In its most general form, algebra is the study of **mathematical symbols** and the **rules for manipulating** these symbols;[3] it is a unifying thread of almost all of mathematics.
**Elementary algebra** is generally considered to be essential for any study of mathematics, science, or engineering, as well as such applications as medicine and economics.
Elementary algebra encompasses some of the basic concepts of algebra, one of the main branches of mathematics. It is typically taught to secondary school students and builds on their understanding of arithmetic. Whereas **arithmetic** deals with specified numbers,[1] algebra introduces quantities without fixed values, known as **variables**.[2] This use of variables entails use of **algebraic notation** and an understanding of the general rules of the operators introduced in arithmetic.
The use of variables to denote quantities allows **general relationships between quantities** to be formally and concisely expressed, and thus enables solving a broader scope of problems. Many quantitative relationships in science and mathematics are expressed as algebraic equations.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algebra HEIGHT 400
In mathematics, an **equation** is a statement that asserts the equality of two expressions, which are connected by the equals sign "=". **Solving an equation** containing variables consists of determining **which values of the variables make the equality true**. The variables for which the equation has to be solved are also called **unknowns**, and the values of the unknowns that satisfy the equality are called **solutions** of the equation.
The most common type of equation is a **polynomial equation** (commonly called also an **algebraic equation**) in which the two sides are polynomials. The sides of a polynomial equation contain one or more terms. For example, the equation Ax^2+Bx+C-y=0
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equation HEIGHT 400