What is Algebra?

Written by

What is the main difference between basic arithmetic and algebra?

What do we call the letters (like

x

y

) used in algebra, and what is their main purpose?

How is an algebraic equation similar to a balanced scale?

In the equation

x + 4 = 10

, what is the “missing piece” we are trying to find?

Using the formula for the area of a rectangle (

A = l * w

) as an example, why is it useful to use letters instead of specific numbers?

Comments