Cool Beans SF

Algebra - the Major Branch of Math

October 25th, 2009

Algebra is one of the most fundamental and superior branches of maths. Although at first it may seem to just fly over your head, a lot practicing helps pupils to understand the subject. Students will have to study this for many levels, thus it is crucial to create a sound base from the start.

The Troublesome Areas

Algebra covers a vast number of topics, graphing curves being one of them. This could include charting a circle, graphing systems of complex equations, graphing inequalities or graphing quadratic equations. Some Other topic that is part of algebra has to do with exponents. This can range from subtracting exponents, dividing exponents or just employing the laws of exponents. Rationalizing, factorizing, matrices, hyperbolas and quadratics all have to do with algebra.

Some students find algebra quite challenging. Still, in today’s day and age that is not a problem as virtually every student has access to a computer. A scholar can easily use online mathematics programs that instruct and test pupils. These computer programs also have worksheets to help pupils practice and enhance their mastery. Online tutors are also available and are easy to contact. The fees can be based on number of hours or per module and this works as if the pupil and the tutor were face to face.

How to Get Aid for Algebra

There are a large number of packages that can help students. These computer programs provide step-by-step guides to help pupils over their troubles. These software systems can help you with your homework, test readiness and even exam readiness! As algebra has a vast number of sub-sections you can select software systems that link to your particular difficulty or problem. This could be basic algebra, algebra 1, algebra 2 or just graphs. Some computer software packages also include games and videos that could further develop your algebraic skills.

Algebra calculators are also available online. They can help solve some types of algebraic questions . Mostly these will include questions that have to do with linear equations or fractional inequalities. Various types of calculators help students to focus on various domains of algebra.

Though these software packages and other aids can help many students solve a great number of problems, it is important that other resources are also employed for further enhancing your algebra skills. Using these facilities for cheating would only be a loss to yourself. These package are ideally used for double-checking your answers of your homework assignments rather than using them to complete your homework.

All You Ever Wanted to Learn about Algebra

April 28th, 2009

We can assert that Algebra is the heart of mathematics. If you really want to know about mathematics and its basic principles then you should have a perfect and in depth knowledge of algebra. If someone asks you to get the product of 223 and 112, you can easily do it manually or with a calculator. However, in a case where you need to work around the exponential of 223 and logarithm of 112, you will certainly need an algebraic software application. Graphing a circle will be easy for this given formula X2 + Y2 = 4 but when it comes for an inequality like (X-2)2 + (Y-4)2 > 20 then it will be quite harder to plot the graph. In this situation algebra software package can help you a great deal since you only need to enter the inequality and graph will be plotted within a fraction of second. These software packages can easily solve any kind of algebraic, arithmetic and radical expressions of any level of complexity.

Domain and Range of a Function

Although, deriving the domain and range of a function such as Y = X2 can be easily found by considering the number range on the X-Y plane, defining the domain and range of a log(tan 2x + sin 3x) = cosine(-4)(2x) will be way too difficult. But now you can solve such critical and complex problems with an algebra calculator without breaking sweat and you will also be getting all the steps as well

Coordinate Geometry

Now you can easily find the focus and directrix and whether parabola opens up or down by just inserting the equation into algebra software program. Addition, subtraction and multiplication of binomials are quite deadening, since they involve lots of terms to manipulate. However, by leaving the job up to algebra calculators, you will be able to get results within a shorter period with 100% accuracy. Solving determinants and matrices of 3×3 or 4×4 order can become very hard since it involves lots of calculation; getting inverse of matrices even more so. However using algebra software programs will make this task much simpler.

So now you need not to start worrying when you see indices, rational numbers or exponential equations. Parabolas, hyperbolas or ellipses can all be easily graphed within computer algebra systems.

Mortgage Loan - Understanding FICO Scores

June 19th, 2008

Apply for a mortgage loan and you’ll soon become familiar with FICO scores. Here’s a primer on the infamous FICO scoring process.

FICO scores are merely a mathematical representation of your credit record. Credit records are simply a recording of your debts and assets. Credit card balances, for instance, are a debt that appears on your credit record, as do late payments, bounced checks and so on. Credit, of course, is a huge consideration in the mortgage loan process.

A “credit score” is a figure that represents an overall valuation of how you handle credit and the risk level associated with giving you more credit, to wit, a mortgage loan. The loan underwriter will review your credit report for items such as payment history on debts, debt balances and types of credit you already have. A summary of this information is represented by a figure known as you “FICO score.”

FICO

You may be surprised to learn that “FICO” doesn’t stand for any credit-related terms. Instead, it stands for Fair, Isaac and Company. This company developed the mathematical formula that produces the much loved or hated FICO scores. The FICO score assigned to you determines whether you love or hate the formula.

FICO scores come in a range of three digit numbers. The lowest FICO score you can get is 350. The highest FICO score is 850, a score for which bankers will bow at your feet. The higher your score, the better your credit situation and the more likely a bank is to provide you with a mortgage loan.

Most people do not have perfect credit. To this end, we find most people have FICO scores ranging from the low 600s to the high 700s. Mortgage applications typically are not rejected because of a few late payments.

If you’re considering purchasing a house, you should always try to pre-qualify for a mortgage loan. Getting a reading of your FICO score should be one of the first steps.

Sergio Haros is with Great Western Mortgage - San Diego Mortgage Brokers - providing San Diego home loans. Great Western Mortgage is a San Diego mortgage company writing San Diego mortgages and San Diego refinance and home equity loan.

No-Credit Credit CardsHow to Get Credit with No Prior Credit History

June 15th, 2008

Most young adults struggle with getting approved for credit. This is not because they have poor credit; rather, it’s because they have no credit history. Having no credit history can be just as bad as having bad credit. However, there are ways that you can begin building your credit. This article discusses some of the best credit-building options.

Get a Parent with Good Credit to Co-Sign

If you have a parent who has good credit and is willing to co-sign for a loan for you, this can be an excellent way to build a credit history. Loan companies will base their approval decision on your co-signer’s credit rather than yours, so you’ll likely receive better interest rates.

Secured Credit Cards

Secured credit cards require you to deposit money into a savings account to be used as collateral. For example, if you deposit $500 into a savings account, then your credit limit on your secured card would be $500. You then use the card just as you would any other credit card, the difference being that if you cannot repay the borrowed money, it is simply deducted from the balance of the savings account that you would receive upon closing the account. Secured credit cards are primarily for borrowers who want to build their credit, so they generally report to all three major credit bureaus monthly.

Department Store Credit Cards

Another option for obtaining a credit card is to apply for a department store, grocery store, or gas station credit card. These types of cards generally have less strict guidelines on whom they offer credit. This can be beneficial for consumers who frequently shop at the store they obtain credit through because they are more likely to use the card for necessary expenses, and less likely to splurge on items they wouldn’t buy with cash. Take a moment to view our recommended list of providers who specialize in credit and credit history at www.abcloanguide.com

Once you have a means of building a credit history, it is important to be responsible and make your payments on time every month. It will be considerably harder to get credit if you have a short history of bad credit.

View our list of providers for a Free Credit Report and Credit Rating. Also, see our information and listed companies to help you Improve Your Credit Rating.

California Bad Credit Loan - Focus on how to Raise Your Credit Score

June 1st, 2008

Before we discuss how to raise your credit score, let’s take a quick look at how your credit score is calculated. The major determinants of credit score are the following: on time (or late) payment of financial obligations and debts (35%), your ratio of current revolving debt (ex: credit card balances) to the total available revolving credit (ex: credit limits) (30%), your length of credit history (15%), your types of credit used (installment, revolving) (10%), and your credit levels obtained in past (10%).

Arriving at your credit score is based on the previous formula, although there are steps you can take to augment these variables. Let’s take a look at each variable with a focus towards what is in your power to help you raise your credit score.

On time (or late) payment of financial debt:

Making sure you pay your bills on time is extremely important when it comes to maintaining a high credit score. Any payment that is more than 30 days late can affect your score. (Note: if you get a bill on the 1st of the month but it doesn’t come due until the 15th, it does not become 30 days late until the 15th of the following month.) Once a bill is 30 days past due, the issuing creditor can report this information to the credit bureaus. Typically, however, creditors will not report damaging credit information to the bureaus until 60 to 90 days after it is past due.

If a borrower has limited funds one month and must decide on whether to pay Bill A or Bill B, the smart move (less damaging to your credit score) is to pay the higher of the two. Also, avoid declaring bankruptcy as it will affect your credit score for at least 7 years. The better move for most borrowers is to work with a credit counseling service that can help improve your credit score.

Lower Your Ratio of Revolving Debt:

If you can stay between 10-30% of your maximum credit limit on each credit line, and you do not exceed 50% on any credit line, your credit score will not be adversely affect. This can be difficult, especially when you are transferring debt to low interest credit cards, must make a large purchase using credit, etc. From a credit score perspective, lowering your ratio of revolving debt will lead to a higher score than consolidating everything into one credit line.

A good move is to convert as much revolving debt to installment payments at least 45 days prior to making a large purchase such as a car or buying a home.

Maintain 3-5 credit lines in order to establish credit, establish your ability to make monthly payments and to boost the amount of credit that lenders are willing to extend to you.

One way to begin to establish credit is to become an authorized signatory on a parent’s credit card. As long as the minimum balance is paid each month, the signatory’s credit will be established - even if they do not personally use the card.

Be able to access credit lines online or at least through monthly statements. This is especially true for student loans, which are notorious for being reported multiple times - creating the appearance that a borrowers monthly payment obligations are higher than they really are.

If you plan to make a large purchase or takeout a large loan, avoid checking your credit multiple times as this will slightly lower your credit score. The best move is to ask for a copy of your credit from a mortgage broker, for instance, if they are going to pull your credit. Each subsequent financial institution will accept your copy if it has been made within the last 30 days.

Length and Levels of Credit:

Both the length of time that you have had your lines of credit, as well as the amount of credit extended to you, will affect your credit score. Length of time is important for credit agencies as it reflects a stability in your relationship to creditors. This is why it is a good idea to hold onto credit lines that have high credit limits and have been open for many years as they look good to creditors and improve your ratio of revolving debt.

Levels of credit is important because it shows that you generate income — the higher your income, the more credit will be extending to you. This may come in very handy when you are looking to make that first big house purchase.

Corey Senn is a Senior Partner with A Bad Credit Lender, a California based mortgage lender that specializes in hard money and California bad credit loans.

How To Choose Your New Credit Card

May 30th, 2008

Choosing a new credit card is not just a personal choice. It’s a lifestyle choice. There are hundreds of credit cards to choose from and savvy shoppers will want to choose credit cards that suit the way they spend and the things they want to do.

Why Do You Need A Credit Card?

First of all, consumers need to consider why they need a credit card. For example, some people may be using the credit card to improve their personal cash flow. They could do this by banking your salary, putting all purchases on the credit card and paying it off before the interest is due. Meanwhile, their salary sits in a current or savings account earning interest.

Other people may want to use their credit card for occasional luxury purchases, such as going on holiday or having a day out with some friends. Still others may use a credit card to pay for purchases where they want the extra consumer protection many credit cards offer. Paying by credit card gives consumers some comeback if there is a fault with the item purchased. This can be useful if manufacturers don’t want to give a refund.

Some people may want to use their credit card to have ready access to cash, for example when going on holiday. People who are planning to use their credit cards for cash advances will need to choose a card that has a low rate for this type of transaction.

How Will You Repay The Credit Card?

The next question people need to ask is how they want to make the payments. If they want to clear thier credit card each month, they will need a different type of credit card to someone who is planning to clear only part of the balance.

It is also useful to check on introductory rates, balance transfer rates and any special offers that apply when taking out a new credit card. Some credit cards offer lifetime balance transfer rates that are much lower than the standard variable rate. Others offer reductions in the variable rate for periods of up to 12 months. Still others offer an incentive for taking out the card, such as cash back or a sports bag.

What Incentives Are There?

Another area to look at is incentives for using the credit card. For example, some credit cards offer cash back on credit card purchases which people can apply to pay off the card. Others offer discounts when the credit card is used with certain manufacturers. Still others offer the option of making charitable contributions on customers’ behalf.

A key area to consider is the annual percentage rate (APR). This is the rate that customers pay on purchases once the incentive period has run out. These rates vary considerably, so it is worth shopping around.

Credit Card Payment Rates And Fees

The minimum payment is another area of concern. Minimum payments on outstanding balances tend to start around 3% but some may be lower and others may be much higher. Finally, the interest free period is of big concern - you’ll want to go for the longest period you can get to keep those payments down.

Finally, consumers need to consider any other fees that might apply to the credit card account. Some credit cards charge one-off setup fees; others charge annual fees; still others charge no fees for owning the card. It’s best for consumers to read the small print to see what fees and rates apply to the cards they have chosen.

Joe Kenny writes for Credit Card Guide, offering the latest information on credit cards in the UK, visit them today us to apply for a balance transfer credit card and start clearing credit card debt today.
Visit today: www.cardguide.co.uk/

How Credit Scoring Works

April 20th, 2008

The all important credit score! It determines the amount of loan you can get, it determines the interest rate at which you are charged for a loan, etc. Your credit score plays an important figure in your financial life. So what goes into making that all important score of yours? How does it increase, how does it decrease and what are the factors that go into its calculation?

Your credit score is a number that reflects on the likelihood at which you will pay back a loan. Scores range from 350 (high risk) to 950 (low risk). Credit scores do not take into consideration your income, how much savings you have or demographic factors such as gender, race or nationality. Your credit score is affected by your current debt level, your past delinquencies, your credit history and how many times your credit report is pulled up by various agencies. Your score considers both positive and negative information in your credit report. For instance, recorded late payments will lower your credit score while a good track record of making payments on time will raise your credit score. Timely payment of your bills is important to ensure you maintain a good credit score. The amount of balance you have left on your credit card, how many credit card accounts you hold and your use of revolving credit also affect your credit score to a great extent.

Your credit score and credit report is formed on the basis of your credit history and you need to have at least one account which has been open or updated in the past six months to get a credit score. If you do not meet the minimum criteria for getting a score, you may need to establish a credit history prior to applying for a mortgage.

All in all, if you can pay for all your debts in a timely and consistent manner and not take more debt than you can handle, your credit score shouldn’t be able to trouble you in life. So take care and be wise with your finances.

Sameer S Panjwani is the CEO and Founder of ChoiceOfHomes.com - A Real Estate Portal for Home Buying, Selling and Renting. Website url: http://www.choiceofhomes.com

How Credit Card Debt Effects You

April 5th, 2008

The statistics are truly mind numbing and continue to get worse each and every year. At the current rate about 1% or one in a hundred families will be forced to declare bankruptcy at some point and over 90% of Americans’ disposable income is spent paying back debts.

Not a happy picture but as bleak as that sounds running won’t change it but knowledge may and so, let’s take a quick snapshot at a few of the current credit card debt statistics facing so many Americans today.

The American Consumer spends over 1 trillion (that’s a 1 with 12 zeros) per year on credit card purchases. Not a big deal in and of itself but the problem lies in that they end up carrying over and paying interest on about half that amount or $500 billion. This translates into a balance of between $5,000 and $8,000 per family, with about $1,000 per year going just to pay the interest.

That’s just the average - many people owe much, much more!

Excessive Debt Costs Everyone Money
Many American receive at least one new credit card offer in the mail every day. The money being spent to service the debt industry is truly immense. Billions are spent administering, calculating and marketing the various aspects of the credit card industry.

Few industries or people escape unscathed, at least in the long run by debt. The burden that bankruptcy puts on the court system or the cost to government of providing subsidized debt counseling, are just a few examples of how debt effects the nation. In addition, consumers with excessive debt have less to spend and when money isn’t flowing, it hurts the economy.

Whatever Happened to Saving?
Debt is becoming increasingly more common. Not long ago, even a little debt was considered to be absolutely unacceptable. When you wanted something, you saved up for it and bought it ONLY after you had enough money to actually pay for it. And, if you had less than perfect credit, you couldn’t even get a credit card. Look at consumer debt figures as little as 50 years ago and they were absurdly low - the way most of the non-Western world is today.

The reasons are many and everyone has an opinion but regardless of the reasons, the art of saving, at least in the “western world” seems to have been lost. Outside of a 401K or similar vehicle offered at your place of employment, virtually nobody is saving enough for retirement. Banks are starting to have to offer ever-higher interest rates to get people to put money anywhere near a savings account. In fact, few people even have a savings account anymore. Most people have a checking account and that’s it. Our society and progressed into a “now” culture and the virtues of patience that help grow this country seem to have been lost. Whatever it takes to live life in the present with little regard for the future, appears to be the prevailing sentiment.

Is Over Spending the Culprit?
Ok, I’ve been a bit harsh up until now but I don’t want to give the impression that the only reason you’re in debt is because you continuously and frivolously overspend. Other factors are involved.

Truth be told, many people get buried in debt because of the loss of a job or an illness and they use credit cards to pay for basic expenses. As a result, they fall into the downward interest trap spiral as their debt grows out of control from just a few thousand dollars initially borrowed to pay for essentials.

Most people do have a reasonable sense of what they can afford and they don’t just go out and use credit cards to buy any and everything. Getting heavily into debt is usually a combination of many factors but the problem lies in people leaving balances on their credit cards for too long and not realizing just how deadly compounding interest really is to their financial well-being.

Amber Knutson is a contributing writer to: www.aneyeondebt.com and www.debtmergeresources.com and www.debtmgmtresources.com. This article may be reproduced only in its entirety.