What is Algebra?

Algebra is like a puzzle where you use letters to stand for numbers you don’t know yet.

Instead of just adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing numbers like in regular math, in algebra, you might see something like this:

x + 3 = 7  

In this case, “x” is a mystery number. Your job is to figure out what number makes the equation true.

So in this example:
x + 3 = 7
You think: What number plus 3 equals 7?
Answer: 4 — so x = 4

Why Use Letters?

We use letters (like x, y, or n) as placeholders for numbers we don’t know yet — kind of like blanks you have to fill in.

It’s a bit like solving a riddle!

Why Is Algebra Important?

• It helps you think logically and solve problems.
  
  

• It’s used in science, technology, and real life, like figuring out how fast something is moving or how much money you’ll save.

Think of It Like This:

If regular math is like playing with numbers,
algebra is like being a math detective — finding out what number is hiding behind the letter.