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Algebra

Algebra is the branch of mathematics concerned with operations on sets of numbers or other elements that are often represented by symbols.

Sample some of the following activities to learn more about algebra. 

 

Places To Go    People To See    Things To Do    Teacher Resources    Bibliography

Places To Go

The following are places to go (some real and some virtual) to find out about algebra.

Arabic Mathematics: Forgotten Brilliance?
Greece is not the only place that produced brilliant mathematicians. Travel to ancient Arabia and learn about the contributions that Arabian thinkers made to the science of mathematics. 
Girls to the Fourth Power
Visit Stanford University and learn about a program that they developed called Girls to the Fourth Power. The program is committed to overcoming the "math block" that is widely perceived to affect many girls. Learn about some of the strategies that they used.
Illuminations: Algebra Resources
This site features links to 100+ sites that deal with algebraic concepts. Each site has been reviewed by math professionals to ensure its academic value.
WebMath Algebra
Links for help in Algebra topics.

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People To See

Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibn Musa Al-Khwarizmi
Abu Ja'far Muhammad, who subsequently has become known as al-Khwarazmi, introduced the practice of writing down calculations in place of using an abacus. The term "algorithm" is derived from his name.
Diophantus of Alexandria
Meet Diophantus of Alexandria. He is known as the Father of Algebra.
Evariste Galois
Get to know Evariste Galois. At a very young age, he developed original concepts on the theory of algebra.
George Boole
George Boole formalized a set of rules of reasoning in a rigorous framework. These rules, which have subsequently become known as Boolean algebra, transformed logic from a philosophical into a mathematical discipline.

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Things To Do

Algebra - Fun with Calendars
Take any calendar. Tell your friend to choose 4 days that form a square like the four to the right. Your friend should tell you only the sum of the four days, and you can tell her what the four days are.
Algebra Help
Use this online source for help with math problems. It has some of the latest technology to help students learn and understand algebra. The website features lessons to learn new skills or refresh old skills, calculators that show how to solve problems step-by-step, and interactive worksheets.
Materials for Linear Algebra
Find printable modules that pertain to linear algebra.
SOS Mathematics: Algebra
Get help with the process of solving equations of various forms. Students can also learn how to check their math answers three different ways: algebraically, graphically, and using the concept of equivalence.
Understanding Algebra 
Choose "Prime Number List" from the menu. Click "Generate List" at the bottom of the page, and it will compile a list of all prime numbers until you tell it to stop. This site will also list all the factors of any number you supply when you choose "Prime Factorization Machine" from the menu. You can also have this site solve quadratic equations for you!

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Teacher Resources

Lesson Plans/Webquests

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Bibliography

  • Fogiel, Max. The Algebra & Trigonometry Problem Solver: A Complete Solution Guide to Any Textbook. Piscataway, N.J.: REA, c1998.
  • Fogiel, Max. The High School Pre-algebra Tutor. Piscataway, N.J.: Research and Education Association, 1997.
  • Johnson, Mildred. How To Solve Word Problems in Algebra: A Solved Problem Approach. New York: McGraw-Hill, c2000.
  • Jund, Barbara. Algebra Success in 20 Minutes a Day. New York: Learning Express, c2000.
  • Long, Lynette. Painless Algebra. Hauppauge, N.Y.: Barron's Educational Series, 1998.
  • Stephens, Larry J. Algebra for the Utterly Confused. New York: McGraw Hill, c2000.
  • Szymanski, Theodore John. Algebra Facts: Survival Guide to Basic Algebra. Boston: PWS-Kent Pub. Co., c1993.