All of the above involve the investigation of the properties of numbers and quantities by means of general symbols or variables. Many look on algebra as the language of mathematics and it is that language which we will use as a tool to describe, generalize, predict, or make abstract relationships between changing quantities. Hence our title `Algebra: Tools for change'.
In this module we will build on your understanding of algebra and consolidate you technigues of algebraic manipulation developed previously (possibly in Mathematics Tertiary Preparation Level A).
More formally, when you have successfully completed this module you should be able to:
demonstrate an understanding of the nature of a variable;
manipulating algebraic formulas and expressions including fractions using processes of grouping like terms and factorizing;
develop and sollve simple linear equations;
develop and solve quadratic equations by factorizing and by using the quadratic formula;
solve systems of linear equations;
solve word problems involving simple linear equation, simultaneous equations and quadratic equations;
use index laws to simplify allgebraic expressions; and
demonstrate an understanding of absolute value.
