Algebra is a branch of mathematics that substitutes letters for numbers.
Algebra is a branch of mathematics that substitutes letters for numbers. An algebraic equation depicts a scale, what is done on one side of the scale with a number is also done to either side of the scale. The numbers are constants. Algebra also includes real numbers, complex numbers, matrices, vectors and much more. X, Y, A, B are the most commonly used letters that represent algebraic problems and equations.
Example 1: Find out the value of 5 2 – 3 2
Solution:
Using the formula a 2 – b 2 = (a – b)(a + b)
where a = 5 and b = 3
(a – b)(a + b)
= (5 – 3)(5 + 3)
= 2 × × 8
= 16
Example 2: 4 3 × × 4 2 = ?
Solution:
Using the exponential formula (a m )(a n ) = a m+n
where a = 4
4 3 × × 4 2
= 4 3+2
= 4 5
= 1024
Here is a list of Algebraic formulas –