Mathematics is the language of the universe, and algebra is the language of mathematics.  For now, you'll want to make sure that you can put your "computation" skills to work algebraically.

ex.   0.5m - 2.7n + 2.3n - 8.04m

And how is this different?

ex.   0.5m - 2.7 = 2.3m- 8.04m

(Are you seeing the difference between an expression and an equation?)

And for some reason, subtraction with integers seems to present problems for some folks.

Does it for you?

-8 - (-7)    as opposed to   - 8 + (-7)

5 - 2(3 - 7)   as opposed to    5 + 2(3 - 7)   and    5 - 2(3 + 7)

Click here to see an excellent demonstration of those rules for performing operations with positive and negative numbers.  Try it!  This will really help!

And translations get a bit sticky.....   (You know, the stuff that leads up to "word problems")

How would you write:

three less than twice a number

three less twice a number

three less the quantity, twice a number less four

Did you get those translations?

2m - 3

3 - 2m

3 - (2m - 4)

Back to Fast Facts Directory

BACK to the On-Line Math Learning Center

BACK to Debbie's Home Page