adults who dropped out of school and only completed 7th grade math needs to have a quick and easy understanding of the subject to help child in algebra
2006-07-03 11:47:55 · 14 answers · asked by dodeflohi 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
Algebra is basically a system designed to help understand the world around us with numbers instead of words. The process of solving algebraic equations is basically undoing the problem in front of you. You solve an equation by using opposites (addition and subtraction are opposites, multiplication and division are opposites). Let's use an example:
3x - 5 = 13
Standard order of operations for math states the you do exponents, then parentheses, then multiplication/division, then addition/subtraction. In solving algrebraic equations, though, remember that things are opposite. Here, you start with addition/subtraction, then move onto multiplication/division.
When solving an equation, it's also important to remember that you must keep it "balanced" - that is, you can add, subtract, multiply, do anything to one side of the equation SO LONG as you do it to the other side as well.
Let's work through solving the example. Start by "undoing" the "- 5". To undo subtraction, you use addition. Therefore, keeping the equation balanced, add 5 to both sides:
3x - 5 + 5 = 13 + 5
Simplify to get... 3x = 18
Now, undo the multiplication (your goal here is to get to an x = (some number), so you want all the "x's" on one side the equation, and everything that is not an "x" on the other side). To undo the 3 times x, use division; that is, divide by sides by 3:
3x/3 = 18/3
Simplify to get... x = 6
Please don't hesitate to ask if you need any further guidance. I know that this is a quick explanation of a difficult concept, but I work as a math tutor, so I'd be more than willing to help if you need anything else. Hope that this helps out some!
2006-07-03 12:39:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When my dad didn't understand something, he did something that I really admired...he took a class. Even as a doctor (he didn't practice), he wasn't afraid to admit that there was something he didn't understand. I'd start with a community college and try to find a Basic Algebra class. Taking the class will show your child that you value education and that you want to improve yourself, instilling the same principles in you child. If this isn't an option, pick up your child's algebra book and puzzle it out. Most textbooks now are fairly easy to understand. Then, you and your child can puzzle it out together. You're bonding with your child and learning something new!
2006-07-03 11:59:31 · answer #2 · answered by Katie B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a Schaums guide, for beginning algebra
But the key rule is:
What you do to one side of the equation, do to the other side.
Generally, decide what you want to do (usually solve for x) and then see how to get there.
(Solve for x, or isolate x)
ie. 7x=14
Need to isolate x.
Divide by 7 (on both sides!!)
7x/7=14/7
x=2
For tougher equations, just keep going until it simplifies.
Remember order of operations when doing this stuff though, using brackets at first helps a lot.
2006-07-03 12:32:52 · answer #3 · answered by elve_r 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a couple variables and mush into a dough.
Cover with a sauce made of quadratic equations, some line-graph mushrooms, and a few slices of circular graph pepperoni. Bake in oven for (the amount of degrees equal to pi/18 radians) minutes at (number of degrees in a full circle) degrees fahrenheit. There you go! Algebra & geometry pizza!
2006-07-03 12:05:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
There are little guidebooks at Wal-Mart (kind of like Cliffs Notes) in their education section. They're pretty small and slim so I imagine they've got it pretty well condensed. I haven't seen the insides though, so I couldn't vouch for their content.
2006-07-03 11:56:41 · answer #5 · answered by Sarah N 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there is a letter equals something that number will always equal a positive number.
if you have large problems, ( 2 - 5y = 7 + 8p + y) what ever you do to one side ( subtract 8p) you have to do the opposite to th other side.( add 8p).
2006-07-03 12:24:43 · answer #6 · answered by blessingsowens 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they are good with logic they can figure it out. Algebra is mostly logic mixed into simple math.
2006-07-03 11:51:31 · answer #7 · answered by christigmc 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Study harder and ask some1 smurt to explaine hard moments in math
2006-07-03 11:56:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sit next to the smart girl during tests.
2006-07-03 11:49:30 · answer #9 · answered by killmylandlord 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Use cliff notes. They help alot. Even when I was in school I used them.
2006-07-03 12:10:59 · answer #10 · answered by ivy23kris 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋