Algebra

= Algebra =

The outline for the following topics in algebra -we will deal with functions in the not too distant future:
 * 1) sequences and series;
 * 2) logarithms and exponents;
 * 3) the binomial theorem.

Sequence & Series
A. In preparation, please log onto the [|Khan Academy] (KA) and watch the following videos on arithmetic sequences:
 * 1) [|Patterns in sequences 1] 2 1/2 min (warning: very basic)
 * 2) [|Patterns in sequences 2] 5 min (OK, still basic)
 * 3) [|Equations of a sequence pattern] 8 1/2 min
 * 4) [|Finding the 100th term in a sequence] 6 min

In class we will extend this to geometric sequences.

B. Once you have a sequence of numbers (remember, we may give them fancy variables, they merely represent numbers!), you can add them ... and you get a series. In preparation for the next step, watch the following KA videos:
 * 1) [|Sequences and Series 1] 9 min (note the mistake at the end!)
 * 2) [|Sequences and series 2] 10 min.

C. A neat application of geometric series is mortgage payments (which themselves aren't so neat), see a nice video by KA on it:
 * 1) [|Geometric series sum to figure out mortgage payments] 17 1/2 min.