PROJECT HEADWAY GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Topic: Basic Algebra
Subject Teacher: A S M Shahria
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Introduction to Algebra
Algebra is a branch of mathematics that uses symbols (like letters) to represent numbers in
equations and expressions. These symbols are called variables.
For example:
● x + 3 = 7 → Here, x is a variable.
● y - 5 = 10 → Here, y is a variable.
Why Do We Use Algebra?
● It helps solve problems quickly.
● It is used in real-life situations like calculating money, speed, and distance.
● It makes math easier to understand.
1. Algebraic Expressions
An algebraic expression is a combination of numbers, variables, and mathematical operations.
Examples:
● 2x + 5
● 3y - 4
● 5a + 2b - 7
Evaluating Expressions
To evaluate an expression, substitute a number for the variable.
Example: If x = 2, find the value of 3x + 4.
● 3(2) + 4 = 6 + 4 = 10
2. Constants and Variables
A constant is a fixed number that does not change. It is the opposite of a variable, which can take
different values.
Examples:
● In 5x + 3, the number 3 is a constant because it does not change, while x is a variable.
● In 7y - 2, the number -2 is a constant.
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3. Solving Simple Equations
An equation is a mathematical statement that shows two expressions are equal.
Solving Equations
To find the value of the variable, use inverse operations.
Example 1: x + 5 = 12
● Subtract 5 from both sides: x = 12 - 5
● x=7
Example 2: 3y = 15
● Divide both sides by 3: y = 15 ÷ 3
● y=5
Example 3 (Negative Calculation): x - 8 = -3
● Add 8 to both sides: x = -3 + 8
● x=5
Example 4 (Division Calculation): 6x = 18
● Divide both sides by 6: x = 18 ÷ 6
● x=3
Example 5 (Fractional Division Calculation): x/6 + 10 = 15
● Subtract 10 from both sides: x/6 = 15 - 10
● x/6 = 5
● Multiply both sides by 6: x = 5 × 6
● x = 30
4. Addition and Subtraction in Algebra
● Adding variables: x + x = 2x
● Subtracting variables: 5y - 2y = 3y
Example:
● 2x + 3x = 5x
● 7y - 4y = 3y
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5. Multiplication and Division in Algebra
● Multiplying variables: x × x = x²
● Dividing variables: 6x ÷ 3 = 2x
Example:
● 4 × x = 4x
● 10y ÷ 2 = 5y
6. Word Problems in Algebra
Example 1:
Sara has x apples. If she buys 3 more, she has 10 apples. How many apples did she originally
have?
Equation: x + 3 = 10
● Subtract 3 from both sides: x = 10 - 3
● x=7
Example 2:
A bus has 4 times the number of students in a car. If there are 32 students in the bus, how many are
in the car?
Equation: 4x = 32
● Divide by 4: x = 32 ÷ 4
● x=8
Practice Problems and Solutions:
1. Solve: x - 4 = 9
○ Add 4 to both sides: x = 9 + 4
○ x = 13
2. Find the value if y = 3: 2y + 5
○ 2(3) + 5 = 6 + 5
○ 11
3. If a = 6, find the value of 5a - 2
○ 5(6) - 2 = 30 - 2
○ 28
4. A box has y pencils. If you add 7 more, there are 20 pencils. Find y.
○ y + 7 = 20
○ Subtract 7 from both sides: y = 20 - 7
○ y = 13
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5. A watermelon weighs x kg. If another watermelon weighs 3 times as much and has a
total weight of 12 kg, find x.
○ 3x = 12
○ Divide by 3: x = 12 ÷ 3
○ x=4
6. Solve: x - 6 = -2
○ Add 6 to both sides: x = -2 + 6
○ x=4
7. Solve: 5x = 20
○ Divide by 5: x = 20 ÷ 5
○ x=4
8. Solve: x/4 + 3 = 8
○ Subtract 3 from both sides: x/4 = 8 - 3
○ x/4 = 5
○ Multiply by 4: x = 5 × 4
○ x = 20
9. Solve: x/5 - 2 = 6
○ Add 2 to both sides: x/5 = 6 + 2
○ x/5 = 8
○ Multiply by 5: x = 8 × 5
○ x = 40
Conclusion
● Algebra uses letters to represent numbers.
● We can solve equations by performing inverse operations.
● Algebra is useful in real-life situations.
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