Algebra is a branch of mathematics that deals with both letters and numbers. Algebra uses the same functions as arithmetic: addition, multiplication, division and subtraction.
However, algebra introduces the element of the unknown. In solving algebraic expressions, you aim to figure out the value of the unknown number. The unknown number may be represented by any letter of the Greek or English alphabet.
For example, in arithmetic, we know that 2 + 3 = 5. In algebra, one of those values becomes unknown. Example, 2 + x = 5. We have to figure out what “x” is or come as close as possible to the answer. This is called “solving” or “simplifying” the expression.
When we figure out the value of “x” we have “solved” the algebraic expression. If we can’t figure out the value of x but we come as close to it as possible, we have “simplified” the algebraic expression.
There are rules to follow when solving or simplifying algebraic expressions. For example, the first step is to move all symbols to one side of the equal sign and all numbers to the other side. The rule is that when symbols and numbers move from one side of the equal sign to the other, they change from positive to negative or negative to positive.
Another rule is that multiplication is the “default” algebraic operation. For example, we write a + b = c. But we can write ab = c. AB means a x b. When we don’t see a sign between two symbols in algebra, the multiplication sign is implied because multiplication is the default operation in algebra.
Read more: Multiplication is the default operation in algebra.