Difference between revisions of "Algebra"
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(Algebra moved to Algebra terms: To make it possible to have an article on Algebra itself!) |
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| − | + | '''Algebra''' is a branch of mathematics. | |
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| + | Ordinary arithmetic deals with ''specific'' numbers, treated individually: 4 + 7 = 11. | ||
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| + | Algebra uses letters that ''stand for'' numbers. For example, | ||
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| + | x + y = 11 | ||
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| + | By using letters, algebra can go beyond individual number facts and express general relationships between ''sets'' of numbers. Thus, the equation above represents ''every pair'' of numbers that add up to 11: | ||
| + | *x could be 4 and y could be 7 | ||
| + | *x could be 5 and y could be 6 | ||
| + | *x could be 10 and y could be 1. | ||
Revision as of 22:01, January 20, 2007
Algebra is a branch of mathematics.
Ordinary arithmetic deals with specific numbers, treated individually: 4 + 7 = 11.
Algebra uses letters that stand for numbers. For example,
x + y = 11
By using letters, algebra can go beyond individual number facts and express general relationships between sets of numbers. Thus, the equation above represents every pair of numbers that add up to 11:
- x could be 4 and y could be 7
- x could be 5 and y could be 6
- x could be 10 and y could be 1.