Algebra

• In algebra we use symbols - usually letters - to represent unknown numbers
• Such letters can be used with known numbers to make simple expressions such as ‘k + 2’ which means ‘add 2 to k’
• Letters can also be used to represent unknown values in equations such as ‘7 + z = 10’
• To find the unknown value, z needs to be isolated on one side of the equation
• Whatever operation you perform on one side of an equation must also be performed on the other side to keep it balanced
• Before working with this topic, learners should already be confident with the four operations (+, −, ×, ÷) as well as squares and square roots