Introduction to

algebra
ENGR. ANNALYN D. SORIA
LECTURER
Learning Outcomes
When you have completed this unit you will be able to:
1. Use alphabetic symbols to supplement the numerals and to combine these symbols
using all the operations of arithmetic
2. Simplify algebraic expressions by collecting like terms and by abstracting common
factors from similar terms
3. Remove brackets and so obtain alternative algebraic expressions
4. Multiply and divide algebraic expressions
5. Manipulate algebraic fractions
6. Factorize algebraic expressions using standard factorizations
7. Factorize quadratic algebraic expressions
Introduction to Algebra
Algebraic expressions are mathematical statements that include numbers, operations, and
variables to represent a number or quantity.  It is one or more algebraic term without an equal
sign
Variable – a letter used to represent a value or unknown quantity that can change or vary.
◦ Example : x + y = y + x - the letters x and y are referred to as variables because they each represent, not
just one number, but any one of a collection of numbers.

It is generally accepted that letters from the beginning of the alphabet, i.e. a, b, c, d, ... are used
to represent constants and letters from the end of the alphabet, i.e. ... v, w, x, y, z are used to
represent variables.
In any event, when a letter of the alphabet is used it should be made clear whether the letter
stands for a constant or a variable.
Terms - Elements separated by the plus or minus sign.
Coefficient - The number before a variable in a multiplication term.
Equation - A statement that two amounts are EQUAL.
Rules of algebra
1. Commutativity
 
Two numbers x and y can be added or multiplied in any order without affecting the
result. That is:
 
x + y = y + x and xy = yx
 
Addition and multiplication are commutative operations
Subtraction and division are not commutative operations except in very special cases.

2. Associativity
The way in which the numbers x, y and z are associated under addition or multiplication does not affect
the result. That is:

Subtraction and division are not associative operations except in very special cases
3. Distributivity
Multiplication is distributed over addition and subtraction from both the left and the right. For
example:

Division is distributed over addition and subtraction from the right but not from the left. For
example:
Collecting like terms
Terms which have the same variables are called like terms and like terms can be collected
together by addition or subtraction. For example:
 Example: Collect similar terms and simplify the equation

Solution:

=
=

=
Exercises
Combine the like terms to make a simpler expression.
1. −3n−7+(−6n)+1 = ____________
= - 9n – 6
2. 7xy + 9yz - 3xy - 3yz + 7xy - 2yz = ________________
= 11xy + 4yz
3.  4x3 - 2x2 + 5x3 + 2x - 4x2 - 6x =______________
= 9x3 -6x2 -4x
4. 10x5 + 3(2x5 - 4b2) = ________________
= 10x5 + 6x5 – 12b2 = 16x5 – 12b2
Nested brackets
Whenever an algebraic expression contains brackets nested within other brackets the innermost
brackets are removed first. For example:
Algebraic multiplication and division
Example 1:

Example 2:
Example 3:
Division
Now bring down the next term and continue in the same way and finish it off.
Example :
Algebraic fractions
Example: Evaluate
Multiplication and division
Assignment: Refer to your module
and do pages: 23/24, 26/27, 28/29.
Due today. Pass it in the google
classroom as a file attachment to the
assignment. Online quiz tomorrow.