Can someone explain the basics of Algebra to me before i go back to school next week!?

Question

Please explain it, as though i am the thickest person alive. Then i will understand =] Thanks!

Answer 1

Sure... given an equation (which contains variables), you simply do whatever it takes to get a single variable alone on one side of the equation. Once you do this you have solved for that variable. If there is only one variable, you are done. If there are multiple variables then you need multiple equations and you will then plug in the solution from the first equation into the next equation. You then repeat until you have solved for the last variable. Then you can work backwards and solve for the rest of the variables.

Answer 2

Algebra is like a balance. The pivot is the "=" sign. The trick is to get everything into one pan while maintaining the balance...

Impossible?

Well, not quite, if one follows two fundamental rules:

//////////////////// fundamental rule #1:

If the same thing is done to each side of an equation, the equation remains the same. This applies to addition, multiplication, subtraction and division.

Simple proof : if 2 = 2 then 2 + 1 = 2 + 1

Well, too simple perhaps, but it does illustrate the principle nicely. In real world Algebra, there are unknowns involved of course. For example:

2 + X = 3

Here the variable is "X". The goal in solving all algebra is to isolate the variable, while simutaneously preserving the integrity of the equation. The way this works is as follows:

2 + (-2) + X = 3 + (-2)

Note we have added a negative "2" to both sides of the equation in accordance to fundamental rule number 1. Simple addition then yields:

X = 1

Thus, the answer.

///////////////////// fundamental rule # 2

anything divided by itself is 1.000

This isn't quite profound until it is used to solve equations. Try and solve the following:

3X(X + 1) = 4X(X + 2)

This ugly beast can be easilt domesticated using the two fundamental rules presented. First, use rule #2 and multiply both sides by (1/X):

3X(1/X)(X + 1) = 4X(1/X)(X + 2), or:
3(1.000)(X + 1) = 4(1.000)(X + 2), or:
3(X + 1) = 4(X + 2) or 3X + 3 = 4X + 8

Next, apply rule number 1:

3X - 4X + 3 - 3 = 4X - 4X + 8 - 3

thus: -X = 5, and multiplying both sides by (-1) gives X = -5

I might also note that anything*(this + that) = anything * this + anything * that.

Thus, this is actually the basis of everything one needs to know to solve algebra. Be aware that the course is also going to involve systems of simutaneous equations, but this is not necessarily algebra. Also expect lots of quadratic equations, but again, they can be solved using simple algebra.

good luck!

Answer 3

Here are some topics you can search on wikipedia.com
Order of Operation
Exponents
Exponential Power
Polynominals
Quadratic Equations
Inverse
Radical Expressional
Rational and Irrational Numbers
Prime Numbers
Natural Numbers
Power of 0
Solve for x
Reduce
Distrubutive Property
Communcative ? Property
Percentages
Properties of 0
Implied 1
Simplify
Efficient numbers
Coefficent
Cross Multiply
Algebraic Equations
To divide exponent numbers, subtract the exponent numbers
To multiply the exponent numbers, add the exponent numbers
To muliply the exponent numbers within a parenthesis multiply the two exponent numbers
Cartisian ? Plane
Slope
Rise/Run
Quadrants
Divide polynominals
Factor polynominals
Square Roots

Answer 4

An equal sign separates the left side from the right side of an equation. That means the left side is the same value as the right side.

Therefore, remember whatever you do to one side of the equation you MUST do the same to the other side of the equation.

If you multiply the left side by a value you MUST multiply the right side by the same value. Whatever the operation on the equation, remember you must perform the same operation on both sides of the equation.

Hope this helps, good luck with algebra, study hard, and always do your homework.
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