Algebraic thinking is more than just arithmetic with letters representing numbers. It is a distinct mode of thought. Many people find arithmetic difficult to learn, but most do, to varying degrees, with a lot of practice. The basic building blocks of arithmetic, numbers, emerge naturally in the world around us when we count things, measure things, buy things, make things, use the phone, go to the bank, check baseball scores, and so on. Numbers may be abstract — you've never seen, felt, heard, or smelled the number 3 — but they are inextricably linked to all the concrete things in our world.
Qualitative reasoning to solve problems with numbers
Algebra is more about thinking logically about numbers than it is about computing with numbers. In algebra, you are a second step removed from everyday life: those x's and y's usually denote numbers in general, not specific numbers. In algebra, you use analytic, qualitative reasoning to solve problems with numbers, whereas, in arithmetic, you use numerical, quantitative reasoning to solve problems with numbers.
For example, if you want to write a macro
to calculate the cells in a spreadsheet like Microsoft Excel, you must use
algebraic thinking. Whether you're using a spreadsheet to calculate scores in a
sporting event, keep track of your finances, run a business, or figure out the
best way to equip your character in World of Warcraft, you need to think
algebraically to set it up to do what you want — that means thinking about or
across numbers, rather than in terms of numbers.
Solving problems using arithmetic reasoning
When students first begin to learn algebra,
they invariably attempt to solve problems using arithmetic reasoning. Given all
of their effort in mastering arithmetic, it's natural for them to do so, and at
first, when the algebra problems they encounter are particularly simple
(according to the teacher's classification), this approach works. In fact, the
better a student's arithmetic skills, the further they can advance in algebra
using arithmetical reasoning. (Many students can solve the quadratic equation
x2 = 2x + 15 using only basic arithmetic and no algebra.) However, contrary to
popular belief, those who are better students may find it more difficult to
learn algebra. Because, with the exception of the most basic examples, doing
algebra requires you to stop thinking arithmetically and learn to think algebraically.
Branches of science and technology
Almost all mathematical problems are solved using algebraic formulas and concepts. Apart from its use in finding solutions to problems in other branches of science and technology, algebra is essential in solving arithmetic, trigonometry, and calculus problems. Abstract algebra, linear algebra, universal algebra, elementary algebra, algebraic geometry, algebraic number theory, and algebraic systems are all subsets of algebra. Algebra class help services is a service that provides assistance with online Algebra class help. To ask them to take my Algebra class, you can use Algebra class help.
