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• Algebra is a part of maths that uses letters and symbols in the place of numbers. Each letter or symbol is a variable and can represent a range of values.

• Algebraic notation is used to present information concisely.

• An algebraic statement may be an expression, an equation, a formula, or an identity.

• Algebra uses arithmetic operations (+, –, ×, ÷) to simplify expressions, solve equations and rearrange formulae.

• When writing or interpreting algebraic expressions, it is important to understand that addition and multiplication are commutative and that subtraction and division are not.

To help your understanding of algebra, it may be useful to review negative number arithmetic.

• Algebraic notation presents information in a concise way. For example, when variables are multiplied they are written next to each other in alphabetical order. Eg, 𝒙𝒚 represents 𝒙 × 𝒚

• An algebraic sentence is known as an expression. Within an expression, each part is known as a term.

• A term is one element in an algebraic sentence. It may be a constant, a variable, or a combination of a coefficient and one or more variables.

• In algebra, division is written in fractional form. The dividend is the numerator and the divisor is the denominator.

Watch the video to hear Kim, a textiles designer, talk about how algebra plays a part in her work.

To interpret an expression, each variable is defined as representing a number of items.

The correct operation must be used in an expression.

• An amount is added on to show that the result is more. Addition is used to total values.
• An amount is subtracted to show that the result is less. Subtraction is also used to find a difference.
• An amount is multiplied to show that the result is that amount times larger. Multiplication is also used for repeated addition.
• An amount in a divisor is used to show that the result is that amount times smaller. This can include finding a fractional amount. Eg, to find a half, divide by 2

Practise using algebraic expressions by matching the correct statement to each algebraic expression.

There are four types of algebraic statements:

• An expression is a mathematical statement with no equals symbol.
• An equation links two expressions with an equals symbol.
• A formula is a statement linking two or more variables.
• An identity means that the left-hand side of the equation is identically equal to the right-hand side, for all values of the variables. The identity symbol links expressions that are identities.

Practise recognising, writing and interpreting algebraic notation with this quiz. You may need a pen and paper to help you.

Knowing algebraic notation is necessary when working with certain types of computer software.

Software engineers rely on a solid understanding of algebraic notation and processing. They create codes that make computer interfaces more user-friendly, which other software developers then make use of to enhance games or Computer-Aided Design (CAD) packages.