Algebra – An Introduction to Logical and Abstract Thinking

Math develops logical thinking skills. Algebra strengthens these logical skills and introduces a student to the idea of abstract thinking. It imparts the idea that symbols such as x and y stand for variables (numbers that keep varying) and can be used to solve a mathematical or real-life puzzle or to understand changing relationships.

Basic algebra lays the foundation for higher level math which students need to succeed in college. Many students fail to develop the math instinct and skills and graduate from high school unprepared for college. It results in taking remedial math in college which makes the degree more expensive and process longer. To avoid all this one should work on algebra from the beginning.

Understanding algebra right from the beginning makes the later college years a much better experience. To get algebra help (Beginning and Intermediate Algebra 7e PDF), one should opt for a good algebra tutoring service. There are many tutoring services available today including online ones. So, students can choose a good algebra tutor according to their convenience.

Here are some qualities to look out for when searching for a good algebra tutor:

An algebra tutor should be able to motivate students to learn algebra. Let’s take the example of a linear equation. A tutor can explain linear equations by using formal rules to manipulate an equation but students will find this uninteresting and will want to know why do they need to manipulate an equation. A good tutor will start with problems which can be solved using such equations. He will get students to solve the problems themselves and when they are not able to solve them correctly he might show them how to use a linear equation to solve these kind of problems easily. This ensures students understand the importance of these techniques and learn how to apply them.

A good tutor will ask students to solve some algebra problems every day. Knowledge of basic math concepts is crucial to solving math problems. A tutor should assign a good mix of problems to test a student’s skills. While some problems should be solvable by directly applying algebra rules some will be tricky and will require some creativity.

A good algebra tutor will not let students think that algebra is a difficult subject. He will explain it in such a way that it will make a student think that algebra is an easy subject. He will work on building a student’s confidence and concepts to make learning the subject easy.