Algebra is all about x’s and y’s. When the English mathematician Augustus de Morgan was asked for his age, he would reply, “I was x years of age in the year x²” (He was 43 in 1849!!). He clearly loved algebra.
It is thought that algebra dates back to 1900 B.C, so it has been around a long, long time. But (+) and (-) signs were not used until the 16th century. Instead people had to use words with their algebra to represent adding and subtracting. So if you find algebra difficult just using letters – imagine having to use words as well!
Algebra is used in many ways, but can still be an area of Maths which many find difficult to understand. If you need some more help with algebra, then have a look at Part 5 of how “How to work with Algebra” guide.
Part 5 focusses on solving equations. It explains how to solve the following:
It also has some questions to help you practise, and answers to check your understanding.
Click on the picture below to view the guide.
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