Hey guys!  Check out this website for help with your Algebra troubles.  There are some great links too!
 

        Let's start with linear equations.  These are those which include one variable in place of a number, a number that you want to find.  Use my easy steps, along with its example to try one for yourself.
 

7s+(-29)=(-15)	When you see an equation such as this, you must understand that you want to know what the variable represents.  To do this, the other numbers need to be eliminated from the equation.
7s+(-29)=(-15)              +29     +29                  7s = 14	Begin by combining like terms.  Any numbers without the variable must be on one side of the equal sign.  In this case, add 29 to both sides.  If 29 would have been positive, you would need to subtract.
7s = 14                        7	After the last step, you have a number times the variable equals another number.  Since the variable needs to be alone, divide both sides by the number in front of the variable.  The answer will not always be a whole number.
s = 2	The answer should always be written in this form.

 

        Another type of equation you will commonly see is literal equations.  They can contain no numerical values.  Instead, variables are used.  When solving, you want to change the equation so that you may find the value for a different variable.  Any formula is a literal equation.  Let's try one together.
 

d=rt for t	"d" is equal to "r" times "t".  In order to isolate the "t", you must divide "d" by "r".  The reason you do this is because "r" times "t" equals "d" and you must divide because it is the opposite.
t=d      r	When the problem is completed, it should appear like this.  To reverse the problem, multiply the "r" to the "t".  Literal equations are a neverending process.

 
 

So=Do   for Di Si    Di	Although it looks different, this is also a literal equation.  You are trying to isolate "Di", so multiply "Do" to both sides.  It will cancel out on the right, and be put alongside the other variables over the division bar on the left.
Di=Do So           Si	Just like the first example, you can isolate any variable by following simple rules.  Literal equations take on various appearances, so look out for 'em!

 

   In Algebra, there are equations everywhere.  The most commonly used is the slope intercept.  It is written in the form of y=mx+b.  It enables you to graph lines and find its points.  Another is standard and is expressed as x+y=b.  The third is prbably the easiest to derive an equation from.  It is point slope form and is written as y-y1=m(x-x1).  Each of these can be transformed into the two others.  They will all graph the same and represent the same model.  Look here to make your graphing troubles disappear!
 
 

(1,-1) ----- y-y1=m(x-x1)	When you are given points of a line, you can substitute them in to this simple equation.  The 1 replaces the y1 and the -1 takes the place of x1.
y-(1)=m(x-(-1))                 (3,3) is the other point                                and is a horizontal line y-(1)=2(x-(-1)) y+-1=2x+2   +1      +1 y=2x+3	If you are given one point, then there will be another one also.  Use them to calculate the slope of the line.  The slope will take the place of the m in the equation.  After you have found the slope, you can solve.
y=2x+3 -3      -3 -3+y=2x    -y  -y 2x-y=-3	When you have solved for Y, the equation will now be in slope intercept form.  This makes it easy to graph and understand the appearance of the line.  Now we will transfer this type to standard form.  First, subtract the y intercept from each side, and then repeat that step with the y.

2x-y=-3    y=2x+3    y-1=2(x-(-1))

The equation should now be in x+y=b.  You now know how to make all three different equations of a line and how to change one to the other.

    I hope you have enjoyed, and learned from, this website.  Hopefully, the directions are clear so that you may better your understanding of a few basic algebra problems.