Explanation of the topic basic algebra and its operations. [P2]
Algebra is great fun - you get to solve puzzles.
You may have heard that Algebra is a difficult topic. Don't worry - here's a basic algebra lesson using a really simple way to get started. If you already know simple arithmetic, you are ready to start.
The basic idea is that we have an equation that is balanced on both sides. Picture a scale in your head with the same values on each side, and you have a basic understanding of algebra.
Notice how there is a six on each side, and so they are equal and the scale is balanced? That is your first equation! You've probably realized too that we can perform operations on each side of the equation (scale). Writing 4+2 on one side and 3+3 on the other will keep the scale balanced, right?
Of course, you don't have to use addition. Any of the other arithmetic operations, like subtraction, multiplication, or division will work, so long as each side is equal to the other. We will now convert the picture of the scale into an equation. This is a simple process, and all you have to do is place your two values on opposite sides of an equals sign.
That's a great equation we have created, but it serves no purpose. It is obvious to anyone that 4+2=3+3, because 6=6. The equation is useful in finding the value of a missing number. Say we had a equation like this:
You may have heard that Algebra is a difficult topic. Don't worry - here's a basic algebra lesson using a really simple way to get started. If you already know simple arithmetic, you are ready to start.
The basic idea is that we have an equation that is balanced on both sides. Picture a scale in your head with the same values on each side, and you have a basic understanding of algebra.
Notice how there is a six on each side, and so they are equal and the scale is balanced? That is your first equation! You've probably realized too that we can perform operations on each side of the equation (scale). Writing 4+2 on one side and 3+3 on the other will keep the scale balanced, right?
Of course, you don't have to use addition. Any of the other arithmetic operations, like subtraction, multiplication, or division will work, so long as each side is equal to the other. We will now convert the picture of the scale into an equation. This is a simple process, and all you have to do is place your two values on opposite sides of an equals sign.
That's a great equation we have created, but it serves no purpose. It is obvious to anyone that 4+2=3+3, because 6=6. The equation is useful in finding the value of a missing number. Say we had a equation like this:
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