1. Algebra is a branch of mathematics that deals with symbols and the rules for manipulating those symbols. 2. It involves solving equations and understanding how variables relate to each other. 3. A common algebraic problem is solving for $x$ in an equation like $ax + b = c$. 4. The formula to solve for $x$ is $x = \frac{c - b}{a}$, where $a \neq 0$. 5. Important rules include the distributive property: $a(b + c) = ab + ac$, and combining like terms. 6. For example, to solve $2x + 3 = 7$, subtract 3 from both sides: $2x = 4$. 7. Then divide both sides by 2: $x = 2$. 8. This process helps find the value of unknown variables in equations. 9. Algebra is foundational for advanced math and many real-world applications.