What Is Algebra?

Algebra

What is Algebra?

Algebra is a part of mathematics in which symbols such as letters of the alphabet (also known as pro-numerals) stand for numbers. Instead of guessing whether we are to call it a hundred, or six, or a thousand and sixty four, why not just call it x. This method of solving problems is called Algebra.

Important People and Dates Relating to Algebra

Algebra was developed to solve difficult logic/math problems. It all began in ancient Egypt and Babylon, where people learned to solve equations and expressions as well as intermediate equations.

The Alexandrian mathematicians continued the traditions of Egypt and Babylon. This ancient data of equations found its way in the Islamic world, where it was known as the "science of rebuilding and balancing." (The Arabic word for rebuilding is Al-jabru, and is the origin of the word algebra.)

In the 9th century, the Arab mathematician Al-Khwarizmi wrote one of the first Arabic algebras, a regular discovery of the basic theory of equations, with examples and proofs.

By the end of the 9th century, the Egyptian mathematician Abu Kamil had stated and shown the basic laws and identities of algebra and explained such difficult problems.

An important progress in algebra in the 16th century was the overview of symbols for operations and algebraic powers. As an end of this development, Book III of La géometrie (1637), written by the French philosopher and mathematician René Descartes.

How is Algebra used in the real world?

We actually use Algebra in every single day of our lives. Sometimes you use it without even knowing.

1. Someone randomly comes up to and says that she/he is 6 years older than you. You would automatically create an algebraic equation in your head.

Substitute x= the person's age

x = 6 + your age

2. Let's say you're filling your car up with gas, you only have $21.00 to spend on gas and the gas is $3.51 a gallon. How many gallons could you buy?

Substitute x = the number of gallons of gas

3.51x =21.00

x=5.98 gallons

The Argument: Should Schools teach Algebra??

Of course, algebra should be taught in schools. It comes in extremely handy in real life, like figuring out what you can afford, what you can't and also comes in handy for a lot of work. Of course you want a good life, nice clothes, a nice house, a nice car, vacation time, etc. All of these take money,