Linear Algebra: The Basics of a Complicated Topic

Linear Algebra refers to a subdivision of algebra that teaches many things related to linear equations. Linear equations are the most basic of all algebraic equations involving variables. They are linear, as hinted by the name, and consist of only two types of components. The first is the regular constant such as 4. The 2nd is a variable. The variable must always be in the first power. These two types of components can add, subtract, or multiply as much as they want, or be as long as they want. As long as all of these are true, you have a linear equation. Here are some of the ways that linear equations can fit in with each other.

Linear equations are most often used when graphing a function. They provide a relatively simple way for the person making the graph to determine each value at a given point. Linear equations can be put into different forms that make it even easier for graphing. This includes the slope-intercept form, which gives you an easy layout for where to find several different key aspects about the graph that represents the function. The equation may even include a specific point or two on the graph.

Usually students who learn linear algebra have already learned some sort of equations that relate to graphing functions. Linear equations allow them to not only understand how certain numbers lead to certain graphs, but also how they can manipulate these numbers to come up with different equations that make other parts of algebra easier. It is definitely a necessary concept when continuing with later levels of algebra and even the higher level math courses.

While linear algebra may seem like a useless and excessive branch of math at first, you should not hesitate to begin learning it and to figure out how you can use it with the rest of the mathematical discipline. There are countless texts on the subject if you wish to pursue knowledge outside of school, or if you want to be helped along in a class. You can find it explained in a way that will show you its true importance within the bigger scheme of things, as well as ways that you can implement it in your day to day life.