Simply put, algebra is about finding the unknown or putting real variables into equations and then solving them. Unfortunately, many textbooks jump straight to rules, procedures, and formulas, forgetting that these are solvable problems from real life, and skipping the explanation of algebra at its core: using symbols to represent variables and missing factors in equations and manipulating them in this way. way to arrive at a solution.

Algebra is a branch of mathematics in which numbers are replaced by letters, and an algebraic equation is a scale in which what is done on one side of the scale is also done on the other side of the scale, and the numbers act as constants. Algebra can include real numbers , complex numbers, matrices, vectors, and many other forms of mathematical representation.

The field of algebra can be further broken down into basic concepts known as elementary algebra, or the more abstract study of numbers and equations known as abstract algebra, where the former is used in much of mathematics, science, economics, medicine, and engineering, while the latter is mostly used only in higher mathematics.

Practical applications of elementary algebra
Elementary algebra is taught in all schools in the United States, beginning in the seventh and ninth grades, and continuing through high school and even college. The subject is widely used in many fields, including medicine and accounting, but it can also be used to solve everyday problems when it comes to the unknown variables in mathematical equations.

One such practical application of algebra would be if you were trying to determine how many balloons you started the day with if you sold 37 but had 13 left. The algebraic equation for this problem would be x – 37 = 13, where the number of balloons you started with is represented by x, the unknown we are trying to solve.

The goal of algebra is to find the unknown, and to do that in this example, you have to manipulate the scale of the equation to isolate x on one side of the scale by adding 37 to both parts, which leads to the equation x = 50 meaning that you started the day with 50 balloons if you had 13 after selling 37 of them.

Why Algebra Matters
Even if you don’t think you’ll need algebra outside the hallowed halls of high school, managing a budget, paying bills, and even determining health care costs and planning for future investments will require a basic understanding of algebra.

Along with the development of critical thinking, especially logic, patterns, problem solving , deductive and inductive reasoning, an understanding of basic algebra concepts can help people better handle complex tasks involving numbers, especially when they enter the workplace where real life scenarios involve unknown variables. to costs and profits require employees to use algebraic equations to determine missing factors.

Ultimately, the more one knows about mathematics, the better chance one has of succeeding in engineering, actuarial, physics, programming, or any other field related to technology, and algebra and other higher mathematics courses are usually required for university admission. most colleges and universities.