Category: Algebra

Quartic functions are used to find the intersection of two ellipses or the eigenvalues of a 4 by 4 matrix.  However, there is a lot to know about these fourth degree polynomials, their roots,...

Quintic functions are used in celestial mechanics to solve for Lagrangian points.  However, there is a lot to know about these fifth degree polynomials, their roots, and their graphs. So,...

In algebra, a difference of squares is just one method of factoring expressions.  It is used in the special case when we have a binomial with square terms: one positive term and one negative...

Parallel lines are used often in geometry (for proofs) or in algebra (as the result of systems of linear equations).  No matter how you use this important concept, it helps to know when two...

Cubic functions are useful for modeling the volume of objects (such as spheres or boxes).  However, there is a lot to know about these third degree polynomials, their roots, and their...

Direct variation comes up often in math and is also used in our everyday lives.  However, there are still lots of questions that you can ask about direct variation. So, what is direct...