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Introduction To Algebra

This document is an introduction to algebra that outlines key concepts such as variables, constants, terms, factors, coefficients, and like terms. It explains that variables represent unknown numbers and are usually letters, while constants are fixed values. Terms are expressions separated by addition or subtraction signs, and factors are what is multiplied together. Coefficients are constant numbers that multiply variables or their powers. The document also discusses combining like terms, equations versus expressions, solving equations, and equivalent equations. It concludes by announcing that the next class will cover graphs and functions.

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62 views

Introduction To Algebra

This document is an introduction to algebra that outlines key concepts such as variables, constants, terms, factors, coefficients, and like terms. It explains that variables represent unknown numbers and are usually letters, while constants are fixed values. Terms are expressions separated by addition or subtraction signs, and factors are what is multiplied together. Coefficients are constant numbers that multiply variables or their powers. The document also discusses combining like terms, equations versus expressions, solving equations, and equivalent equations. It concludes by announcing that the next class will cover graphs and functions.

Uploaded by

Mkumbi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 17

1

Introduction to Algebra
Carlos da Maia, PhD
Business School
UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS OF MOZAMBIQUE
3L5ECONS

Advanced Mathematics for Economics,

September 2014

Outline
1

A Small Youtube Video

Algebraic Expressions

Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

Solutions of Algebraix Equations

Conclusion

Video Math Tutor Website

Download it from here: Video Math Tutor Website

Variables

Letters represent an unknown or generic real number;


Often a letter from the end of the alphabet: x, y, z;
Or a letter that stands for a physical quantity: d, t, etc.

Constants

Fixed values like 2 or 32;


Often a letter from the end of the alphabet: x, y, z;
Can also be represented by letters: a, b, c, k, , .

Terms

They are separated by + or :


Example
2x 2 - 3x +8

Factors

They are multiplied together.


Example
2x 2 - 3x +8

Coecients

Constant factors that multiply a variable or powers of a


variable;
In the 2x 2 - 3x +8 what is the coecient of x?

Like (or similar) Terms

Terms which contain the same powers of same variables;


They can have dierent coecients;
3x, x, and -2x are like terms;
xy3 and yx3 are NOT like terms.

Combining LikeTerms

For this we benet from the distributive law;


How do we combine these terms?
1

2x 2 - 3x +8

3x 2 +5x 2

10

Combining LikeTerms, cont.

11

Parentheses must be multiplied out before collecting like terms


Examples
3x+2(x-5)
=3x+2x-8
=5x-8

Combining LikeTerms, cont.

Subtraction can be replaced by adding the opposite


Examples
3x-2 = 3x+(-2)

12

Equations

13

An expression may be equal to any number depending on the


choice of x;
But with an equation we make a statement about its value;
An equation is either true or false;
Expression vs. equation:
Examples
3x-2 vs. 3x-2=7

14

Solution to Equations

Equations can have no solution, one solution, several solutions,


or an innite number of solutions;
Examples
3x-2=7 will always have one solution;
x2 = 9 has two solutions;
x = x has an innite number of solutions
x + 2 = x + 9 has no solution
this equation is called a
"contradiction" (It cannot ever be true)

Equivalent Equations
Equations that have the same solution set
Examples
2x+3=7 and x=2
2x+3=7 and 4x+6=14
How about these two? 4x+6=7 and 4x+12=14

15

The End

Next class: Graphs and Functions;


THANK YOU!!!

16

The End

Next class: Graphs and Functions;


THANK YOU!!!

17

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