Algebra
Algebra is a
branch of mathematics.
Algebra can be likened to the rules which helps to make problem-solving in math easy.
In algebra, the math problem is defined as an equation.
Common terms in algebra include:
| name / term | represented by | comments / examples |
| unknown or variable | a letter of the alphabet | a value (or number) we do not know examples: a, b, x, y, z |
| coefficient | a number in front of the variable | 5p ... 5 is the coefficient and p is the variable 12y ... 12 is the coefficient and y is the variable |
| algebraic term | a number, a letter, a combination of letters, a combination of number and letter |
8, y, ab, xy, 6x, 12a, 100y |
| constant term | a number (without letters) | 9 |
| like terms | terms whose variables are the same | 14e - 5e ... e is the like term |
| mathematical operation | +, - , X, / | add + minus - multiple X |
| algebraic expression | algebraic terms and mathematical operation(s) | x + y a + b - 3cd |
| algebraic equation | algebraic terms, mathematical operation(s) and the equal sign | x + y = 8 x + y = b - (4ab+c) |
The challenge is to simplify the algebraic expressions by collecting "like terms" and then solving the variables.
