U1: Algebra

Key Learning Points:

• Algebra is a method of solving Math problems. It uses alphabets to represent unknown numbers.
  


• Remember: they are still NUMBERS (it is just that they are unknown to you), so do still treat them the way you treat any number in your workings.
  


• For multiplication, 'marry' the numbers together and write the number in front of the alphabet. (E.g. 4 x y = 4y and not y4)
  


• For addition and subtraction involving known numbers, use brackets to 'group' them together if they are sharing the same unit. (E.g. w apples + 6 apples = (w+6)apples)



• When 0 multiplies any number (including algebraic numbers), answer will always be 0 (E.g. 0 x m = 0 and not 0m; similarly 4h - 4h = 0 and not 0h)