The most important component of a physical structure is a solid foundation on which the rest of the structure sits. A strong fou
ndation allows buildings to last longer and withstand many outside forces. Just like the foundation of a building, a strong foundation for algebra is critical for success and allows you to extend your understanding to more complex mathematical and real-world situations. What are some of the foundational, or key, concepts of algebra that you have learned so far?
Algebra is based on the basic concept of representing figures with letters called variables that are used in finding the unknown numbers. Algebra basically goes from known to unknown in finding unknown values. For example if we know that a particular product was bought 2 times but we do not know the price at which it was bought then we could represent this value as 2a or 2p whatever letter is chosen. If we also know that the total price of what was bought is for example $50 we could then equate this value 2a to $50, 2a=$50 to find price per product =$25.
Algebras could also be in form of expression called algebraic expressions and used in equations such as the above 2a=$50. Algebraic expressions could take the form 2a+3b for example where a and b may be prices of different products bought 2 units and 3 units respectively
