Algebra Study Guide

THE ESSENCE OF ALGEBRA

Algebra is a powerful tool that makes solving complicated problems much easier. It is the basic mathematical language of technical fields from auto mechanics to nursing and electronics. Algebra is a tool that uses addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to solve problems. It is characterized by four concepts that are especially important in the study of algebra.

1. Algebra uses both positive and negative numbers.

2. Algebra uses letters to stand for numbers.

3. In algebra, problems to be solved are represented as equations.

4. An algebraic equation is solved by finding the value of the unknown that makes the equation a true statement.

Remember there is no magic or luck involved in learning algebra. Studying the rules and processes and practicing what you’ve learned is the key to success in algebra!