Algebras - The Sequel
So, you're wondering, "Why call this Algebras instead of Alg. II or Alg. 2? The fact is, it's totally greed. Turns out by using this name 29,229 people searched for it as opposed to 230 that did a search for Alg. 2.
With that in mind - Please click on Alg. - if you want to go back to Alg. I.
What is it that makes this the best of all the Algebras?
A fair question. The fact is that Alg. II really gets in there and works with the mathematics of the whole thing. We'll be dealing with higher exponents and more detail than before. Since I assume you've mastered Alg. I, you're going to love Alg. II. It really makes you think and is applicable to a lot of life's situations.
I really like Calculus, because it deals with change. And life is all about change. But it's a close call as to whether it or Algebra II is my favorite. As Henry Ford famously pointed out -
Whether you believe you can do a thing or not, you are probably right.
Let's light this puppy!
A phrase that should not be used too often (or maybe not used at all). In Alg. 1 we've covered Absolute Value, Distributive Property, Equations, Exponents, Factoring, Functions, Geometric Sequences, Inequality, Matrices, PEMDAS, Polynomials, Probability, Quadratic Equations, Real Numbers, Rounding Numbers, Scientific Notation, Special Products, Square Root Functions, and Systems of Equations.
Here, we will cover Alg. Properties, Order of Operations, properties of Zero, Exponentials, Factoring, Linear Equations, Linear Inequalities, Absolute Value, The Square Root Rule, Factoring Quadratics, The Quadratic Formula, Completing the Square, Polynomials, Quadratic Inequalities, Rational Factoring, Radicals, Negative Exponents, Fractional Exponents, Graphing with Intercepts and Symmetry, Using a Graphic Calculator, Function Definitions, Domain and Range, Types of Functions, Logarithms, Conic Sections, Systems of Equations, Complex Numbers, Matrices, Sequences and Series, Recursive Functions, Sets and Set Theory, Venn Diagrams, and more (although, that seems like plenty).
So, Why Do You Need This?
Maybe you don't. I hate to admit it, but some of the brightest people I know don't have a good understanding of mathematics. How do they get by? Usually by hiring someone who does have knowledge of math. So, when your son or daughter come home from school and ask you why this line is asymptotic - what are you going to say?
Now, understand, when I say someone doesn't have a good understanding of mathematics I'm actually saying that the person does not have a good understanding of Finance, Biology, Physics, Astronomy, Rocket Propulsion, Engineering, Architecture, Computer Animation, Computer Programming, Politics (if you want to understand policies before you vote on them, granted many politicians do not understand algebra, math, English, or law and seem to still make money - but that doesn't prove that ignorance is a good thing). Do I sound angry? I get kind of worked up over this. So many people seem to tell me "I'm no good at math." One of the lines that really pushes my buttons is when they say "I'm no good at math, and neither was my mother." Like it's some kind of hereditary issue. When you were born, you were no good at talking. For some people, it takes a little more work than it does for others - but you can learn math! The fact that you can read this, tells me that mathematics is within your grasp. Andrew Hacker wrote a good article entitled "Is Algebra Necessary" on July 28, 2012 in the Sunday Review. Click on the title if you'd like to read it.
Why is it even an issue? Well, it can be a bit difficult at first. And there appears to be some kind of movement that if something requires a modicum of thought, skip it. A good example is the fact that I have decided to use the word modicum, even though some readers may not know what it means. One good reason why you need it, is because it is knowledge, and knowledge is a good thing.