What is Pre-Algebra?
Pre-Algebra is the last mathematics course in middle school. It offers the end of arithmetic and the beginnings of Algebra. This course will guide you through irrational numbers, square and cube roots, scientific notation, slope, multi-step equations, systems of equations, graphs and functions, volume of cylinders, cones and spheres, scatterplots and compound probabilities. We also present an introduction to geometry and right triangles.
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The roots of algebra can be traced to the ancient Babylonians, who developed an advanced arithmetical system with which they were able to do calculations in an algorithmic fashion. The Babylonians developed formulas to calculate solutions for problems typically solved today by using linear equations, quadratic equations, and indeterminate linear equations. By contrast, most Egyptians of this era, as well as Greek and Chinese mathematics in the 1st millennium BC, usually solved such equations by geometric methods, such as those described in the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus, Euclid's Elements, and The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art. The geometric work of the Greeks, typified in the Elements, provided the framework for generalizing formulae beyond the solution of particular problems into more general systems of stating and solving equations, although this would not be realized until mathematics developed in medieval Islam. The actual "father of algebra" traditionally was credited to the Greek mathematician, Diophantus. However, popular opinion in recent years has shifted to Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi. He was the first person to write about algebra in words in his published book, Kitab al Jabr. Algebra is named for the branch of mathematics that he included in his title meaning "completion and balancing".
Why do I need it?
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10 reasons why....
1. Algebra will help you in your career
The fact is that you can’t get a good grade on your ACT without some algebra. Getting a good ACT score opens up more career choices, access to college, university and some apprenticeships. If you study algebra beyond high school all the evidence shows that higher level mathematics help you earn more than you would otherwise. So algebra helps you earn more and gives you more chance of being able to choose a career which you enjoy.
2. Algebra is a powerful tool
One of the main reasons for algebra is that it allows you to take a situation and make it more general. For example take the humble triangle – because of algebra we have a formula which tells us the area of every triangle in the world. A=1/2×b×h (area equals times base times height). Formulas are powerful as they tell us rules which work in every single situation. Formulas have been discovered ranging from simple things like the area of a circle to Einstein's famous formula for energy: E=mc^2 . Formulas impact us in every area of our lives, from the price of our energy bills to how much getting a mortgage will cost.
3. Algebra helps you think logically
Studying algebra helps your mind to think logically and break down and solve problems. One day you might reach a point where you don't use algebra on a daily basis. However your brain will have been trained to think in a logical way, which will not only help you in the workplace, but also in daily life, when choosing which mobile phone contract to select, trying to work out if you have paid the right amount of tip, building a deck in your backyard, or even beating that next level on your video game.
4. Modern technology needs algebra
The fact is that all modern technology relies on mathematics and algebra - Google, the internet, mobile phones, satellites and digital televisions wouldn’t exist without algebra. You are relying on other people having studied algebra when you use a phone or play a computer game and as technology is everywhere more and more people are needed to work behind the scenes with knowledge of mathematics and algebra. If you like algebra, then you are giving yourself a chance of getting a job in the rapidly expanding technology sector.
5. Algebra is a challenge which is worth facing
Let's face it - algebra can be hard and there will be a point for everyone when they find using algebra difficult. However algebra can also give a great sense of achievement and for those who become good at it in school, it can give a real feeling of satisfaction every time a problem is solved. In fact, algebra can easily become the favorite area of mathematics for some pupils! Even if it is a real challenge to you at school, try and talk to someone who struggled to get a grade of C but finally managed it, or someone who has gone back to study maths later in life. Overcoming a difficult hurdle in life can feel really worthwhile and says a lot about you as a person.
6. Algebra opens up other subjects
There are a huge number of other subjects which require knowledge of algebra and mathematics. Here are just a few which at university will require algebra: biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, computer science, economics, food science, environmental science, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, psychology and social sciences. Many of these subjects require a good knowledge of algebra found by studying A-level maths or A-level Further Maths (or equivalent).
7. Algebra helps us understand numbers better
You might not realize it, but studying algebra helps you get better at solving problems which involve only numbers. If a pupil did not study any algebra, then it is likely that they would be worse at solving numerical problems, as their grasp of how numbers work would not be as good. So you can thank algebra every time you solve a tricky arithmetic problem!
8. Algebra helps you get the best deals
Algebra can help you understand better how to make some big important financial choices in life. Without algebra it is difficult to understand compound interest and to really get a handle on how mortgages work or how debt repayments function. This could lead to some big mistakes if you choose the wrong mortgage deal, pension or loan. Having a basic grasp of algebra along with good numeracy and an understanding of percentages, could literally save you thousands of dollars. There is no doubt that algebra is vital to many of these calculations.
9. Algebra can be beautiful
Believe it or not, but algebra can be really beautiful! Unfortunately this is not necessarily obvious when you are first learning the basics of the subject. By the time you get a little bit further, perhaps studying for the ACT, the elegance of algebra should be becoming more obvious.
10. Algebra is part of our culture
Education is not just about learning a narrow set of information or skills which you will use every day in the future. Learning is also about being educated about a wide variety of topics, so that you can make sense of the world which you live in. Algebra has played such a big part in our history (without it there would have been no industrial revolution, no man on the moon etc.), we should at least know a bit about it, just like we learn about Shakespeare, or the history of the Roman empire.
When will I use it?
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Everyday Life:
Travel calculations Speed = distance / time Distance = fuel economy * amount of fuel Cost = amount of fuel * price of fuel Shopping calculations Cost of shop = cost of items * item cost * no of items - % discount Measuring calculations Area = length * width Volume = area * height Mass = area * density Affordability calculations If I only have a set amount of money what food could I buy to feed a family of 4 for I month? Can I afford that new car for $1000 deposit and 48 monthly payments of $750? Or would it be cheaper to buy on credit @ 2% per month for $28000? |
Careers that use higher level mathematics:
accountant, animator, animal care technician, architect, astronaut, baker, bank teller, biologist, brick layer or stone mason, building inspector, carpenter, cashier, chef, chemist, coach, college professor, computer programmer, congressman, dental hygienist, dentist, doctor, electrician, elementary teacher, engineer, entrepreneur, forester or conservation specialist, governor, graphic artist, hair stylist, high school teacher, interior designer, jeweler, landscape architect, lawyer, librarian, loan or credit checker, insurance agent or underwriter, machinist, mail carrier, make up artist, mechanic, medical technician, meteorologist, soldier, occupational therapist, optometrist, orthodontist, pharmacist, physical therapist, pilot, plumber, psychologist, race car driver, realtor, registered nurse, secretary, speech therapist, spy, sports star, sports caster, stay at home parent, stockbroker, surgical technician, travel agent, veterinarian, video game designer, waiter, welder, x-ray technician |