Algebra is a branch of mathematics that deals with symbols and the rules for manipulating those
symbols. It's a foundational area of mathematics and is used to solve equations and understand
relationships between variables. Here's an overview of key concepts in algebra:
1. Variables and Constants
Variables are symbols (often letters like x, y, z) that represent unknown values or values
that can change.
Constants are fixed values (like numbers 1, 2, 3, etc.) that don’t change.
2. Expressions
An algebraic expression consists of numbers, variables, and operations (such as
addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division). For example:
o 2x+32x + 32x+3
o 5y−45y - 45y−4
o 3a+7b3a + 7b3a+7b
3. Equations
An equation is a mathematical statement that two expressions are equal. For example:
o 2x+3=72x + 3 = 72x+3=7
The goal is to solve the equation by finding the value(s) of the variable that makes the
equation true.
4. Operations
Algebra follows basic arithmetic operations and additional rules:
Addition and subtraction of like terms (e.g., 3x+2x=5x3x + 2x = 5x3x+2x=5x).
Multiplication and division (e.g., 3x⋅2=6x3x \cdot 2 = 6x3x⋅2=6x or 6x2=3x\frac{6x}
{2} = 3x26x=3x).
Distributive property: a(b+c)=ab+aca(b + c) = ab + aca(b+c)=ab+ac.
Exponentiation: Powers and roots (e.g., x2x^2x2, x\sqrt{x}x).
5. Solving Equations
Solving algebraic equations involves isolating the variable. Steps often include:
Simplifying both sides.
Using inverse operations to eliminate terms (e.g., subtracting, dividing).
Solving for the variable.
Example:
2x+3=72x + 3 = 72x+3=7
Subtract 3 from both sides:
2x=42x = 42x=4
Divide both sides by 2:
x=2x = 2x=2
6. Types of Equations
Linear equations: Equations of the form ax+b=0ax + b = 0ax+b=0, where aaa and bbb
are constants. The solution is usually a single value for xxx.
Quadratic equations: Equations of the form ax2+bx+c=0ax^2 + bx + c = 0ax2+bx+c=0.
Solutions can be found using factoring, completing the square, or the quadratic formula.
Exponential equations: Equations where variables appear as exponents (e.g., 2x=162^x
= 162x=16).
Systems of equations: A set of two or more equations with multiple variables (e.g.,
solving x+y=5x + y = 5x+y=5 and x−y=1x - y = 1x−y=1 simultaneously).
7. Factoring
Factoring involves breaking down an expression into simpler terms. It's useful in solving
equations, especially quadratic ones. For example:
Factoring x2+5x+6x^2 + 5x + 6x2+5x+6 gives (x+2)(x+3)(x + 2)(x + 3)(x+2)(x+3).
8. Functions
A function is a relationship where each input has exactly one output. It’s often written as
f(x)=x2+3xf(x) = x^2 + 3xf(x)=x2+3x, where f(x)f(x)f(x) is the function and xxx is the
variable.
Functions are central in algebra, calculus, and beyond, representing various real-world
phenomena.
9. Inequalities
Inequalities express relationships where two expressions are not necessarily equal, but one is
greater than or less than the other:
x>3x > 3x>3
x≤5x \leq 5x≤5
Solving inequalities often involves similar steps to solving equations, but you need to
reverse the inequality sign when multiplying or dividing by a negative number.
10. Polynomials
A polynomial is an expression that involves terms with variables raised to whole number
powers. Examples include:
3x2+2x+13x^2 + 2x + 13x2+2x+1
x3−5x2+4xx^3 - 5x^2 + 4xx3−5x2+4x
Polynomials can be factored, expanded, or used in functions.
