Beginners Guide To Algebra
Beginners Guide To Algebra
Algebra is a branch of mathematics that uses symbols and letters to represent numbers and quantities. Understanding
variables, constants, and operations is essential. Variables (like x or y) represent unknown values, while constants are fixed
numbers. Basic operations in algebra include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, just like in arithmetic.
An algebraic expression combines numbers, variables, and operations, such as 2x+32x + 32x+3. To solve linear equations
(like ax+b=cax + b = cax+b=c), isolate the variable by performing inverse operations. For example, to solve 2x+3=112x + 3
= 112x+3=11, subtract 3 from both sides to get 2x=82x = 82x=8 and then divide by 2, yielding x=4x = 4x=4.
Inequalities express relationships using symbols like >>> or <<<. For instance, to solve x+5<12x + 5 < 12x+5<12, subtract 5
to find x<7x < 7x<7. The distributive property allows you to multiply a single term by multiple terms in parentheses, as in
3(x+4)=3x+123(x + 4) = 3x + 123(x+4)=3x+12.
Combining like terms involves simplifying expressions with similar variables, such as turning 2x+3x+42x + 3x + 42x+3x+4
into 5x+45x + 45x+4. Practicing word problems helps translate real-life situations into algebraic equations. For example, if a
pencil costs xxx dollars and 5 pencils cost $3, you set up the equation 5x=35x = 35x=3 and solve for xxx to find x=0.6x =
0.6x=0.6.