Anna Gomez's Algebra Post

Algebra

Algebra- Writing mathematical phrases using letters to represent numbers
eg. n+3 = 143x = 18

Variable- a letter that represents a number in an equation or expression
eg. n+11=20 (can be n, x, p, z, or any letter)

Constant- the integer in an algebraic expression or equation
eg. 18+n =35

Expression- Pattern (many answers)
eg. 5n

Equation- Only has one answer and an equal (=) sign

eg. 5n=20

Algebra Tiles

Solving a One Step Equation

With and Without tiles

1st: Isolate the variable
2nd: Cancel the constant using zero pair
3rd: Balance (do the same thing to the other side)
4th: Verify to check

Solving a Two step equation

With and without tiles.

1st: Isolate the variable
2nd Cancel the constant
3rd: Balance
4th: Simplify the variable
5th:Balance
6th: Verify

Correction: those X's are all positive x's. I forgot to color it in.

Here are some videos that might help you more about Algebra.