Basic Algebra/Introduction to Basic Algebra Ideas/Chapter Review

Lesson 1. Simple Operations

An operation is a thing you do to numbers. You use signs like: +, –, ×, or ÷ for operations. The Equals Sign is not an operation.

Adding

Adding is a way to put two numbers together.

• 1 + 2 = 3

Subtracting

Subtracting is a way of taking a number out from another number.

• 2 – 1 = 1

Multiply

Multiplying is a way of adding a number many times

• 3 × 2 = 6

Dividing

Dividing is a way of subtracting a number many times.

• 6 ÷ 2 = 3

Example Problems

• 2 + 1 = 3
• 8 + 2 = 10
• 8 – 4 = 4
• 5 – 2 = 3
• 6 × 2 = 12
• 2 × 3 = 6
• 12 ÷ 6 = 2
• 4 ÷ 2 = 2

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Lesson 2. Exponents and Powers

Exponent is the number on the top that shows.

Base is the number to be multiplied by itself.

Example Problems

• 6² = 36
• 2³ = 8
• 4² = 16
• 5³ = 125
• 2⁴ = 16

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Lesson 3. Order of Operations

Math problems are done in this order from top to bottom:

• Parenthesis ( )
• Exponent ^
• Multiply ×, Divide ÷ (Left to Right)
• Add +, Subtract – (Left to Right)

Example Problem

$2^{2}+(3\times 4)$ $2^{2}+(12)$ $2^{2}+12$ $4+12$ $16$

Original problem. Do parenthesis first. Do exponent. Add. Answer

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Lesson 4. Working With Negative Numbers

A positive number is a number more than zero.

A negative number is a number less than zero.

Example Problems

• 6 + (–3) = 3
• 3 + (–9) = –6
• –4 × 4 = -16
• 4 × (–9) = -36
• –2 × (–4) = 8

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Lesson 5. Solving Equations Using Properties of Mathematics

It is very important to show math in the simplest way. For example, 5/10 is the same as 1/2, but 1/2 is better because it is easier to understand. The simplest answer is usually the best.

Example Problems

Find $x$ when $y=9$

$x=8(y\div 3)$ $x=24$

$(x-4)=8+y$ $x=21$

$(14+x)\div y=3$ $x=13$

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