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Algebra - From The Top

A quick guide to all things algebra.

Date : 18/10/2011

Author Information

Thomas

Uploaded by : Thomas
Uploaded on : 18/10/2011
Subject : Maths

Hey people, this is a little taster of how I explain and tutor people. I start from the very basic concepts and work on understanding of the subject, rather than just passing a test. I hope you enjoy.

Algebra looks terrifying. I`m going to admit it. What`s this about?:

x + 9 = 12

If that`s what you`re thinking, then don`t worry, you`re thinking like most of the people in your maths group. How about we look at that equation, and explain exactly what it`s saying?

x - This is the scary part? I suppose. An easy way to think of this is that it`s not x, not a letter. Infact, forget any preconceptions about x and remember this. x is just a number. The only problem is we don`t know which number x is.

9 - Nine is added to x. Simple enough?

12 - Is the answer we get by adding our unknown number to x. Starting to sound a bit easier?

So if we can add 9 to x to get 12, what does that mean? We`re back to square one right? Maybe, but the point of algebra is to find which number x is. So how can we do that?

Well, there is this?

x + 9 - 9 = 12 - 9

That just means we can get x by itself without the 9 there. However, there`s a problem. We can`t take away 9 on one side without it changing the answer. So we take away from both sides. Imagine that the sum is a set of scales, and the equals sign is where the scales are balancing. The scales mu be in perfect balance, so to achieve this, we either add, or take away the same amount on both sides of the scale. that leaves us with this.

x = 12 - 9

x = 3

Seems simple enough? Well that`s the start. The rest gets a bit harder. But with some determination, you`ll get there. Unfortunately, the rest isn`t here. It`s on my computer at home. ;)

This resource was uploaded by: Thomas