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Introduction to the Language of Algebra

Introduction to the Language of Algebra — from OpenStax Prealgebra 2e.

Introduction to the Language of Algebra

You may not realize it, but you already use algebra every day. Perhaps you figure out how much to tip a server in a restaurant. Maybe you calculate the amount of change you should get when you pay for something. It could even be when you compare batting averages of your favorite players. You can describe the algebra you use in specific words, and follow an orderly process. In this chapter, you will explore the words used to describe algebra and start on your path to solving algebraic problems easily, both in class and in your everyday life.

Symbols used here

\pm
plus or minus
Both signs at once: x = 3 ± 2 means 5 and 1.
\neq
not equal
The two sides are different.
\leq,\ \geq
less/greater than or equal
Inequalities that allow equality; < and > exclude it.
\approx
approximately equal
Equal to the precision shown, not exactly.
\sqrt{x},\ \sqrt[n]{x}
square root, n-th root
The non-negative number whose square (n-th power) is x.
a \bmod n
remainder
What is left after dividing a by n.
\%
per cent
Per hundred: 15% = 15/100.
a : b,\ \frac{a}{b}
ratio, fraction
a for every b; a divided by b.

Questions people ask

Why does the order of operations matter?

Because 2 + 3 × 4 would otherwise be two different numbers. The convention (brackets, exponents, multiplication and division, addition and subtraction) exists so every reader gets the same value from the same expression.

How do I check an arithmetic answer?

Estimate first (round every number and compute roughly), then compare. If the estimate and the exact answer disagree by more than a little, one of them is wrong. The solver shows every operation, so you can find which line went astray.

Why are fractions harder than decimals?

They are not harder, they are more exact: 1/3 is a precise number, 0.333 is an approximation. Fractions need a common denominator to add, which is the one extra step people trip on.

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Parts of this page are adapted from OpenStax Prealgebra 2e (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0). Condensed and re-explained here; errors are ours.

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