**Algebra Class Notes**

**Introduction to Algebra:**
- Algebra is a branch of mathematics that deals with symbols and the rules for manipulating those
symbols. It involves solving equations, manipulating expressions, and understanding the properties
of numbers and operations.
- The fundamental concept in algebra is the variable, which represents an unknown quantity.
Variables are typically denoted by letters such as \( x, y, z \).
- Algebraic expressions are combinations of variables, numbers, and operations such as addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division.

**Basic Operations:**
1. **Addition and Subtraction:**
- When adding or subtracting algebraic expressions, combine like terms. Like terms have the same
variables raised to the same powers.
- For example, \( 3x + 2x = 5x \), and \( 4y - 2y = 2y \).

2. **Multiplication:**
- Multiplication in algebra involves distributing terms. For example, \( 3(x + 2) = 3x + 6 \).
- Remember the distributive property: \( a(b + c) = ab + ac \).

3. **Division:**
- Division is the inverse operation of multiplication. Division by a variable is often represented as
multiplication by its reciprocal. For example, \( \frac{1}{3}x = \frac{x}{3} \).

**Equations:**
- An equation is a mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions. It typically
contains an unknown variable.
- Solving equations involves isolating the variable on one side of the equation.
- Perform the same operation on both sides of the equation to maintain equality. For example, if \
( x + 5 = 10 \), subtracting 5 from both sides yields \( x = 5 \).

**Linear Equations:**
- Linear equations are equations of the form \( ax + b = 0 \), where \( a \) and \( b \) are constants.
- To solve a linear equation, apply the inverse operations to isolate the variable \( x \).
- Example: Solve for \( x \) in the equation \( 2x - 3 = 7 \).

**Quadratic Equations:**
- Quadratic equations are equations of the form \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \), where \( a \), \( b \), and \
( c \) are constants.
- Quadratic equations may have two real roots, one real root, or complex roots.
- Methods for solving quadratic equations include factoring, completing the square, and using the
quadratic formula.

**Inequalities:**
- Inequalities compare two expressions and assert that one is greater than, less than, or equal to
the other.
- Solve inequalities much like equations, but remember to reverse the inequality sign when
multiplying or dividing by a negative number.
- Graphically represent inequalities on a number line or coordinate plane.

**Polynomials:**
- Polynomials are expressions consisting of variables and coefficients, combined using addition,
subtraction, and multiplication.
- Degree of a polynomial is the highest power of its variable term.
- Classify polynomials based on degree: linear (degree 1), quadratic (degree 2), cubic (degree 3), etc.
**Exponents and Radicals:**
- Exponents represent repeated multiplication, while radicals represent roots.
- Understand the laws of exponents, including the product rule, quotient rule, power rule, and
negative exponent rule.
- Simplify expressions involving radicals by factoring and applying the rules of exponents.

**Functions:**
- A function is a relation between a set of inputs (domain) and a set of outputs (range), where each
input is related to exactly one output.
- Represent functions using equations, tables, graphs, or verbal descriptions.
- Understand function notation: \( f(x) \), where \( f \) is the function and \( x \) is the input.

**Graphing:**
- Graphs visually represent functions and relationships between variables.
- Plot points on a coordinate plane using the \( (x, y) \) notation.
- Understand how to graph linear equations, quadratic equations, and other functions.

**Systems of Equations:**
- Systems of equations involve multiple equations with multiple variables.
- Solve systems of equations using substitution, elimination, or matrix methods.
- Graphically represent systems of equations to find their intersection points.

These are the foundational concepts in algebra. Mastering these topics will provide a solid
understanding of algebraic principles and prepare you for more advanced mathematical concepts.