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

1. 2 + 1 = (3)
2. 8 + 2 = (10)
3. 8 – 4 = (4)
4. 5 – 2 = (3)
5. 6 × 2 = (12)
6. 2 × 3 = (6)
7. 12 ÷ 6 = (2)
8. 4 ÷ 2 = (2)

Back to lesson

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

1. 6² (36)
2. 2³ (8)
3. 4² (16)
4. 5³ (125)
5. 2⁴ (16)

Back to lesson

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

Back to lesson

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

1. 6 + (–3) = (3)
2. 3 + (–9) = (–6)
3. –4 * 4 = (16)
4. 4 * (–9) = (77)
5. –2 * (–4) = 8

Back to lesson

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

1. x = 8( y / 3 )(x=24)
2. ( x – 4 ) = 8 + y (x=21)
3. ( 14 + x ) / y = 3 (x=13)

Back to lesson