Pre-algebra

Pre-algebra is a branch of mathematics which is studied typically in American education usually taught in 8th grade to prepare students for algebra 1 and 2, geometry, and other subjects that are taught in high school. It is studied to prepare students for algebra. Pre-Algebra is used to allow students to understand usage of variables and enhance their ability of understanding, reading and creating graphs. Pre-algebra often still deals with basic math, while adding letters, commonly used are x and y.

Subjects students often learn include:

• x and y variables
• ratios
• basic slope
• adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing negative numbers
• exponents
• proportional relationships
• system of equations
• scientific notation
• graphs and functions
• probability
• equalities and inequalities
• geometry

• Irrational numbers (such as π)

Pre-algebra is mainly about equations and evaluating what certain variables are. An example is 3y+x-3=y-x+10 say we need to solve for x. we would need to subtract 3y from both sides of the equal sign. So it becomes x-3=10-2y-x next we need to add 3. So x=13-2y-x, and then add x to each side. 2x=13-2y divide each side by 2 so x=-y+13/2.

Szczepanski, Amy F. & Kositsky, Andrew P. 2008. The complete idiot's guide to pre-algebra. Penguin. AFKBender added to this.