By Admin,
Algebra is one of those subjects where you lose marks as quickly as you gain them. One mistake and you fall off the cliff you climbed.
You might be a very good student, or a die-hard Algebra lover and still fail in it. It is a very tricky subject. Undoubtedly, your practice defines your success, but only to an extent.
Silly mistakes are extremely annoying. To see that you could not achieve a 100 because you misplaced a with b or c with 8 is heart-breaking. Most often than not, the basics of the subject are left unclear which adds to the reason why the students are left behind on the learning curve.
There are certain do’s and don’ts for every subject and so is with Algebra. While there are some do’s that can save you big time, there are other don’ts that can cost you more than you can imagine.
On that note, here’s a list of mistakes by Etutorworld you should NEVER commit while solving Algebra:
Confusing the letters with numbers and vice versa
This is one of the most common mistakes in algebra. The foundation of Algebra is laid on letters and numbers and the confusion amidst them can be a major problem for the future. Letters and numbers are two identities in algebra, which can neither be added nor subtracted from each other.
For instance, if the equation reads, 5a+15, then the solution be 5a+15 exactly the same as the question.
However, on the contrary students instead, add the two numbers together which gives them an answer (20a) that is far away from the correct answer.
You added a variable ‘a’, with a number ‘15’ and that is against the rules of Algebra. There are a few reasons on why this mistake happens – It can either be a fundamental issue or just a silly error in lieu of rush.
In that case, it’s always advisable to do a double check before you submit your exam paper. When there are two similar kinds of terms, then they can be added together. For example, 10a+12a, results in 22a. You can also add two numbers together like in regular arithmetic. Like, 8+5 equals 13.
Ignoring or missing out on brackets
If you don’t take brackets seriously, its time you should because in Algebra it can lead to a different answer altogether. If the brackets are not in the right position and are missed out or ignored, your whole equation changes its meaning that alters the answer.
Here’s an example for better clarity.
For instance, the equation is (9a+2)*2,
But you consider it as 9a+2*2.
Then your answer will be is: 9a+4,
Whilst, on the other hand, the correct answer is 18a+4. The mismatch happened simply because you did not consider the brackets.
Apart from this, All the equations are supposed to be solved by following theorder of BODMAS and the B in it stands for Bracket. This clearly indicates that the Bracket needs to be solved first, followed by the other rules.
Thus, in the above example that is (9a+2)*2 –
If you first solve the bracket, you get –
18a+4
Now, since we can’t add digits and letters as explained in #1, this is the solution to the given problem. (which by the way, also matches the correct answer!)
Conceptual error while solving Fractions
Let me cite an example to explain. Supposedly, the question reads, division of the sum of a and 7 by 2. It clearly means, (a+7)/2,
However, a lot of students perceive it as a+7/2.
This is completely wrong.
The question clearly reads the sum of the two numbers a and 7 which means you can’t divide them individually.
Similarly, if you are said to find out the mean of two numbers, b and 6, first you need to add the two, and then the answer by 2.
Algebra is important!
You cannot make these silly errors, your foundation of Algebra and hope to succeed in the future. If required, seek tutoring but don’t give up.
You might love doing Algebra, but if you commit one of the mistakes mentioned above, it can really pull your morale down. I don’t deny your long-hours efforts and practice sessions. But mistakes are part and parcel of every aspect of life. What’s more important is that you learn from them to ensure that they are never repeated! If you are still stuck with Algebra, try to hire an Algebra tutor who can work on your weaknesses and make you a pro
