What Is Algebra?

Question

I'm In Year 8 And I'm Doing A Test This Week On Algebra And I Need To Revise For It ... Any Revision Help?

How Do You Work Out Algebra Sums?

Answer 1

Here are some definitions of algebra;
the mathematics of generalized arithmetical operations
wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

Algebra is a branch of mathematics which may be roughly characterized as a generalization and extension of arithmetic, in which symbols are employed to denote operations, and letters to represent number and quantity; it also refers to a particular kind of abstract algebra structure, the algebra over a field. The word algebra is of Arabic origin.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algebra

In mathematics, a *-algebra is an associative algebra over the field of complex numbers with an antilinear, antiautomorphism * : A → A which is an involution. More precisely, * is required to satisfy the following properties: * * * * for all x,y in A, and all z in C.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/*-algebra

In ring theory, an algebra over a base ring is a generalization of the concept of associative algebra.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algebra_(ring_theory)

a branch of mathematics in which mathematical relations are explored by using letters or symbols to represent numbers
www.ovsd.k12.ca.us/Standards/mathglossary.html

A branch of mathematics that substitutes letters for numbers. An algebraic equation represents a scale, what is done on one side of the scale with a number is also done to the other side of the scale. The numbers are the constants.
math.about.com/library/bla.htm

A branch of mathematics in which variables are substituted for unknown values to solve a particular problem.
www.bagatrix.net/glossary/math_glossary_a.htm

A form of advanced arithmetic in which letters of the alphabet represent unknown numbers. Children use simple algebra when they solve a problem such as 4 + ? =7 (a problem they would phrase as "4 + x = 7" when they get older and begin to study algebra).
www.surfnetparents.com/math_glossary.html

The branch of mathematics that is the generalization of the ideas of arithmetic.
www.dolorescounty.k12.co.us/math_glossary.htm

area of math dealing in representing numbers with letters Example:x+5=8 solve for x
www.beekmanlibrary.org/Mgloss.html

Answer 2

Algebra is using letters for unknowns.
e.g 2x+4=8.

When solving algebraic equations, the sides need to be equal. For example, to solve the above, you take away 4 from both sides (to get rid of it)

2x=4

Then you divide by 2 on both sides (to get rid of the 2 and leave the x)

x=4.

Does that help? Try BBC bitesize (ks3), you can do tests on there

Answer 3

Algebra is a branch of mathematics concerning the study of structure, relation and quantity. The name is derived from the treatise written by the Persian mathematician Muhammad ibn Mūsā al-Khwārizmī titled (in Arabic كتاب الجبر والمقابلة )Al-Kitab al-Jabr wa-l-Muqabala (meaning "The Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing"), which provided symbolic operations for the systematic solution of linear and quadratic equations.

Together with geometry, analysis, combinatorics, and number theory, algebra is one of the several main branches of mathematics. Elementary algebra is often part of the curriculum in secondary education and provides an introduction to the basic ideas of algebra, including effects of adding and multiplying numbers, the concept of variables, definition of polynomials, along with factorization and determining their roots.

Algebra is much broader than elementary algebra and can be generalized. In addition to working directly with numbers, algebra covers working with symbols, variables, and set elements. Addition and multiplication are viewed as general operations, and their precise definitions lead to structures such as groups, rings and fields.

Answer 4

You'll have been doing algebra for years.
IF you really can't get your head around it, change the letters into things you can visualise..like 5 apples and 3 pears cost 70p, if apples cost 8p how nmuch is a pear?
See, you'd be able to do it if you went shopping...just pretend it is shopping they are talking about.

Answer 5

3X + 5 = 32

Solve for X

Welcome to Algebra

Answer 6

o goodness. i love algebra. its hard at first but it gets easier to understand as the years go by. ummmm im not sure IF u can really revise for it..... heres a test tho : good luck!

http://www.targeon.org.uk/jrw/alg/quests.htm

Answer 7

The easy way because you are not doing the more advanced stuff yet is to remember that what you do to one side you have to do to the other. Another way is to substitute numbers that you do know into the equation until it makes sense to you.

Answer 8

numbers and letters

for exsample
2xdivided by 3y

its easy when you know it go on the bbc bitesize then revise on there
good luck with your test and dont worrie

Answer 9

Algebra is math using variables (letters tat stand for a unknown number)

Answer 10

Algebra is maths using pure logic!
Have fun its great!