Algebra Basics and Equation Solving

Study Notes

Basic Concepts

Algebra is a branch of mathematics using symbols and variables to represent numbers and quantities in mathematical expressions and equations.
Variables (like 'x' or 'y') represent unknown values.
Constants are fixed numerical values in an expression.
Terms are individual parts of an expression (e.g., 3x, 5).
Expressions combine terms (e.g., 2x + 3).
Equations state that two expressions are equal (e.g., 2x + 3 = 7).
Inequalities show that one expression is greater than, less than, or not equal to another (e.g., x > 5).
Arithmetic properties (commutative, associative, and distributive) apply to algebraic expressions.

Solving Equations

Solve equations by isolating the variable on one side.
Use inverse operations to undo operations on the variable.
Example: if 'x' is added to 5, subtract 5 from both sides.
Example: if 'x' is multiplied by 2, divide both sides by 2.
Equations often require multiple steps.
Check solutions by substituting the solved value into the original equation.

Linear Equations

Linear equations graph as straight lines.
They have the form 'y = mx + b', where 'm' is the slope and 'b' is the y-intercept.
Slope shows the line's steepness and direction.
Y-intercept is the point where the line crosses the y-axis.
Linear equations model relationships between variables.
Systems of linear equations are solved graphically or algebraically (substitution/elimination).

Polynomials

Polynomials are algebraic expressions with variables and constants, combined using operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and non-negative integer exponents.
Examples include x² + 2x + 1.
The degree of a polynomial is the highest exponent.

Factoring

Factoring expresses a polynomial as a product of polynomials.
Common factoring finds the greatest common factor of terms.
Difference of squares is a factoring pattern for differences of two squares in an expression.

Quadratic Equations

Quadratic equations have the form 'ax² + bx + c = 0', where a, b, and c are constants.
Solve using factoring, completing the square, or the quadratic formula.
Solutions can be real numbers (intersection with the x-axis) or complex numbers (no intersection with the x-axis).

Quadratic Functions

Quadratic functions graph as parabolas.
Parabola opens upwards or downwards based on the 'a' coefficient's sign.
The vertex of a parabola is its highest or lowest point.
Graph parabolas by finding the vertex and plotting points.

Exponents and Radicals

Exponents represent repeated multiplication of a base.
Radicals represent roots (e.g., square root, cube root).
Rules for exponents and radicals simplify and manipulate expressions.

Functions

A function maps each input to exactly one output.
Functions can be represented by equations, tables, graphs, or descriptions.
Domain and range are crucial in function analysis.
Examples include linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions.

Matrices and Vectors

Matrices are rectangular arrays of numbers.
Vectors have magnitude and direction.
Matrix and vector operations are used in various fields.

Sequences and Series

Sequences and series deal with ordered lists of numbers.
Arithmetic and geometric sequences are common types.
Series sum the terms in a sequence.

Applications of Algebra

Algebra models real-world situations and solves problems.
It represents relationships between variables.
It provides a framework to analyze and interpret data.

Description

This quiz covers fundamental concepts of algebra, including variables, constants, and expressions. It also delves into the methods for solving equations and inequalities, focusing on isolating variables using inverse operations. Perfect for students looking to solidify their understanding of algebraic principles.