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Line 1: − + − Ordinary arithmetic deals with ''specific'' numbers, treated individually: 4 + 7 = 11.+ − + − + + + Line 11:
Line 13: − − − ==Algebra as a "gatekeeper subject"== − − Algebra is part of the "mental furniture" of [[science|scientists]], [[engineering|engineers]], and [[economics|economists]] and is used throughout college courses in these subjects. It forms part of the conceptual background, even when no equations appear on the textbook page. As such, algebra is often described as a "gatekeeper course."<ref>[http://www.nwrel.org/nwreport/2005-03/4-algebra.html Journal Promotes Algebra for All], Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory</ref>. Problems with algebra can bar the door to a wide range of interesting career options. − − Some students who are able to relate to the visual nature of geometry suffer "math anxiety" when confronted with the pure abstractions and symbolism of algebra. High school students who feel they are "just not mathematical," don't "get" algebra and never will, should discuss the possibility of "math anxiety" with their parents.
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'''Algebra''' is a branch of [[mathematics]]. It is the study of relationships between numbers and forms one of the two most basics parts of mathematics, the other being [[geometry]], the study of relationships in space. It involves finding an unknown answer to a mathematical problem. It is a generalization of [[arithmetic]] in which letters stand for numbers in order to accomplish this purpose. The name comes from the [[Arabic]] word ''al jebr'' meaning "reunion of broken parts" <ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/algebra Algebra] at Refrence.com</ref> as mentioned in a book ''Hisab al-jabr w'al-muqabala'' translated as ''Science of the Reunion and the Opposition'' which was written in in about 830 AD by [[Muhammad ibn Mūsā al-Khwārizmī| Mohammad ibn-Musa al-Khwarizmi]] of [[Baghdad]].<ref>[http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/Museum/alkhwa.html Biography of Al-Khwarizmi]</ref>
'''Algebra''' is a major branch of [[mathematics]] that analyzes the relationships between quantities or items. In higher math the principle fields of algebra are [[linear algebra]], which focus on matrices, and [[group theory]].<ref>The name algebra comes from the [[Arabic]] word ''al jebr'', which means reduction or "reunion of broken parts" [http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/algebra Algebra] as mentioned in a book ''Hisab al-jabr w'al-muqabala'' translated as ''Science of the Reunion and the Opposition''. This text was written in in about 830 AD by [[Muhammad ibn Mūsā al-Khwārizmī| Mohammad ibn-Musa al-Khwarizmi]] of [[Baghdad]].[http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/Museum/alkhwa.html Biography of Al-Khwarizmi]</ref>
== Basic Algebra ==
Algebra uses letters that ''stand for'' numbers. These letters are called [[unknown|unknowns]]. For example,
Algebra is a generalization of [[arithmetic]] in which letters stand for numbers in order to accomplish this purpose. Ordinary arithmetic deals with ''specific'' numbers, treated individually: 4 + 7 = 11.
x + y = 11
Algebra generalizes these operations by using variables or letters instead of specific numbers. These letters are called [[unknown|unknowns]]. For example,
:x + y = 11
By using unknowns, algebra can go beyond individual number facts and express general relationships between ''sets'' of numbers. Thus, the equation above represents ''every pair'' of numbers that add up to 11:
By using unknowns, algebra can go beyond individual number facts and express general relationships between ''sets'' of numbers. Thus, the equation above represents ''every pair'' of numbers that add up to 11:
*x could be 5 and y could be 6
*x could be 5 and y could be 6
*x could be 10 and y could be 1.
*x could be 10 and y could be 1.
==Notes and references==
==Notes and references==