reputed Algebra homework help writing services forums will help you understand that there exists a specific order for solving these problems. First, do any math operation in parentheses, then do exponents, then multiply, then divide, then add, and finally subtract.
A handy tool for remembering this order of operations is the acronym PEMDAS (Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction). Take this as a roadmap to solving simpler problems in the long run.
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- Know-How To Use Negative Numbers
Negative numbers are akin to the numbers you know and love, but well negative. Do not let that tiny minus sign in front of you throw you. Ensure to get comfortable with the basic operations of negative numbers. Master adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing two negative numbers and a positive and negative number. This will prove to be incredibly helpful down the line!
Additionally, here are a few examples and rules of negative numbers to remember-
- When numbers have the same sign, add them and keep the original sign.
-3-5= -3 + (-5)= -8
- When numbers have distinct signs, add them and keep the sign of the larger number or the number with the greatest distance from zero.
-10+7=-3
- A negative number divided by a negative is a positive
-4/-2= 2
- A negative number multiplied by a positive is a negative
-15*3= -45
- Keep Your Long Problems Organized
While simple Algebra sums can be a snap to solve, more tricky problems can include multiple steps. To prevent errors, keep your work organized by starting a new line every time you step towards solving the problem. If you are tackling a two-sided equation, try to write all the equal signs underneath each other. In this way, if you make any error somewhere, it will become much easier to find and rectify it.
- Show Your Work
If the words of top algebra homework experts are anything to go by, numerous students try to rush through algebra problems. However, when you take the time to show all your steps, it helps you stay organized and avoid small errors. You might also get partial credit for a wrong answer if your professors see that you were on the correct track. Without any doubt, writing down all your steps might take a bit longer. However, one small error in solving an algebra problem can lead to a huge headache in the end.
- Do Not Let The Letters Scare You
For most of your early math career, you learned that math is all about numbers. However, Algebra has started throwing x, y, and sometimes even z at you. Mark our words- they are not as bad as you think. These letters are nothing but variables. Mathematicians use letters as variables to denote things they want to find. Think of a simple problem that asks, ‘What are three times two?’ The ‘what’ part is a variable.
X= 3*2
Where x is what we want to solve for.
If a problem has more than one variable, you must find more things! In such cases, do not jump the gun. Try to find the value of one variable at a time.
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- Make Formulas Your Friends
Consider the formulas to be like a team of sidekicks, especially when solving word problems. Based on your class, there are a number of formulas you will need to memorize and be able to use.
It is also crucial to remember than just memorizing the formula won’t do it. You also need to be sure what each variable in the formula stands for so that you can decipher which number is assigned to which variable.
- Work Practice Problems
One of the best ways to perfect your problem-solving ability is to practice, practice, and practice! This goes for all math subjects but especially applies to Algebra.
Hence, do your homework carefully and rework the examples from the notes. Write down all the steps and if you happen to make a small error, comprehend what went wrong so that you can be aware of it the next time!
- Learn From Your Mistakes
Do not be afraid to make mistakes! They’re a part of your learning process. Even seasoned mathematicians make them. The key is to recognize an issue, determine your mistake, and rectify it. That’s where real learning occurs.
Summing Up,
Learning Algebra fast is not something that happens overnight. It takes adequate time, practice, and considerable patience. But it’s possible, especially when you have a little help along the way.
Learn these top-notch tricks and hacks mentioned above to master this complex subject and see how fast you can flourish in the subject. You will also be able to foster a positive relationship with the subject you previously felt ambivalent about. Good luck!
Author Bio
John Millar is a reputed math professor and an active blogger all the way from the USA. A proud member of Assignmenthelp.us for 10+ years now, he is famous among students for offering quality Algebra homework help online services.
