ABSTRACT
Algebra is one of the most fundamental tools for engineers because it allows them to determine the value of something (length, material constant, temperature, mass and so on) given values that they do know (possibly other length, material properties, mass). Although the types of problems that mechanical, chemical, civil, environmental, electrical engineers deal with vary, all engineers use algebra to solve problems. Algebra is that part of mathematics in which the relations and properties of numbers are investigated by means of general symbols. When an increase or decrease in an independent variable leads to an increase or decrease of the same proportion in the dependent variable this is termed direct proportion.
