Algebra in Math – Definition, Branches, Basics and Examples
Algebra is the branch of mathematics with the following properties.
- Deals with symbols (or variables) and rules for manipulating these symbols.
- Elementary (Taught in Schools) Algebra mainly deals with variables and operations like sum, power, subtraction, etc. For example, x + 10 = 100, x2 – 2x + 1 = 5 and x + y = 20.
- Abstract Algebra (Taught in Colleges) deals with groups, rings and fields instead of normal variables (representing numbers).
In this article, we are mainly going to focus on Elementary algebra.
Example: A father is 30 years older than his son. The combined age of both father and son is 60 years. You are asked to find the individual ages of the father and the son.
Real-life Equation:
- Let x represent the son’s age.
- The father’s age will then be x + 30, since the father is 30 years older than the son.
- The sum of their ages is 60, so the equation becomes: x + (x + 30) = 60
Algebraic Equation: 2x + 30 = 60.
Algebra for Beginners & School Students
- Basics of Algebra
- Branches of Algebra
- Algebraic Expressions
- Algebraic Equations
- One-step Equations
- Expression and Equations
- Algebraic Operations & Properties
- Linear equation in one Variable
- Linear Equation in Two Variables
- Pair of Linear Equation in Two Variables
- Solving Pair of Linear Equation in Two Variables
- Quadratic Equations
- Quadratic Formula
- Algebraic Identities
- Polynomials
- Degree of Polynomial
- Factorization of Polynomial
- Zeroes of a Polynomial
- Factor Theorem and Remainder Theorem
- Linear Inequalities
- Algebra vs Calculus
Algebra for Aptitude Preparation
Algebra Practice Questions
- Algebra Practice Questions (Easy Level)
- Algebra Practice Questions (Medium Level)
- Algebra Practice Questions (Hard Level)
- Practice Problems on Linear Equation in Two Variables
- Practice Questions on Quadratic Equations
- Algebra Practice Quiz
Algebra for Programmers
- Find number of solutions of a linear equation of n variables
- Program to find number of solutions in Quadratic Equation
- Program to find the Roots of Quadratic equation
- Find the missing value from the given equation a + b = c
- Maximum and Minimum Values of an Algebraic Expression
Algebra – FAQs
What is Algebra?
Algebra is the area of mathematics that deals with the representation of mathematical statements as solutions to problems. To create a meaningful mathematical expression, it takes variables like x, y, and z together with mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
What are the Branches of Algebra?
The branches of Algebra are:
- Pre Algebra
- Elementary Algebra
- Abstract Algebra
- Universal Algebra
- Linear Algebra
- Commutative Algebra
Why are students required to learn Algebra?
Algebra is important for students to study because it develops problem-solving abilities, prepares them for higher-level arithmetic, helps in understanding and analyzing real-world problems, and has applications in a wide range of professions, including science, engineering, economics, and finance. A lot of college majors and jobs also require Algebra.
Where is algebra used in real life?
Algebra is used in everyday life to solve problems involving finances, measurements, and data analysis. It helps with tasks like budgeting, calculating distances, determining interest rates, and managing investments.
What are the basic operations in Algebra?
Basic operations performed in Algebra include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of Algebraic equations and solving the equations.
What is Definition of Algebra?
Algebra is a branch of mathematics that deals with symbols and the rules to solve equations and it focuses on operations with variables, constants, and mathematical expressions.
What is Meaning of Algebra?
The word Algebra is derived from an Arabic word, ‘Al-jabr’ which means the ‘reunion of broken parts’. So, the meaning of Algebra is finding the unknown.
