Algebra is a branch of mathematics that can substitute letters for numbers to find the
unknown. It can also be defined as putting real-life variables into equations and then
solving them. The word ‘algebra’ is derived from Arabic “al-jabr”, which means the
reunion of broken parts. Below are some algebra problems for students to practice.
Introduction to Algebra
Variable
A variable is an unknown quantity that is prone to change with the context of a situation.
Example: In the expression 2x+5, x is the variable.
Constant
Constant is a quantity which has a fixed value. In the given example 2x+5, 5 is the
constant.
Terms of an Expression
Parts of an expression which are formed separately first and then added or subtracted,
are known as terms.
In the above-given example, terms 2x and 5 are added to form the expression (2x+5).
Factors of a Term
Parts of an expression which are formed separately first and then added or subtracted,
are known as terms.
● Factors of a term are quantities which cannot be further factorised.
● In the above-given example, factors of the term 2x are 2 and x.
Coefficient of a Term
The numerical factor of a term is called the coefficient of the term.
In the above-given example, 2 is the coefficient of the term 2x.
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Like and Unlike Terms
Like Terms
Terms having the same variables are called like terms.>
Example: 8xy and 3xy are like terms.
Unlike Terms
Terms having different variables are called, unlike terms.
Example: 7xy and -3x are unlike terms.
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Monomial, Binomial, Trinomial and Polynomial Terms
Name Monomial Binomial Trinomial Polynomial
No. of terms 1 2 3 >3
Example 7xy (4x−3) (3x+5y−6) (6x+5yx−3y+4)
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Formation of Algebraic Expressions
Combinations of variables, constants and operators constitute an algebraic expression.
Example: 2x+3, 3y+4xy, etc.
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Addition and Subtraction of Algebraic Expressions
Addition and Subtraction of Like Terms
Sum of two or more like terms is a like term.
Its numerical coefficient will be equal to the sum of the numerical coefficients of all the
like terms.
Example: 8y+7y=?
8y
+7y
___________
(8+7)y = 15y
____________
Difference between two like terms is a like term.
Its numerical coefficient will be equal to the difference between the numerical
coefficients of the two like terms.
Example: 11z−8z=?
11z
−8z
__________
(1-8)z = 3z
___________
Addition and Subtraction of Unlike Terms
● For adding or subtracting two or more algebraic expressions, like terms of both the
expressions are grouped together and unlike terms are retained as it is.
● Addition of −5x2+12xy and 7x2+xy+7x is shown below:
−5x2+12xy
7x2+xy+7x
__________
2x2+13xy+7x
__________
● Subtraction of −5x2+12xy and 7x2+xy+7x is shown below:
−5x2+12xy
−7x2+xy+7x
__________
12x2+11xy−7x
__________
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Algebra as Patterns
For more information on Algebra as a Pattern, watch the below video
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Number Patterns
● If a natural number is denoted by n, then its successor is (n + 1).
Example: Successor of n=10 is n+1=11.
● If a natural number is denoted by n, then 2n is an even number and (2n+1) is an odd
number.
Example: If n=10, then 2n=20 is an even number and 2n+1=21 is an odd number.
For more information on Number Patterns, watch the below video
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Patterns in Geometry
● Some geometrical figures follow patterns which can be represented by algebraic
expressions.
Example: Number of diagonals we can draw from one vertex of a polygon of n sides is (n –
3) which is an algebraic expression.
Geometric shapes and their diagonals
Algebraic Expressions in Perimeter and Area
Formulae
● Algebraic expressions can be used in formulating perimeter of figures.
Example: Let L be the length of one side then, the perimeter of :
1. An equilateral triangle = 3L.
2. A square = 4L.
3. A regular pentagon = 5L.
● Algebraic expressions can be used in formulating area of figures.
Example: Area of :
1. Square = l2 where l is the side length of the square.
2. Rectangle = l * b, where l and b are lengths and breadth of the rectangle.
3. Triangle = 1/2 b * h where b and h are base and height of the triangle.
For more information on Perimeter and Area, watch the below video
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What Is the Equation?
An equation is a condition on a variable which is satisfied only for a definite value of the
variable.
● The left-hand side(LHS) and right-hand side(RHS) of an equation are separated by an
equality sign. Hence LHS = RHS.
● If LHS is not equal to RHS, then it is not an equation.
Solving an Equation
Value of a variable in an equation which satisfies the equation is called its solution.
● One of the simplest methods of finding the solution of an equation is the trial and error
method.