Algebra Homework Help

Algebra is a branch of mathematics which involves the use of variables (typically letters) in place of numbers. In simple terms, algebra is about deriving unknown values through mathematical processes. Variables are combined with numbers into mathematical statements to describe relations between values.

This article discusses the algebra concepts which are considered to be the most difficult for students to learn according to studies conducted by the International Academy of Science. Information from these studies has been incorporated into the development of Acellus courses for schools and Acellus Tutoring for home use.

An algebraic expression contains a combination of variables, constants, and a finite number of algebraic operations (i.e. addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and exponentiation). An expression does not contain any signs of equality (i.e. =).

Example of an algebraic expression:

The signs of operation within an expression separate it into terms. The sign of operation is considered a part of the term it follows. The above example of an expression contains two terms.

An equation is comprised of two expressions that are equal to each other. Each equation contains a statement of equality (i.e. =).

Example of an algebraic equation:

An inequality is comprised of two numbers or expressions that are not equal to one another. For example, the notation x < a means that x is less than a. The following are commonly used signs of inequality:

• > - Greater than
• < - Less than
• ≠ - Not equal to

In addition to the signs of inequality shown above, there are two inequality relations that may constitute equality.

• ≤ - Less than or equal to
• ≥ - Greater than or equal to

A 2013 study conducted by the International Academy of Science revealed the top-five most difficult algebra concepts for high school students. The study was conducted among thousands of high school students by assessing each student's understanding of the algebra concepts required by the Common Core standards.

According to study, the following algebra topics were found to be the most difficult for students to master:

• 1) - Multiplying Polynomials by Monomials
• 2) - Modeling Using Exponential Functions
• 3) - Averaging Data with Different Units
• 4) - Converting Units for Derived Quantities
• 5) - Complementary and Supplementary Angles

What is a polynomial?

A polynomial contains terms that may be added, subtracted or multiplied. Each term consists of the product of a constant and a finite number of variables.

Here is an example of a polynomial:

What is a monomial?

Example Problem:

Step 1: Distribute
Distribute by multiplying the monomial by each term in the polynomial.



Step 2: Simplify
In order to simplify this algebraic expression you will need to use the formula for multiplying exponents:



Simplify the expression using multiplication:

Exponential functions are used to model a relationship of constant and proportional change between two variables (i.e. percentage decrease or increase).

A common example of an exponential function is the business term "exponential growth." A business which grows exponentially starts slowly but grows more and more rapidly as time progresses.

Exponential functions are used widely in physics, engineering, chemistry, economics and mathematics.

Example Problem:

How long will it take for there to be 1000 bacteria in the petri dish?

Step 1: Using the formula for exponential functions show below, solve for b.



Step 2: Type the following into a graphing calculator: y = 300(?(1.5))^x

Graphing calculator output:

Answer: The bacteria count will be 1000 in 5.9 hours.

To find the average of data in different units, first add the different units, simplify using conversion factors, and then divide each separate unit by the number of data you are averaging. Finally, simplify your answer again using conversion factors.

Example Problem:

Three athletes competed in a 10-mile marathon race. The first runner completed the track in 1 hours and 17 minutes, the second in 2 hours and 13 minutes, and the third in 2 hours and 43 minutes. What is the average amount of time taken to finish the race?

Step 1: Add the time taken by each athlete.

Step 2: Divide the total time (6 hr. 13 min.) by the number of athletes (3).

Answer: Average time = 2 hr. 4 min. 20 sec.

You can use units to help you know how to set up math problems. Set up the problem so all the units cancel out except for the units you want.

Example Problem:

A bicycle has a 27 inches diameter tire that is going around at 60 rpm (revolutions per minute). How many feet per second is this bicycle going?

Answer: 7 ft. / second

What are supplementary angles?
Supplementary angles are two angles which add up to 180°.

Example of supplementary angles:

What are complementary angles?
Complementary angles are two angles which add up to 90°.

Example of complementary angles:

Example Problem:
The supplement of an angle is 30° more than the angle. How large is the original angle?

Answer: 105°