ALGEBRA NOTES – COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF ALGEBRA
1. What is Algebra?
Algebra is the branch of mathematics that uses letters (variables) and symbols to represent numbers
and relationships.
2. Vocabulary
- Variable: A symbol that represents an unknown number (e.g., x).
- Constant: A value that does not change.
- Coefficient: A number multiplied by a variable.
- Expression: A mathematical phrase without an equal sign.
- Equation: A mathematical sentence showing equality.
3. Order of Operations (PEMDAS)
P – Parentheses
E – Exponents
M/D – Multiplication/Division (left to right)
A/S – Addition/Subtraction (left to right)
SECTION 2: ALGEBRA 1 BASICS
1. Simplifying Expressions
- Combine like terms: 3x + 2x = 5x
- Distribute: a(b + c) = ab + ac
2. Solving One■Step Equations
- x + 5 = 12 → x = 7
- 3x = 18 → x = 6
3. Solving Two■Step Equations
- 2x + 7 = 19 → 2x = 12 → x = 6
4. Multi■Step Equations
- 3(x – 4) + 2 = 16
• 3x – 12 + 2 = 16
• 3x – 10 = 16
• 3x = 26 → x = 26/3
5. Inequalities
- Solve like equations but remember:
If you multiply or divide by a negative number, flip the inequality sign.
SECTION 3: LINEAR EQUATIONS
1. Slope (m)
m = (y2 – y1)/(x2 – x1)
2. Slope■Intercept Form
y = mx + b
where m = slope, b = y■intercept.
3. Standard Form
Ax + By = C
4. Graphing Lines
- Start at y■intercept.
- Use slope as rise/run.
SECTION 4: SYSTEMS OF EQUATIONS
1. Graphing Method
Plot both equations and find intersection.
2. Substitution Method
Replace one variable with an expression.
3. Elimination Method
Add/subtract equations to eliminate a variable.
SECTION 5: POLYNOMIALS
1. Terms
- Monomial, binomial, trinomial.
2. Operations
- Add/subtract by combining like terms.
- Multiply using FOIL or distributive property.
3. Factoring
- GCF
- Trinomials
- Difference of squares: a² – b² = (a – b)(a + b)
SECTION 6: QUADRATICS
1. Standard Form
ax² + bx + c = 0
2. Factoring
3. Completing the Square
4. Quadratic Formula
x = (–b ± √(b² – 4ac)) / (2a)
SECTION 7: ALGEBRA 2 CONCEPTS
1. Complex Numbers
i = √–1
a + bi form
2. Advanced Factoring
- Sum/difference of cubes
a³ + b³ = (a + b)(a² – ab + b²)
a³ – b³ = (a – b)(a² + ab + b²)
3. Exponential Functions
y = ab^x
4. Logarithms
log_b (x)
Conversion: log_b(x) = y ↔ b^y = x
5. Rational Expressions
Simplify by factoring numerator & denominator.
6. Sequences & Series
Arithmetic: a_n = a■ + (n – 1)d
Geometric: a_n = a■(r^(n – 1))
SECTION 8: FUNCTIONS
1. Definition
A relation where each input has one output.
2. Domain & Range
Domain = x■values
Range = y■values
3. Function Notation
f(x) = expression
SECTION 9: GRAPH TRANSFORMATIONS
1. Vertical Shifts
f(x) + k
2. Horizontal Shifts
f(x – k)
3. Stretch/Compress
af(x)
4. Reflections
–f(x) or f(–x)
SECTION 10: EXTRA PRACTICE SUMMARY
1. Solve equations.
2. Graph lines.
3. Factor polynomials.
4. Work with functions.
5. Use quadratic formula.
6. Simplify rational expressions.
7. Apply exponents & logs.
This document gives a broad foundation of Algebra 1 & 2.