1. Let's start with the basics of algebra. Algebra is a branch of mathematics that uses symbols, usually letters, to represent numbers and express mathematical relationships. 2. A common algebraic expression looks like $ax + b = c$, where $a$, $b$, and $c$ are numbers, and $x$ is the variable we want to solve for. 3. The goal is to find the value of $x$ that makes the equation true. 4. To solve $ax + b = c$, we use the following steps: - Subtract $b$ from both sides: $ax = c - b$ - Divide both sides by $a$: $x = \frac{c - b}{a}$ 5. Important rules: - You can add, subtract, multiply, or divide both sides of an equation by the same number (except division by zero). - Variables represent unknown values. 6. Example: Solve $2x + 3 = 7$ - Subtract 3: $2x = 7 - 3 = 4$ - Divide by 2: $x = \frac{4}{2} = 2$ 7. So, $x = 2$ is the solution. This is the foundation of algebra. Would you like to try a problem or learn about expressions and equations next?