ABSTRACT

At the end of this chapter, you should be able to:

• distinguish between an algebraic expression and an algebraic equation • maintain the equality of a given equation whilst applying arithmetic operations • solve linear equations with one unknown including those involving brackets and fractions • form and solve linear equations involved with practical situations • evaluate formulae by substitution of data

3x − 4 is an example of an algebraic expression. 3x − 4 = 2 is an example of an algebraic equation (i.e. it contains an ‘=’ sign). An equation is simply a statement that two expressions are equal. Hence, A = πr2 (where A is the area of a circle

of radius r ) F = 9

5 C + 32 (which relates Fahrenheit and

Celsius temperatures) and y = 3x + 2 (which is the equation of a

straight line graph) are all examples of equations.