Algebra

Together with geometry, analysis, and number theory, algebra is one of the several main branches of mathematics. Elementary algebra is usually part of the curriculum in early high school and provides an introduction to the basic ideas of algebra, including effects of adding and multiplying numbers, the concept of variable, definition of polynomials, along with factorization and determining their roots. However, algebra is much broader than this. In addition to working directly with numbers, algebra covers working with symbols, variables, and set elements. Addition and multiplication are viewed as general operations, and their precise definitions lead to structures such as groups, rings and fields.

Most students at the high school level are being exposed only to elementary algebra—its most basic form. It is taught to students who are presumed to have no knowledge of mathematics beyond the basic principles of arithmetic. In arithmetic, only numbers and their arithmetical operations (such as +, -, ×, ÷) occur; in algebra, numbers are often denoted by symbols (such as a, x, y). This is useful because:

  • It allows the general formulation of arithmetical laws (such as a + b = b + a for all a and b), and thus is the first step to a systematic exploration of the properties of the real number system.
  • It allows the reference to "unknown" numbers, the formulation of equations and the study of how to solve these (for instance, Find a number x such that 3x + 1 = 10").
  • It allows the formulation of functional relationships (such as "If you sell x tickets, then your profit will be 3x - 10 dollars, or f(x) = 3x - 10, where f is the function, and x is the number the function is performed on.").

Additional information:

For a much better overview and history of algebra, go to the

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Algebra & Trigonometry: Functions & Applications - Set
by Paul A. Foerster
from Prentice Hall
for 10th-12th grade
in Algebra (Location: MATR-ALG)
Algebra & Trigonometry: Functions & Applications - Teacher's Edition
by Paul A. Foerster
from Prentice Hall
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in Algebra (Location: MATR-ALG)
$130.00 (1 in stock)
Algebra 1 - Student Textbook
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$30.00 (2 in stock)
Algebra 2 - Student Text
from A Beka Books
for 10th-11th grade
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Algebra 2 Flipper
from Christopher Lee Publications
for 9th-Adult
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Algebra 2 with Trigonometry - DVD
from AskDrCallahan
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$145.00
Algebra Book 1
by Stephen B. Jahnke
from Garlic Press
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Algebra Book 2
by Stephen B. Jahnke
from Garlic Press
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$6.00 (1 in stock)
Algebra I Word Problems
by Anita Harnadek
from Critical Thinking Books
for 7th-12th grade
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$29.99
Algebra the Easy Way
by Douglas Downing
5th edition from Barron's
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$16.99
Algebra To Go
from Great Source
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$32.35 $12.50 (1 in stock)
Algebra: The x and y of Everyday Math
by Michael Willers
from Metro Books
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$4.00 (1 in stock)
Art of Problem Solving Intermediate Algebra - Text & Solutions
by Naoki Sato, Richard Rusczyk, Matthew Crawford
from Art of Problem Solving
for 8th-12th grade
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$74.00
Art of Problem Solving Introduction to Algebra - Textbook & Solutions Manual
by Richard Rusczyk
2nd edition from Art of Problem Solving
for 8th-10th grade
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$67.00
Cliffs Quick Review: Algebra I
by Jerry Bobrow
1st edition from Cliffs Notes
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$3.00 (1 in stock)
Elementary Algebra
by Harold Jacobs
from W. H. Freeman and Company
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Cathy Duffy's 100 Top Picks
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$45.00 (5 in stock)
Elementary Algebra
by Harold Jacobs
Rev ed. from Master Books
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Cathy Duffy's 100 Top Picks
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Elementary Algebra - DVD
by Cassidy Cash
from Master Books
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$76.79
Elementary Algebra - Solutions Manual
by Harold Jacobs & Cassidy Cash
Sol from Master Books
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$27.99 $25.00 (1 in stock)
Elementary Algebra - Teacher Guide
by Harold Jacobs
from W. H. Freeman and Company
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Cathy Duffy's 100 Top Picks
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$15.00 (1 in stock)
Elementary Algebra - Teacher Guide
by Harold Jacobs
2021 Printing from Master Books
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Cathy Duffy's 100 Top Picks
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Elementary Algebra - Teacher Guide / Solutions Manual
by Harold Jacobs
2023 Printing from Master Books
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Cathy Duffy's 100 Top Picks
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Foerster Algebra 1, Classics Edition
by Paul A. Foerster
from Pearson Education
for 10th-12th grade
in Algebra (Location: MATR-ALG)
Great Courses - Algebra I set
Great Courses
by Prof. James A. Sellers
from The Teaching Company
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$50.00 (1 in stock)
Harold Jacobs Elementary Algebra - Book Set
from Master Books
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$128.78
Harold Jacobs Elementary Algebra - DVD Package
from Master Books
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$205.56
Humongous Book of Algebra Problems
by W. Michael Kelley
from Alpha Books
for 7th-10th grade
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$15.00 (1 in stock)
Learn Math Fast System Volume V
by J. K. Mergens
2nd edition from Learn Math Fast Books
for 9th-11th grade
in Math Reference & Teaching Aids (Location: MATR-TA)
Life of Fred: Advanced Algebra
Life of Fred
by Stanley Schmidt
Expanded edition from Polka Dot Publishing
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$49.00 $25.00 (1 in stock)
Mastering Algebra Skills
by Hal Torrance
from Mark Twain Media
for 6th-Adult
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$4.00 (1 in stock)
Math Without Borders Algebra 2
by David S. Chandler
from Math Without Borders
for 9th-11th grade
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$129.00
Math-U-See Algebra 2 - Instruction Pack
2nd edition from Math-U-See
for 10th grade
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Math-U-See Algebra 2 - Student Pack
2nd edition from Math-U-See
for 10th grade
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$48.00
Math-U-See Algebra 2 - Universal Set
2nd edition from Math-U-See
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$144.00
Painless Algebra
by Lynette Long, Ph.D.
5th edition from Barron's
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in Algebra (Location: MATR-ALG)
$12.99
Principles of Algebra 2 - Textbook
by Katherine A. Loop
from Master Books
for 10th-12th grade
in Master Books Math (Location: MAT-MB)
$68.79
Saxon Algebra 1 - Home School Bundle with Teacher CD
3rd edition from Saxon Publishers
for 9th-10th grade
in Saxon Math (Location: MAT-SAX)
Saxon Algebra 2 - Home School Bundle with Teacher CD
3rd edition from Saxon Publishers
for 10th-11th grade
in Saxon Math (Location: MAT-SAX)
Tables, Squares & Cubes
2nd edition from Classical Conversations
for 4th-12th grade
in Classical Conversations (Location: CUR-CC)
$5.99
Teaching Textbooks Algebra 2 - Complete Set
Version 2.0 from Teaching Textbooks
for 9th-10th grade
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Trivium Tables: Whiteboard
from Classical Conversations
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$12.00 $8.00 (1 in stock)
VideoText Algebra: Modules A-C
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$195.00 (1 in stock)