Difference between revisions of "Algebra"
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Ordinary arithmetic deals with ''specific'' numbers, treated individually: 4 + 7 = 11. | Ordinary arithmetic deals with ''specific'' numbers, treated individually: 4 + 7 = 11. | ||
| − | Algebra uses letters that ''stand for'' numbers. For example, | + | Algebra uses letters that ''stand for'' numbers. These letters are called variables. For example, |
x + y = 11 | x + y = 11 | ||
| − | By using | + | By using variables, 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 4 and y could be 7 | *x could be 4 and y could be 7 | ||
*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. | ||
Revision as of 03:02, January 21, 2007
Algebra is a branch of mathematics.
Ordinary arithmetic deals with specific numbers, treated individually: 4 + 7 = 11.
Algebra uses letters that stand for numbers. These letters are called variables. For example,
x + y = 11
By using variables, 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 4 and y could be 7
- x could be 5 and y could be 6
- x could be 10 and y could be 1.
