Elementary algebra

Elementary algebra, also known as high school algebra or college algebra, encompasses the basic concepts of <a href="/facts/Algebra/nMdqczjo">algebra</a>. It is often contrasted with <a href="/facts/Arithmetic/hvHwkbMV">arithmetic</a>: arithmetic deals with specified <a href="/facts/Number/auQSAE2m">numbers</a>, whilst algebra introduces <a href="/facts/Variable_(mathematics)/VbQlrvKz">variables</a> (quantities without fixed values).
This use of variables entails use of algebraic notation and an understanding of the general rules of the <a href="/facts/Operation_(mathematics)/Yplv602Q">operations</a> introduced in arithmetic: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, etc. Unlike <a href="/facts/Abstract_algebra/YNNE1CNz">abstract algebra</a>, elementary algebra is not concerned with <a href="/facts/Algebraic_structure/TkuXca24">algebraic structures</a> outside the realm of <a href="/facts/Real_number/R02gw5Pb">real</a> and <a href="/facts/Complex_number/2w7mqI7e">complex numbers</a>.
It is typically taught to <a href="/facts/Secondary_school/GjEqd0fa">secondary school</a> students and at introductory college level in the <a href="/facts/United_States/P0sCdLe5">United States</a>, and builds on their understanding of <a href="/facts/Arithmetic/hvHwkbMV">arithmetic</a>. The use of variables to denote quantities allows general relationships between quantities to be formally and concisely expressed, and thus enables solving a broader scope of problems. Many quantitative relationships in <a href="/facts/Science/IJoaD7rs">science</a> and mathematics are expressed as algebraic <a href="/facts/Equation/pxFzLAVR">equations</a>.

Elementary algebra open-in-new

Elementary algebra