General Math On-line

 Chapter 8 Algebra

 What will I be able to do when I finish this chapter?

Compute with signed numbers.

Write algebraic expressions.

Evaluate algebraic expressions.

Solve linear equations.

Use linear equations to solve word problems.

Chapter 8 Tips and Hints:

One of the first steps in algebra is learning to compute with signed numbers. Signed numbers are either positive or negative. Negative numbers are those that are less than zero. You can enter a negative number on your calculator by using the sign change key (+/-) after you enter the number.

 

Negative numbers can be a problem for students because it is hard to visualize something less than zero. Believe it or not you have already dealt with negative numbers. The temperature in Wisconsin in the winter often drops below zero. A temperature of -20° F means less heat than a temperature of -3° F. Another place where negative numbers show up is in finance. If you have ever been in debt to someone you had negative money. The larger the debt the less money you have.

 

Thinking of a negative number as a debt may help you when you add and subtract signed numbers.

 

When you worked with formulas in chapter 5, you were advised to show your work (step by step). The same advice applies when you are solving equations in this chapter. Start by writing out the original problem and then show each step until reach your final answer. Don't expect to look at a problem and go directly to the solution. Algebra doesn't work that way.

 

Pay close attention to detail. Algebra problems often have a number of steps. Each individual step may not be that difficult but when you put a number of steps together in a row it increases your chances of making a mistake. It only takes one small error to give an incorrect result.

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