Page 78 - Mathematics

Chapter

Five Algebra

Introduction

Algebra is a branch of Mathematics that helps to solve real-life problems by using
letters, numbers, and symbols. It unifies all branches of Mathematics, and thus,
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it is a tool used in daily life activities. Algebra is used to understand and work
with unknown quantities in various situations. For instance, it helps to calculate
expenditure when shopping, plan travel routes, cooking or preparing recipes for
different servings. In this chapter, you will learn about algebraic expressions,
equations with one unknown, equations with two unknowns, and inequalities with
one unknown. The competencies developed will enable you to solve daily life
problems such as planning for recipes, scheduling routes, estimating profit and
loss, currency conversions, among many other applications.

Algebraic expressions
In algebra, letters or symbols are used to represent numbers. For instance, it is
common to represent the length of an object by the letter l, radius by letter r, and
diameter by letter d. In addition, letters such as x, y, z, α and β can be used to
represent numbers.

An algebraic expression is a mathematical statement which contains numbers, letters
and mathematical operations such as , , , and .+ − × ÷ An algebraic expression is
made up of terms.

A term can be a number, a variable, a number multiplied by a variable, or a variable
Mathematics Form One multiplied by a variable. For example, in the algebraic expression 5x − 3y + 8,

Terms with the same variables and exponents are called
3 and 8.y
terms are 5 ,x −
and 2x y are like terms.
2
like terms. For example, 8y and 9y or 8xy and 3xy or 6x y
2
Terms with different variables or exponents are called unlike terms. For example,
2
2
6x and 6z or 3 mn and 4vy or 6u y
and 2uy are unlike terms.

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Mathematics form 1.indd 72 25/10/2024 09:51:21