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Algebraic Number for Dummies

noun


What does Algebraic Number really mean?

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Hey there! So, you wanna know what an "algebraic number" is? Well, don't you worry, I'm here to break it down for you in the simplest way possible.

Okay, imagine you have a bunch of numbers, like 1, 2, 3, and so on. These numbers are called "natural numbers" because they come naturally to us humans when we count things. Now, let's say you want to solve some equations or problems, but you realize that you need more numbers than just these natural numbers. That's where "algebraic numbers" come into play!

An algebraic number is just a fancy name for a number that can be found by solving an algebraic equation. Woah, hold on, what's an algebraic equation? Well, it's just a mathematical statement that uses operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as variables (letters like x and y) to represent unknown values.

To give you an example, let's say we have the equation x^2 - 5 = 0. In this equation, x is the unknown value we want to find. By solving this equation, we can actually find a new number, namely the square root of 5! This means that the square root of 5 is an algebraic number because we can find it by solving an algebraic equation.

Now, there are different types of algebraic numbers. Some are called "rational numbers", which are numbers that can be expressed as fractions. For example, 1/2, 3/5, and even 0.25 are all rational numbers. But there are also "irrational numbers" like the square root of 2 or pi, which cannot be expressed as fractions. These numbers can also be considered algebraic because we can find them by solving algebraic equations.

To sum it up, an algebraic number is just a number that can be found by solving an algebraic equation, which is a mathematical statement using operations and variables. It's kind of like unlocking new numbers that are hiding in equations! So, next time when you come across this term, you'll know that it's talking about numbers that are rooted in algebra. Keep on learning, and you'll solve any equation that comes your way!

Revised and Fact checked by Ava Hernandez on 2023-11-06 03:49:15

Algebraic Number In a sentece

Learn how to use Algebraic Number inside a sentece

  • An algebraic number is any number that can be a solution to a polynomial equation with integer coefficients. For example, 2 is an algebraic number because it satisfies the equation x - 2 = 0.
  • Another example of an algebraic number is -5. It is a solution to the equation x + 5 = 0.
  • The square root of 3 is also an algebraic number. It satisfies the equation x^2 - 3 = 0.
  • Pi (π) is not an algebraic number because it cannot be a solution to any polynomial equation with integer coefficients.
  • The number 1/2 is an algebraic number because it satisfies the equation 2x - 1 = 0.

Algebraic Number Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.