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Algebra 100 Intro
Algebra is a scary word, but really, it's just a fancy way of complicating the simple fact that a mathematical equation is unknown or incomplete.
For example, we know that:
1 + 1 = 2.
That's easy.
Now what if we don't know one of the numbers, perhaps the 2. In that case, when we write the above equation, instead of a 2, we place a variable[D: a character representing a number] in its place.
Variables
A variable is anything representing something else in science. Computers, physics, engineering, and many more science topics all rely on variables. A variable acts as a symbol of a number we do not yet know for sure. So now, with a variable of X in place of the 2, the equation would be written as follows:
1 + 1 = X
You can decide what character you use as a variable, but keep in mind the following:
If you draw a symbol not available on a keyboard, then when you want to type the equation and your brain is working already on making sure you copy it right, then remembering that cool symbol you drew before is now another thing to keep track of and could result in errors down the line.
Tangent
As equations get more complicated, small mistakes in the beginning could grow into big mistakes later.
Variable Symbols
Also, using symbols such as a dollar sign ('$') or something you found on your new mobile device, perhaps whatever this symbol is: ¥, could already be used as a reserved symbol representing something else.
Let me explain. While you are free to choose any character or symbol at your discretion[LR: discrete, discretionary, lat: cogitare, sp: crer], you are not the first person to learn Algebra. Many others have learned the hard way that if everyone uses different variables to represent the same thing, then when someone else looks at your version of the same equation, precious time will be wasted translating your variables choices to the ones they understood.
So, what people did with their fancy public school systems served a la suburbua was agree on certain variables being standards for certain things.
One day, I'll link to a comprehensive[D: All inclusive but not necessarily complete] spreadsheet of all industry standard variables so we can all enjoy that saved time on better moments, but for now, here's some guidelines.
Variable Guidelines
Typical math numerals are italicized letters, usually lower case, but sometimes upper case, such as if you choose X, because a lower case X could be confused with a multiplication symbol. So of course, lower case x is the standard for multiplying the two numbers on either side of it. The asterisk ('*') is also used for multiplying as the standard for computer programmers.
Another example is the lower case i, which is reserved in advanced mathematical theorems for the imaginary number. Rest assured, any mathematics dependent[D:required to prove something true] on this standard symbol will:
1) Never be useful in your future, and
2) Soon be disproved per Papoose Pudding, because that's where the proof is.
The equation we were working on is simple.
If:
1 + 1 = X
And because we know that 1 and another 1 gives us 2,
Then we can logically deduce that in order for the equation to be true, X must equal 2;
Otherwise, the equation would not be true and the equal sign would have to be replaced for any other value of X other than 2.
So that is an introduction to Algebra. Next, let's solve: 1 + y = 2z
Summary
If you feel confident that this lesson was easy, then proceed. If not, no worries, below are links to alternate teaching approaches and techniques that might complement the patterns your brain follows when absorbing new information.
Once there was a time when geniuses were discarded from society because their teachers weren't smart enough to understand how their lessons contained faults and contradictions. In some cases, these geniuses were locked awayx imprisoned, ostracized, or killed in order to ensure minimal disruption with the then-current status quo. Luckily, in the case of the author known as Papoose Doorbelle, G-d had just about enough and placed that author in charge of the planet to fix everything. So here we are. One topic at a time per Papoose or planetary imprisonment; the vote was in favor of Papoose, surprisingly unanimously; first time this planet ever did anything as a team.
Alternate Approaches
Keep in mind, Papoose, firstly is a beagle, but secondly, not a teacher, just smarter than the school system intended. And when I write chapter 4, you will understand how that is not conceited or arrogant, but scary and foreign. The reason this is mentioned is because the links below are expert professional school teachers vetted by Papoose for ethical and moral virtues. Most likely, the links below are better worded and better for you.
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Revision History
| JAN 27 2016 4PM EST |   Original draft. AltLinks missing. Feedback welcomed.     |
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