Discovering Patterns and Solving for the Unknown

Algebra is like a puzzle! It helps you find unknown values and see patterns in numbers. Using variables (like \( x \) or \( y \)), you can write equations that describe real situations.

Key Concepts

• Variables: Letters that stand in for unknown numbers.
• Expressions: Combinations of numbers, variables, and operations.
• Equations: Statements that two expressions are equal.

Real-World Applications

Algebra helps you:

• Figure out how many tickets you need to sell to make a profit.
• Plan budgets and manage money.
• Calculate distances and times.

Solving Equations

To solve \( x + 3 = 7 \), subtract 3 from both sides: \( x = 4 \).

Pro Tip

Always perform the same operation on both sides of the equation to keep it balanced!