# Introduction to Algebra

## Simplifying Complex Polynomials in Multiple Brackets

The grouping of algebraic terms using parentheses plays a major role in how an expression gets evaluated. Symbols of grouping used in mathematical expressions include parentheses ( ), brackets [ ], and braces { }, and they all serve the same common purpose, that is, the terms they enclose are to…

## Expand Algebraic Expressions (Multiplying and Dividing)

To multiply and divide algebraic terms, it’s crucial that you known the laws of exponents. This is why we started started with addition and subtraction (which don’t require the laws), followed by the exponents laws, and now leading to this. Multiplying a Monomial by a Monomial Recall that a monomial…

## Laws of Exponents

Before we can do anything further with algebraic expressions, including multiplying or dividing monomials and polynomials, it’s critical that you know the laws of exponents. Of course, you could probably get away without knowing these laws formally, but then you wouldn’t have a strong foundation. A big part of your studies…

## Addition and Subtraction of Algebraic Expressions

In order to add or subtract polynomials, you need to know how to recognize like terms. Like terms have exactly the same variables raised to exactly the same exponents. Let’s look at a few examples where we identify like-terms: Identify the like terms in each set: a)   3x,   5y,   4x…

## Algebra Jargon

A major part of any math course is learning algebra. You may not have realized it already, but you’ve already been using algebraic techniques to answer many of the trigonometry questions posed in previous lessons. For example, any time you want to solve for an unknown, some algebraic technique is…