Math
Essentials

 Modified: 

© Ray Wisman

Resources

Algebra lessons provide basic instruction - http://www.algebrahelp.com/lessons/

Algebra calculator solves and explains solutions - http://www.algebrahelp.com/calculators/

Math skills need practice. Basic math skills is a leading cause of difficulty in this course.

The Algebra Help Web site has instruction, lessons for practice and calculators to help solve problems and explain the solution.

Below is a list of essential math skills you need to practice. Each is linked to the Web site with lessons and exercises on each skill.

  1. Combining Like Terms
    Compacting equations and expressions by combining like terms.
    Sample Problem   2x + 7x + 4y
    Solution   9x + 4y

     

  2. Distributive Property
    How to use the distributive property to multiply parenthesis. (Multiplying a Monomial and Binomial)
    Sample Problem   5u * (3 + u)
    Solution   15u + 5u2

     

  3. FOIL Method
    Using the FOIL Method to multiply two or more parenthesis. (Multiplying two Binomials, or two Polynomials)
    Sample Problem   (4x + 5)(7x + 3)
    Solution   28x2 + 47x + 15

     

  4. Exponents of Numbers
    Learn what an exponent is, and how to simplify one.
    Sample Problem   24
    Solution   16

     

  5. Exponents of Variables
    Learn how to simplify a variable inside a parenthesis with an exponent.
    Sample Problem   (x2y)3
    Solution   x6y3

     

  6. Factoring Intro
    Explains the basic principles behind factoring.

  7. Factoring Numbers
    Factoring numbers, a skill needed for next lessons.
    Sample Problem   Find all factors of 18
    Solution   1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18

     

  8. Greatest Common Factors (GCF)
    Find Greatest Common Factors for both numbers and algebraic terms.
    Sample Problem   Find the GCF of 14x and 21x2
    Solution   7x

     

  9. GCF From an Expression
    Factor the Greatest Common Factor out of a polynomial.
    Sample Problem   Factor the GCF from 3x3 + 27x2 + 9x
    Solution   3x(x2 + 9x + 3)

     

  10. Difference Between Two Squares
    Factor an expression of the form a2 - b2.
    Sample Problem   Factor x2 - 4
    Solution   (x + 2)(x - 2)

     

  11. Factoring a Trinomial
    Factor an expression of the form ax2 + bx + c.
    Sample Problem   Factor 3x2 + 2x - 8
    Solution   (x + 2)(3x - 4)

     

  12. Factoring Completely
    Combine the methods of factoring a GCF, Difference Between Two Squares, and Trinomial to determine the most factored form of more complex expressions.
    Sample Problem   12x4 - 3x2 - 54
    Solution   3(2x + 3)(2x - 3)(x2 + 2)

     

  13. Solve By Factoring
    Solve equations by moving terms to the left side, factoring, and solving several subproblems.
    Sample Problem   x2 + 3x = 8x - 6
    Solution   x = 2, 3