Algebra

Algebra is arithmetic with a mystery number in it. You give the unknown a name, write down what you know about it, and then undo the steps, one at a time, until the mystery is solved. The same moves grow into graphs, curves and the tools that describe growth.

Step	Page	You will be able to
Play	Mystery numbers and balance scales	Find a hidden number by working backwards and by keeping a scale balanced
Explore	Letters for numbers	Write expressions, substitute, collect like terms and solve one- and two-step equations
Build	Equations, functions and straight lines	Solve any linear equation, use function notation, graph \(y = mx + b\) and solve two equations together
Master	Polynomials and quadratics	Expand and factor, solve quadratics three ways and sketch a parabola from its vertex
Beyond	Exponentials and logarithms	Use the laws of exponents, define logarithms, prove their laws and solve equations with the unknown in the power