Lesson 1 Basic Algebraic Knowledge

Math Focus

Algebra refers to the use of letters to represent numbers for the study of the relationships between numbers and the arithmetic rules.

Algebraic Notations and Operations

1. Addition and Subtraction

   "a plus b" or "the sum of a and b" is written as a + b;
   "a minus b" is written as a - b.

2. Multiplication

   "a times b" or "the product of a and b" is written as a x b, or ab

   When we write algebraic expressions,

   1. the multiplication sign 'x' is usually omitted n the following situations:
      1. Multiply a number by a variable
         For example, 6 x a = 6a.
      2. Multiply a variable by another variable
         For example, a x b = ab.
   2. numbers are usually written first, followed by letters arranged in alphabetical order.
      For example, a x 6 can be witten as 6a.
      x x 3 x y can be written as 3xy.
   3. the number 1 is usually omitted when a letter is multiplied by 1. For example, 1a can be written as a.
3. Division

   "Dividing a by b" is written as a ÷ b or a/b.

   For algebraic operations, multiplication or division should be done first, then followed by addition or subtraction. Meanwhile, the use of parentheses should also be given due attention.

4. Exponential Notation

   Exponential notation can be used to express the multiplication of the same letters.

5. Algebraic Expression

   Algebraic expressions are obtained by addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, or raising to a power of numbers and letters representing numbers.

Let us move on now to the next topic, just click here! Lesson 2 Evaluation of Algebraic Expressions

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