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	<title>Obary Center Blog &#187; School of Mathematics</title>
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		<title>Is Algebra Important?</title>
		<link>http://www.obary.com/archives/2009/11/07/is-algebra-important/</link>
		<comments>http://www.obary.com/archives/2009/11/07/is-algebra-important/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:05:14 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[School of Mathematics]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.obary.com/archives/2009/11/07/is-algebra-important/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Algebra &#8211; what is it?
It is an area of mathematics that use alphabetic characters in replacement of numbers to derive results for a given situation. This abstraction is the very reason why most individuals find algebra scary and too difficult to handle and it is the same reasons why some pupils find it fun to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Algebra &#8211; what is it?</h2>
<p>It is an area of mathematics that use alphabetic characters in replacement of numbers to derive results for a given situation. This abstraction is the very reason why most individuals find algebra scary and too difficult to handle and it is the same reasons why some pupils find it fun to play around with.  topics of algebra range by working through simple tasks such as factoring binomials and eventually progressing on to finding the inverse of a matrix.  In almost all cases, just as in any other mathematics associated class, students start by adding, subtracting and  <a href="http://www.mathmusic.org/simplifying-expressions-that-contain-negative-exponents.html">simplifying algebraic expressions</a> .  They then move on to understanding equivalent fractions, finding <b> <a href="http://www.mathsite.org/finding-the-least-common-multiples.html">Least Common Multiples</a>  (LCM)</b> and <b>converting fractions to decimals</b>.</p>
<h2>Help!!! Exponents, Radicals and Graphing on the Way&#8230;</h2>
<p>There are many another advanced themes.  Firstly there are exponents. A power is the little number placed as superscript to a number or algebraic expression.  In this example (x + y)<sup>3</sup> where the 3 is the exponent and denotes the power to which that number is raised. The above algebraic expression is expressed as, x plus y to the third power.  In working with powers you can add, subtract, multiple or divide them.  You can work with <b>rational and negative exponents</b>.  If that isn&#8217;t enough to make your head spin, then you can move on to radicals. A radical, simply put, is the reversing of an power.  The V beside 4 denote a radical expression which means, the square root of 4, which equals 2.  The inverse of &#8220;V&#8221; symbol is &#8220;^&#8221; which denotes that the number it refers to is a multiple of the principle number. Therefore, 2^2 which is read as 2 to the 2nd power, equals 4.  Equally with exponents, radical expressions can be added, subtracted, multiplied and divided. Radicals can be switched into powers and exponents back into radicals.  If powers and radicals aren&#8217;t enough, there is always graphing.  The best way to start with graphing is to draw lines and try to figure out if they are horizontal, vertical or neither.  Another question to ask is whether the line has an <b>x-intercept</b> or a <b>y-intercept</b>  Can you find the slope of the line? you master the mathematical art of graphing, you will discover a whole new world filled with parabolas and hyperbolas.</p>
<h2>Help is Available</h2>
<p>While you are learning algebra if the terms and concepts seem too much to handle, relax and take a break.  There are many resources out there that can help you master  <a href="http://www.pocketmath.net/writing-linear-equations-in-slope-intercept-form.html">non-linear equations</a> , quadratic formulas and polynomials.  The tradition is to decide on a math tutor, but the latest <b>algebraic software</b> are no different. In fact, they are as good as math tutors. You can also use algebra calculators or algebra solvers. any of these tools can help you become an algebra guru in no time.</p>
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		<title>Studying Algebra</title>
		<link>http://www.obary.com/archives/2009/07/28/studying-algebra/</link>
		<comments>http://www.obary.com/archives/2009/07/28/studying-algebra/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 05:10:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[School of Mathematics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Schools + Colleges]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Sciences]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.obary.com/archives/2009/07/28/studying-algebra/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[An extended research carried out to figure out the causes behind school dropouts shows that many individuals look at algebra as the culprit. The proficiency of knowledge of the tutor is not merely sufficient for pupils to understand the algebraic concepts, nor it is adequate to evoke interest about the discipline. It&#8217;s the way; the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>An extended research carried out to figure out the causes behind school dropouts shows that many individuals look at algebra as the culprit. The proficiency of knowledge of the tutor is not merely sufficient for pupils to understand the algebraic concepts, nor it is adequate to evoke interest about the discipline. It&#8217;s the way; the content is delivered to its recipient which leads a lot for developing interest in the fields.</p>
<h2>What is Algebra?</h2>
<p>A concise introduction of  Algebra  would be  a arm of mathematics which substitutes letters for numbers; therefore, algebraic equations can be viewed as a scale. The fundamental concepts of algebra includes <b>real numbers, complex numbers, matrices and vectors</b>.</p>
<h2>The Different Domains</h2>
<p>Algebra in general addresses a lot of areas. Some that are worth mentioning are <b>Multiplying exponents, dividing exponents,  <a href="http://www.polymathlove.com/solving-quadratic-equations-1.html">Solving quadratic equations</a> , Finding Greatest common factor or GCM</b>, Multiplying, Adding, Subtracting fractions and many more.</p>
<p>If these areas have terrified you, then I must give you some definitions which will really alleviate the gravity and give you the real essence of algebra.</p>
<p>Exponents is a notion that shows multiplication of identical factors. Fractions on the other hand are used for expressing numbers that are parts of a whole. Many such similar areas in algebra may sound dreading at the beginning, but once you comprehend the simple concept behind it, you will be delighted by its purpose. To state a few more &#8211; <b>Mixed numbers,  <a href="http://www.mathscitutor.com/solving-quadratic-equations.html">Quadratic formula</a> , Graphing linear inequalities,  <a href="http://www.mathsite.org/solving-quadratic-equations-by-completing-the-square.html">solving compound in equalities</a> , Factoring binomials, and Factoring polynomials</b>; are all algebraic expressions.</p>
<p>Although you may find it confounding to understand mixed numbers, but it will really interest you to note that they are none other than a form of fractions. Similarly, graphing linear equalities may be self explanatory and there are many other similar algebraic expressions that may sound complicated but are extremely interesting to work with.</p>
<h2>Finding a Tutor</h2>
<p>If you are curious in exploring the world of algebraic expressions yet do not have a private teacher to assist you in the operation, leave your worries behind since online tutorials will come for your rescue. These lessons emphasize the practical ways rather than the technicalities, showing dependable techniques. <b>Algebraic helper software programs</b> can assist you in the step-by-step process of figuring and working through math problems in a systematic, stepwise manner while offering good examples and explanations for all steps involved.</p>
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		<title>Is Algebra for Real?</title>
		<link>http://www.obary.com/archives/2009/04/04/is-algebra-for-real/</link>
		<comments>http://www.obary.com/archives/2009/04/04/is-algebra-for-real/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2009 03:03:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[School of Mathematics]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[The Sciences]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.obary.com/archives/2009/04/04/is-algebra-for-real/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Algebra as a Scientific Field
Algebra scientific discipline is the arm of mathematics that is interested in the study of structure, relation, and quantity. Algebra covers working with numbers, variables,  sets of elements and also vectors as in linear algebra. You can count on algebra as one of the most fundamental branches of mathematics, if [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Algebra as a Scientific Field</h2>
<p>Algebra scientific discipline is the arm of mathematics that is interested in the study of structure, relation, and quantity. Algebra covers working with numbers, variables,  sets of elements and also vectors as in linear algebra. You can count on algebra as one of the most fundamental branches of mathematics, if not the most operative. Algebra includes categories such as <b>Linear algebra, Universal algebra and Algebraic geometry</b>.</p>
<h2>Need Help in Studying Algebra?</h2>
<p>Diverse software applications have been written to help students studying algebra at distinct levels, such software help students to go through their classes step by step and develop <b>algebraic problem  <a href="http://www.equation-solver.com/solving-linear-equations-2.htm">solving techniques</a> </b>. These software applications cover nearly all algebraic modules such as working around and graphing different  <a href="http://www.softmath-algebrator.com/types-of-linear-equations.html">types of linear equations</a> , formulas and quadratic inequalities. Such equations like quadratic, simultaneous, exponential, radical and linear equations will be simply, quickly and efficiently solved using these software applications. These software applications most probably will contain an algebraic tutorial and a wizard too; Moreover, <b>algebra calculators</b> facilitate a lot of algebraic processes for students pursuing mathematics.</p>
<h2>Algebra in a Wider Scope</h2>
<p>many students constantly wonder why we study algebra; they can see no good reason behind it. Well, if we were to talk about usefulness of algebra, then it has both direct and indirect gains, which I think, algebra students should be made aware of. The indirect benefit of studying algebra could be explained in working the learning ability in an well-conducted pattern. As for the direct benefit, algebra has a set of uses in different scientific disciplines and organizations.</p>
<p>In reality, algebraic applications are used around us, all the time such as in many trades etc, for  instance in robotics research or rocket science. It is also used, in various science researches like physics, quantum mechanics, Informatics and even in the military; in this article we shall explore how algebraic knowledge is applied in to IT. </p>
<h2>Algebra for IT</h2>
<p>Comparative algebra constructs were the base for the relational database concept. Also, elementary algebra was used in modeling of complex XML models and constructing XML database management systems. Furthermore, programming languages have been developed for  <a href="http://www.gre-test-prep.com/solving-linear-equations-1.html">solving algebraic expressions</a>  and formulas, like RPL which stands for ROM-based Procedural Language or ALF-Algebraic Logic Functional programming language. Some other higher programming languages developed for the purpose of solving algebraic problems as <b>AML-Algebraic Modeling Language</b>, where this language describes the complicated problem, such as <b>composite optimization problems</b>, then calls particular external algorithms to solve the problem.</p>
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		<title>Your Credit Score: Swing for the Fences</title>
		<link>http://www.obary.com/archives/2008/06/05/your-credit-score-swing-for-the-fences/</link>
		<comments>http://www.obary.com/archives/2008/06/05/your-credit-score-swing-for-the-fences/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Jun 2008 05:55:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[School of Mathematics]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.obary.com/archives/2008/06/05/your-credit-score-swing-for-the-fences/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It is the most important rule of any sport or competition: High score wins.
Whether you love football, baseball, basketball, hockey, or even rock-paper-scissors, the key to winning is getting the highest score. And the same is true when it comes to your credit.  Score high and you will score big.
A high credit score is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It is the most important rule of any sport or competition: High score wins.</p>
<p>Whether you love football, baseball, basketball, hockey, or even rock-paper-scissors, the key to winning is getting the highest score. And the same is true when it comes to your credit.  Score high and you will score big.</p>
<p>A high credit score is everything in your financial life. A high credit score is to your life what 40 points a game is to Peyton Manning&#8217;s &#8211; money in the bank. Why? Your credit score tells people &#8211; specifically banks, lenders, and credit card companies &#8211; how good your credit history is, which is critical when it comes to getting loans or lines of credit.</p>
<p>Your credit score is determined by a host of factors, but basically the things that most influence your score are your total amount of credit, your total amount of debt, late payments, non-payments, defaults and bankruptcies. Who determines your credit score? There are three major credit reporting agencies that give out scores: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.</p>
<p>Each of these agencies has up until very recently used their own system for calculating your credit score. But that&#8217;s currently changing thanks to a decision by the big three to create a uniform system for calculating credit scores called VantageScore. Equifax, Experian and TransUnion will continue to issue separate credit scores for each person, but with VantageScore, your three credit scores should be virtually identical. That&#8217;s the plan, at least.</p>
<p>In any event, you want your credit score to be 650 or higher to get the best rates from banks and creditors. How can you find out your credit score? It&#8217;s easy.</p>
<p>If you go to <a href="http://www.annualcreditreport.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.annualcreditreport.com</a>, you can get a free copy of your credit report from all three credit agencies that will not only include your credit score, but important details about your credit history. It is important to look at your credit report because often times a credit report will have mistakes in it &#8211; which can mean a lower credit score. In fact, according to one report by the US Public Interest Research Group, 70% of credit reports have errors in them.  If you find mistakes, you can contact them directly, in writing, to point out and rectify your credit record.</p>
<p>There are other ways you can learn about boosting your credit score. Stephen Snyder, who knows firsthand about financial struggles and how to rebound from them, provides an in-depth manual that tells how you can improve your credit score &#8211; and how that can mean lower interest rates on your credit cards, higher credit card limits, lower car payments, lower insurance rates, and more. That could have you well on your way to buying that car of your dreams, whether it&#8217;s a Mercedes or a Toyota Prius.</p>
<p>Philip Tirone is another good source for ways of upping your credit score. His audio book, 7 Steps to a 720 Credit Score: How to Win the Credit Score, allows you to listen and learn the seven little-known rules of credit. You can turn poor credit into great credit and as a result save hundreds of dollars each month. According to Tirone, even if you&#8217;ve been denied credit or think your credit is beyond repair, you can still raise your score up to 720, the key number that can get you the best interest rates and loans.</p>
<p>When checking your credit report, you also want to make sure you haven&#8217;t been the victim of identity theft. Identity theft can really mess up your credit score. Identity Guard provides a service that both helps you figure out your credit score and make sure someone hasn&#8217;t stolen your identity. Furthermore, Identity Guard will continue to monitor your credit history and alert you if someone tries to use your personal information to open accounts in your name.</p>
<p>US Search also can help when it comes to identity theft. They will provide you with a comprehensive report that tells you if anyone has used your identity illegally. Their Personal Record Profile report includes a 10-year history and information not only about you but also those you have lived with or near who may be affecting your credit.</p>
<p>Unlike football or baseball, there&#8217;s no such thing as running up the score when it comes to your credit score. Aim high, and you won&#8217;t be sorry.</p>
<p>Copyright 2006 Find Your Prosperity.com</p>
<p>For more stories, visit =><a href="http://www.FindYourProsperity.com" rel="nofollow">www.FindYourProsperity.com</a></p>
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<p>Noel Brinkerhoff is founder of <a href="http://www.FindYourProsperity.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.FindYourProsperity.com</a> He is a nationally-published writer specializing in journalism and screenwriting whose stories have appeared in the California Journal, San Jose Magazine, State Net Capitol Journal, among others.</p>
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