SCOPE

While KIN24x7 is not designed to be a tutoring service, librarians often receive questions on how to do mathematics problems, including algebra. Librarians should strive to provide resources that will assist patrons in resolving issues with these kinds of problems.

VOCABULARY

Library Catalogs

Library of Congress (LC) subject headings:

Broader Terms:

• Mathematics

Narrower Terms (Selected):

• Algorithms
• Binomial theorem
• Equations
• Factors (Algebra)
• Logarithms
• Ordered algebraic structures
• Permutations
• Polynomials

Related Terms:

• Mathematical analysis

Keywords

• polynomial = a mathematical function that is the sum of a number of terms (Source)
• quadratic equation = A quadratic equation is a second-order polynomial equation in a single variable x. These take the form: ax2+bx+c=0. (Source)
• linear equation = equations with just a plain old variable like "x", rather than something more complicated like x2, x/y, square roots, etc. (Source)

Suggested Google Search String(s)

• solving|solution|solutions|solve quadratic equation|equations
• factor|factoring equation|equations

Library Catalog Call Numbers

• DDC - 510
• LC - QA150

ONLINE RESOURCES

Web Sites

• Algebra.help.com
  • http://www.algebrahelp.com/
  • Algebra.help is an online resource designed to help people learn algebra. It offers lessons to teach or refresh old skills. One of the best features is its Equation Calculator that will actually solve problems step-by-step. Other features include interactive worksheets for testing skills, study tips, and tables of perfect squares and prime factors (The Sieve of Eratosthenes)." - from The Math Forum @ Drexel
• Quadratic Equation Solver
  • http://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/quadratic/
  • This online application will solve equations of the form ax2 + bx + c = 0. (The "Plot" button does not appear to work, although it will solve the equations.) Other helpful algebra resources can be found at Algebra Homework Center at www.algebra.com/algebra/homework
• MathWorld: The Web's Most Extensive Mathematics Resource
  • http://mathworld.wolfram.com/
  • MathWorldTM is the web's most extensive mathematical resource, provided as a free service to the world's mathematics and internet communities as part of a commitment to education and educational outreach by Wolfram Research, makers of Mathematica.

Math Homework Help Videos Online

• Khan Academy
  • http://www.khanacademy.org/
  • Almost 2,500 videos in a wide range of mathematical topics from pre-algrebra to trigonometry.

Government Documents

• Math Refresher (NASA): http://www-istp.gsfc.nasa.gov/stargaze/Smath.htm
• Teaching Materials: Algebra (NASA)

  PRINT RESOURCES

  Books

  • Class Zone at www.classzone.com/about.cfm - Online books (in various subjects) from McDougal Littell
  • McKellar, Danica. Hot X: Algebra Exposed. Hudson Street Press (August 3, 2010). ISBN: 978-1594630705
    • McKellar has written two other previous math titles for middle schoolers and graduated summa cum laude in mathematics from UCLA.