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Quadratic Equations
How to Use FOIL to Distribute Two Binomials (Video)
In algebra, variables are placeholder letters (capitalized and lowercase) that represent the unknown, or what you're solving for. This video shows you what variables can look like and what they mean. Understanding variables help make algebra easier for you. [more…]
Quadratic Equations
How to Use UnFOIL to Factor Quadratic Equations (Video)
Using the unFOIL method to factor quadratic equations into two binomials requires many steps. Prime factorization and order of decreasing powers are two parts of the unFOIL method, which helps you solve for quadratic equations. Remember that FOIL stands for first, outer, inner, and last. [more…]
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Algebra Basics
How to Use the Order of Operations
Follow the order of operations with each algebra problem you solve. The order of operations in algebra is important if you want to find the correct answer. You first work through any grouping symbols, [more…]
Quadratics in Algebra
Standard Equations of Algebraic Conics
Conics are curved algebraic forms that come from slicing a cone with a plane. Use these equations to graph algebraic conics, such as circles, ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas: [more…]
Linear Equations in Algebra
Cramer’s Rule for Linear Algebra
Named for Gabriel Cramer, Cramer’s Rule provides a solution for a system of two linear algebraic equations in terms of determinants — the numbers associated with a specific, square matrix. [more…]
Counting Techniques
Algebraic Permutations and Combinations
In algebra, you use permutations to count the number of subsets of a larger set. Use permutations when order is necessary. With combinations, you can count the number of subsets when order doesn't matter [more…]
Algebra Basics
Eight Basic Algebraic Curves
Algebra is all about graphing relationships, and the curve is one of the most basic shapes used. Here's a look at eight of the most frequently used graphs. [more…]
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Basic Algebra Conventions
In algebra, a letter such as x that takes the place of a number in one or more equations is called a variable. Practices you need to know about how algebra problems are written: [more…]
Solving an Algebraic Equation
An algebraic equation is an equation with at least one variable. Apply operations equally to both sides to modify an equation. For example, you can add 2 to both sides, subtract x from both sides or multiply [more…]
Basic Math & Pre-Algebra Workbook For Dummies Cheat Sheet
To successfully study pre-algebra, understand that a specific order of operations needs to be applied. Also recognize some basic math principles, such as the ability to recognize and understand mathematical [more…]
Factoring Special Problems
Binomials, their powers, and their products with selected trinomials occur frequently in algebraic processes. By using the patterns shown here, you save time and reduce the opportunity for errors. [more…]
Formulas for Common Geometric Shapes
Depending on the algebra problem, you'll need to know some geometry. The following represents some of the most common shapes in geometry and their formulas for perimeter, area, volume, surface areas, and [more…]
Order of Operations in Algebra
When creating simpler and more useful expressions, you want to be careful not to change the original value. By applying the order of operations, you maintain that value. [more…]
Rules of Exponents
Exponents are shorthand for repeated multiplication. The rules for performing operations involving exponents allow you to change multiplication and division expressions with the same base to something [more…]
Selected Math Formulas Step by Step
Algebraic formulas make life (and algebra) simpler. You save time by not having to perform more complicated tasks. When using the formulas, use the appropriate rules for simplifying algebraic expressions [more…]
Algebra Workbook For Dummies Cheat Sheet
Formulas, patterns, and procedures used for simplifying expressions and solving equations are basic to algebra. Use the equations, shortcuts, and formulas you find for quick reference. This Cheat Sheet [more…]
How to Convert Square Roots to Exponents
Finding square roots and converting them to exponents is a relatively common operation in algebra. Square roots, which use the radical symbol, are nonbinary operations — operations which involve just one [more…]
What Is the Binomial Theorem?
A binomial is a mathematical expression that has two terms. In algebra, people frequently raise binomials to powers to complete computations. The Binomial Theorem says that if [more…]
Rewrite an Absolute Value Equation as a Linear Equation
To work with an absolute value equation, you first need to rewrite it as a linear equation. The same goes for an absolute value inequality, which you rewrite as a linear inequality. [more…]
Use the Properties of Proportions to Simplify Fractions
The properties of proportions come in useful when solving equations involving fractions. When you can, change an equation with fractions in it to a proportion for ease in solving. [more…]
Formulas to Find the Slope, Slope-Intercept, Distance, and Midpoint
When you’re working with the x-y coordinate system, you can use the following formulas to find the slope, slope intercept, distance, and midpoint between two points. [more…]
Raise Binomials to a Power
A binomial is a mathematical expression that has two terms. In algebra, people frequently raise binomials to powers in order to solve equations. Here are some examples: [more…]
Algebra II Workbook For Dummies Cheat Sheet
Learning some algebraic rules for various exponents, radicals, laws, binomials, formulas, and equations will help you successfully study and solve problems in an Algebra II course. You should also be able [more…]
Logarithm Basics
Logarithms are simply another way to write exponents. Exponential and logarithmic functions are inverses of each other. For solving and graphing logarithmic functions [more…]
Calculator Commands for Linear Algebra
Graphing calculators are wonderful tools for helping you solve linear algebra processes; they allow you to drain battery power rather than brain power. Since there is a wide variety of graphing calculators [more…]
How to Meet Vector Space Requirements
In linear algebra, a set of elements is termed a vector space when particular requirements are met. For example, let a set consist of vectors u, v, and [more…]
Algebraic Properties You Should Know
You can use a number of properties when working with linear algebraic expressions, including the commutative, associative, and distributive properties of addition and multiplication, as well as identities [more…]
Linear Algebra For Dummies Cheat Sheet
To study and solve linear algebra equations successfully, you need to know common numerical values of trig functions, what elements determine a vector space, basic algebraic properties, and general commands [more…]
Using Algebra to Find the Sums of Sequences
Algebra can help you add a series of numbers (the sum of sequences) more quickly than you would be able to with straight addition. Adding integers, squares, cubes, and terms in an arithmetic or geometric [more…]
Algebra II For Dummies Cheat Sheet
Algebra is all about formulas, equations, and graphs. You need algebraic equations for multiplying binomials, dealing with radicals, finding the sum of sequences, and graphing the intersections of cones [more…]
Dividing Variables
The page you are looking for was recently moved. Don't worry, it's still here; it just has a new address: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/dividing-variables-in-algebra.html [more…]
Pre-Calculus Unit Circle
In pre-calculus, the unit circle is sort of like unit streets, it’s the very small circle on a graph that encompasses the 0,0 coordinates. It has a radius of 1, hence the unit. The figure here shows all [more…]
