Algebra -is a branch of mathematics that substitutes letters for numbers.

Algebra is about
finding the unknown or putting real-life variables into equations and then solving them. Algebra
can include real and complex numbers, matrices, and vectors. An algebraic equation represents a
scale where what is done on one side of the scale is also done to the other and numbers act as
constants.

History
Algebra was invented by Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, a mathematician,
astronomer, and geographer, who was born about 780 in Baghdad. Al-Khwarizmi's treatise on
algebra, al-Kitab al-mukhtasar fi hisab al-jabr waʾl-muqabala (“The Compendious Book on
Calculation by Completion and Balancing”), which was published about 830, included elements
of Greek, Hebrew, and Hindu works that were derived from Babylonian mathematics more than
2000 years earlier.
The term al-jabr in the title led to the word "algebra" when the work was translated into Latin
several centuries later. Although it sets forth the basic rules of algebra, the treatise had a practical
objective: to teach, as al-Khwarizmi put it:
"...what is easiest and most useful in arithmetic, such as men constantly require in cases of
inheritance, legacies, partition, lawsuits, and trade, and in all their dealings with one another, or
where the measuring of lands, the digging of canals, geometrical computations, and other objects
of various sorts and kinds are concerned."
Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi was a 9th-century Muslim
mathematician and astronomer.
•He is known as the "father of algebra", a word derived from the title
of his book, Kitab al-Jabr.
•His pioneering work offered practical answers for land distribution,
rules on inheritance and distributing salaries.
•He also developed the concept of the algorithm in mathematics, which is
why some have called him the "grandfather of computer science".
•Khwarizmi was one of the most famous scholars of Bayt al-Hikma (The
House of Wisdom), Baghdad’s intellectual powerhouse.
•The House of Wisdom was a centre for the study of sciences, including mathematics,
astronomy, medicine, chemistry, geography and astrology.

What Is Algebra and Its Role in the Real World?

Algebra is a field of mathematics. Usually, students in high school or elementary will be
the first ones who will experience this subject. Most of them will say that it is probably
one of the hardest and complicated subjects there is. Well, anything that is connected to
Mathematics could really be.

When someone will say the word Algebra out loud, numbers and equations will
immediately pop into ones mind. What they do not usually know is what and who and how
Algebra started. A brief history of Algebra will be read in this article, to understand why
and how and who started Algebra in the first place.
The Greeks first introduced Algebra in the third century and eventually it was also traced
to the early Babylonians. The Babylonians were the ones who created formulas and
equations that we still use to solve situations until today. Diophantus was eventually
named Algebra's Father. In the 16th century, Rene Descartes was one of the names that
were famous because of the book that he wrote entitled La Geometrie. What he did was
more modern and is still used and taught until today.

Now that you know enough about the history of Algebra, do you now think that it is
something important? You would probably still say and still wonder what Algebra has to
do in the real world. Is it useable? Does it help with every day life? Do you really need to
know Algebra to live? Those questions might be answered in this article.

Whether you like it or not, Algebra is actually needed in your every day life. Number and
equations are actually used in almost anywhere in the world. Take for example the time
when you are out getting groceries. What would probably help you in computing and for
staying budgeted is learning how to add and subtract items from your cart. But in this
situation, there is still a cashier that could help you with this dilemma. How about in
situations wherein you are on your own, like in a gas station? You will fill up your own gas
tank, put it back by yourself and swipe your credit card onto the machine, then poof, it is
done. The price of gas differs from one another each day, changes really fast day by day.
The only thing that will help you with your problem on how many gallons you could take
with your budget is learning Algebra.

Economy is really on the rocks today. Money is always the problem so people tend to
budget every single thing that they can. People get double or triple jobs just to pay the
bills and to always have something for their necessities. If there is money involved and
economy is the topic, numbers will always appear. There is no doubt that Algebra might
be the only thing that is left to help you get through your every day problems with how to
subtract every debt or loan that you gained throughout the years.

6 Reasons Why We Learn Algebra

1) Algebra is Faster And Better Than “Basic” Math

Just as multiplying two by twelve is faster than counting to 24 or adding 2 twelve times, algebra
helps us solve problems more quickly and easily than we could otherwise. Algebra also opens up
whole new areas of life problems, such as graphing curves that cannot be solved with only
foundational math skills.

2) Algebra is Necessary to Master Statistics and Calculus

While learning one kind of math to learn more kinds of math may not be an immediately satisfying
concept, statistics and calculus are used by many people in their jobs. For example, in my job as
research analyst for Demme Learning, I use statistics every day. I help departments identify ways to
measure their success. I also use statistics to predict how many books we will sell of each level of
Math-U-See and Spelling You See in a year. In general, statistics are used in certain jobs within
businesses, the media, health and wellness, politics, social sciences, and many other fields.
Understanding statistics makes us wiser consumers of information and better employees and
citizens.
Calculus helps us describe many complex processes, such as how the speed of an object changes
over time. Scientists and engineers use calculus in research and in designing new technology,
medical treatments, and consumer products. Learning calculus is a must for anyone interested in
pursuing a career in science, medicine, computer modeling, or engineering.
3) Algebra May Be a Job Skill Later
A student may be confident they are not going into any career needing statistics or calculus, but
many people change jobs and entire careers multiple times in their working life. Possessing a firm
knowledge and understanding of algebra will make career-related changes smoother.

4) Algebra Can Be Useful in Life Outside of the Workplace

I have found algebra helpful in making financial decisions. For example, I use algebra every year to
pick a health care plan for my family using two-variable equations to find the break-even point for
each option. I have used it in choosing cell phone plans. I even used it when custom-ordering
bookshelves for our home. My wife also regularly uses algebra in her crafting.

5) Algebra Reinforces Logical Thinking

I would not use algebra as the only means of teaching logic. There are more direct and effective
means of doing so, but it is a nice side-benefit that the two subject areas reinforce one another.

6) Algebra is Beautiful
The beauty of algebra is an optional benefit because one has to truly choose to enjoy it, but algebra
provides us with a basic language to describe so many types of real-world phenomena from gravity
to the population growth of rabbits. That five letters can be used to describe how an entire category
of matter, namely ideal gases, behaves is amazing and beautiful in its simplicity.
There is also a beauty when we start with a complex-looking problem and combine and simplify over
and over until we have one value for each variable. The process can be enjoyable and the result
immensely satisfying.
Algebra is an important life skill worth understanding well. It moves us beyond basic math and
prepares us for statistics and calculus. It is useful for many jobs some of which a student may enter
as a second career. Algebra is useful around the house and in analyzing information in the news. It
also reinforces logical thinking and is beautiful.
So, keep an open mind about why we learn algebra and look for ways to share its applications with
your student. Dispel the stigma that it is a boring list of rules and procedures to memorize. Instead,
consider algebra as a gateway to exploring the world around us. Those are our top reasons why we
learn algebra, and there are plenty more. What would you add to the list? Post your suggestions in
the comments.