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Basics of the Algebra Equation

This lesson covers a very basic concept of equations and it’s relation to Algebra.


Algebra is a division of mathematics designed to help solve certain types of problems quicker and easier. Algebra is based on the concept of unknown values called variables, unlike arithmetic which is based entirely on known number values.


Basics of the Equations:

You are probably most familiar with the following equation from ordinary mathematics:

_ + 20 = 60

You can easily figure out that 40 + 20 = 60 and 40 goes into the blank field. In algebra we use a variable or a letter in the alphabet to represent the blank field. For example:

x + 20 = 60

The answer should be written as:

x = 40

Solving Equations:

These equations can be solved relatively easy and without any formal method. But, as you use equations to solve more complex problems, you will want an easier way to solve them.

As long as the same operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc.) is done to both sides of the equation, it will remain balanced:

x + 43 = 102

x + (43-43) = (102-43)

x = 59

For a more complex equation, follow the same process. This equation has both a constant and a variable on each side:

x + 12 = 2x + 32

(x-x) + 12 = (2x-x) + 32

(12-32) = x+ (32-32)

x = -20

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