Building Blocks of Algebra

Expressions are math phrases with numbers, variables, and operations. Equations have an equals sign, and inequalities use symbols like \( > \), \( < \), \( \geq \), or \( \leq \).

Writing and Simplifying

• Combine like terms to simplify expressions.
• Use inverse operations to solve equations.
• For inequalities, remember to flip the sign when multiplying or dividing by a negative.

Real-World Applications

Use equations and inequalities to solve problems like figuring out how many tickets you can buy with a certain amount of money.

Helpful Hints

• Always check your solution by plugging it back into the original equation.
• Graph inequalities on a number line to see possible solutions.