Introduction to algebra

Section 1 looks at finding, simplifying and using formulas and includes useful tips on learning algebra. Section 2 introduces some of the terminology used in algebra and techniques such as evaluating and checking equivalence of expressions, identifying terms in an expression and collecting like terms. Section 3 looks at how to simplify terms and introduces index notation and multiplying powers. Section 4 looks at the use of brackets in algebra and section 5 covers solving, checking and using simple linear equations.

Course learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

• Recognise technical terms and appreciate some of the uses of algebra
• Collect like terms and simplify expressions term by term
• Multiply out brackets
• Simplify some formulas
• Solve simple linear equations.