Accessibility options:

Algebra resources

Show me all resources applicable to

Community Project (2)

Resource type Differentiation for Economics and Business Studies Functions of Multi-Variable Functions (SOURCE)
Latex source, image files and metadata for the Fact & Formulae leaflet "Differentiation for Economics and Business Studies Functions of Multi-Variable Functions" contributed to the mathcentre Community Project by Morgiane Richard (University of Aberdeen) and reviewed by Anthony Cronin (University College Dublin).
Resource type Exponential and Logarithm for Economics and Business Studies (SOURCE)
Latex source, image files and metadata for the Fact & Formulae leaflet "Exponential and Logarithm for Economics and Business Studies" contributed to the mathcentre Community Project by Morgiane Richard (University of Aberdeen) and reviewed by Shazia Ahmed (University of Glasgow) and Anthony Cronin (University College Dublin).

Facts & Formulae Leaflets (2)

Resource type Differentiation for Economics and Business Studies Functions of Multi-Variable Functions
Overview of the rules of partial differentiation and methods of optimization of functions in Economics and Business Studies. This leaflet has been contributed to the mathcentre Community Project by Morgiane Richard (University of Aberdeen) and reviewed by Anthony Cronin (University College Dublin).
Resource type Exponential and Logarithm for Economics and Business Studies
Overview of the properties of the functions e and ln and their applications in Economics. This leaflet has been contributed to the mathcentre Community Project by Morgiane Richard (University of Aberdeen) and reviewed by Shazia Ahmed (University of Glasgow) and Anthony Cronin (University College Dublin).

Practice & Revision (1)

Resource type Algebra Refresher - Interactive version
An interactive version of the refresher booklet on Algebra including links to other resources for further explanation. It includes revision, exercises and solutions on fractions, indices, removing brackets, factorisation, algebraic frations, surds, transpostion of formulae, solving quadratic equations and some polynomial equations, and partial fractions. An interactive version and a welsh language version are available.

Quick Reference (24)

Resource type Factorising quadratics
In this leaflet, we explain the procedure for factorising quadratic expressions. Be aware, not all quadratic expressions can be factorised.
Resource type Factorising simple expressions
Factorising can be thought of as a reversal of the process of removing brackets. When we factorize an expression, it is written as a product of two or more terms, and these will normally involve brackets.
Resource type Indicial equations
An indicial equation is one in which the power is unknown. Such equations often occur in the calculation of compound interest.
Resource type Linear inequalities
The ability to study regions defined by linear inequalities is helpful when studying linear programming. This leaflet reminds you how to sketch these regions.
Resource type Linear relationships
In many business applications, two quantities are related linearly. This means a graph of their relationship forms a straight line. This leaflet discusses one form of the mathematical equation which describes linear relationships.
Resource type Logarithms
We use logarithms to write expressions involving powers in a different form. If you can work confidently with powers, you should have no problems handling logarithms
Resource type Manipulating Inequalities
This leaflet explains the meaning of the inequality symbols < and >, and shows how expressions involving them are manipulated.
Resource type Mathematical Symbols and Abbreviations
This leaflet provides information on symbols and notation commonly used in mathematics. It shows the meaning of a symbol and, where necessary, an example and an indication of how the symbol would be said. For further information from mathcentre resources, a search phrase is given. This Quick Reference leaflet is contributed to the mathcentre Community Project by Janette Matthews and reviewed by Tony Croft, University of Loughborough.
Resource type Negative and fractional powers
Sometimes it is useful to use negative and fractional powers. These are explained in this leaflet.
Resource type Powers and roots
Powers are used when we want to multiply a number by itself repeatedly.
Resource type Quadratic equations 2
This leaflet will explain how quadratic equations can be solved using a formula.
Resource type Rearranging Formulas 1
The ability to rearrange formulas, or rewrite them in different ways, is an important skills. This leaflet will explain how to rearrange some simple formulas.
Resource type Rearranging Formulas 2
The ability to rearrange formulas, or rewrite them in different ways, is an important skills. This leaflet will explain how to rearrange some complex formulas.
Resource type Removing brackets 1
In order to simplify mathematical expressions, it is frequently necessary to 'remove brackets'. This leaflet explains the rules for replacing bracketed terms, with non-bracketed equivalents.
Resource type Removing brackets 2
In this leaflet, we show you the correct procedure for writing expressions of the form (a+b)(c+d) in an alternative form, without brackets.
Resource type Sigma notation
Sigma notation provides a concise and convenient way of writing long sums. This leaflet explains how.
Resource type Simplifying fractions
Fractions involving symbols occur frequently. It is necessary to be able to simplify these and rewrite them in different, but equivalent forms. In this leaflet, we revise how these processes are carried out.
Resource type Simultaneous equations
On occasions you will come across two or more unknown quantities, and two or more equations relating to them. These are called simultaneous equations and when asked to solve them yo umust find values of the unknowns which satisfy all the given equations at the same time. On this leaflet we will illustrate one way in which this can be done.
Resource type Solving linear equations
Equations always involve one or more unknown quantities which we try to find when we solve the equation. The simplest equations to deal with are linear equations. On this leaflet we describe how these are solved.
Resource type Substitution
This leaflet revised the way in which symbols in formulas are replaced by actual numerical values - a process known as substitution. You will need a calculator to check these examples.
Resource type Symbols
Mathematics provides a very rich language for the communication of concepts and ideas, and a set of powerful tools for the solution of problems. In order to use this language, it is essential to appreciate how symbols are used to represent quantities, and to understand the conventions which have been developed to manipulate them.
Resource type The exponential constant e
The letter e is used in many mathematical calculations to stand for a particular number known as the exponential constant. This leaflet provides information about this important constant, and the related exponential function.
Resource type The laws of indices
When a number is to be multiplied by itself, a power or index can be used to write this compactly. In this leaflet, we remind you of how this is done, and state a number of rules, or laws, which can be used to simplify expressions involving indices.
Resource type The laws of logarithms
There are a number of rules known as the laws of logarithms. These allow expressions involving logarithms to be rewritten in a variety of different ways. The laws apply to logarithms of any base, but the same base must be used throughout a calculation.

Teach Yourself (16)

Resource type Completing the square
It is often useful to be able write a quadratic expression in an alternative form - that is as a complete square plus or minus a number. The process for doing this is called completing the square. This booklet explains how this process is carried out.
Resource type Completing the square - maxima and minima
This is a workbook which describes how to complete the square for a quadratic expression. It goes on to show how the technique can be used to find maximum or minimum values of a quadratic expression.
Resource type Cubic equations
This booklet explains what is meant by a cubic equation and discusses the nature of the roots of cubic equations. It explains a process called synthetic division which can be used to locate further roots when one root is known. The graphical solution of cubic equations is also described.
Resource type Expanding, or removing brackets
This is a complete workbook covering the removal of brackets from expressions. It contains lots of examples and exercises. It can be used as a free-standing resource, or can be read in conjunction with mathtutor - the companion on-disk resource.
Resource type Factorising quadratics
The ability to factorise a quadratic expression is an essential skill. This booklet explains how this process is carried out.
Resource type Indices or Powers
This is a complete workbook on Indices covering definitions, rules and lots of examples and exercises. It can be used as a free-standing resource, or can be read in conjunction with mathtutor - the companion on-disk resource.
Resource type Linear equations in one variable
This is a complete workbook introducing the solution of a single linear equation in one variable. It contains plenty of examples and exercises. It can be used as a free-standing resource or in conjunction with the mathtutor DVD.
Resource type Logarithms
This booklet explains what is meant by a logarithm. It states and illustrates the laws of llogarithms. It explains the standard bases 10 and e. Finally it shows how logarithms can be used to solve certain types of equations.
Resource type Mathematical language
This introductory booklet describes conventions used in mathematical work and gives information on the appropriate use of symbols.
Resource type Polynomial division
Polynomial division is a process used to simplify certain sorts of algebraic fraction. It is very similar to long division of numbers. This booklet describes how the process is carried out.
Resource type Quadratic equations
This booklet explains how quadratic equations can be solved by factorisation, by completing the square, using a formula, and by drawing graphs.
Resource type Simplifying Fractions
This booklet explains how an algebraic fraction can be expressed in its lowest terms, or simplest form.
Resource type Simultaneous linear equations
This is a complete workbook introducing the solution of a pair of simultaneous linear equations. It contains plenty of examples and exercises. It can be used as a free-standing resource or in conjunction with the mathtutor DVD.
Resource type Solving inequalities
This booklet explains linear and quadratic inequalities and how they can be solved algebraically and graphically. It includes information on inequalities in which the modulus symbol is used.
Resource type Substitution and formulae
Formulae are used to relate physical quantities to each other. They provide rules so that if we know the values of certain quantities we can calculate the values of others. This booklet discusses several formulae.
Resource type Transposition, or rearranging formulae
It is often necessary to rearrange a formula in order to write it in a different, yet equivalent form. This booklet explains how this is done.

Video (17)

Resource type Completing the Square - by Inspection
In this unit we consider how quadratic expressions can be written in an equivalent form using the technique known as completing the square. This technique has applications in a number of areas, but we will see an example of its use in solving a quadratic equation. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) This resource is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Completing the Square - maxima & maxima
Completing the square is an algebraic technique which has several applications. These include the solution of quadratic equations. In this unit we use it to find the maximum or minimum values of quadratic functions. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) This resource is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Expanding & Removing Brackets
In this unit we see how to expand an expression containing brackets. By this we mean to rewrite the expression in an equivalent form without any brackets in. Fluency with this sort of algebraic manipulation is an essential skill which is vital for further study. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) This resource is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Factorising Quadratic Equations
An essential skill in many applications is the ability to factorise quadratic expressions. In this unit you will see that this can be thought of as reversing the process used to 'remove' or 'multiply-out' brackets from an expression. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) This resource is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Logarithms
Logarithms appear in all sorts of calculations in engineering and science, business and economics. Before the days of calculators they were used to assist in the process of multiplication by replacing the operation of multiplication by addition. Similarly, they enabled the operation of division to be replaced by subtraction. They remain important in other ways, one of which is that they provide the underlying theory of the logarithm function. This has applications in many fields, for example, the decibel scale in acoustics. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) This resource is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Mathematical language
This introductory section provides useful background material on the importance of symbols in mathematical work. It describes conventions used by mathematicians, engineers, and scientists. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) This resource is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Partial Fractions
After viewing this tutorial, you should be able to explain the meaning of the terms 'proper fraction' and 'improper fraction', and express an algebraic fraction as the sum of its partial fractions. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) algebraic fraction as the sum of its partial fractions. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) This resource is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Polynomial Division
In order to simplify certain sorts of algebraic fraction we need a process known as polynomial division. This unit describes this process. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) This resource is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Powers
A knowledge of powers, or indices as they are often called, is essential for an understanding of most algebraic processes. In this section you will learn about powers and rules for manipulating them through a number of worked examples. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) This resource is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Simple Linear Equations
In this unit we give examples of simple linear equations and show you how these can be solved. In any equation there is an unknown quantity, x say, that we are trying to find. In a linear equation this unknown quantity will appear only as a multiple of x, and not as a function of x such as x2, x3, sin x and so on. Linear equations occur so frequently in the solution of other problems that a thorough understanding of them is essential. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) This resource is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Simplifying Algebraic Fractions
This video explains how algebraic fractions can be simplified by cancelling common factors. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) This resource is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Simultaneous Linear Equations Part 1
The purpose of this section is to look at the solution of simultaneous linear equations. We will see that solving a pair of simultaneous equations is equivalent to finding the location of the point of intersection of two straight lines. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) This resource is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Solving Cubic Equations
All cubic equations have either one real root, or three real roots. In this video we explore why this is so. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) This resource is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Solving Inequalities
This video explains linear and quadratic inequalities and how they can be solved algebraically and graphically. It includes information on inequalities in which the modulus symbol is used. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) This resource is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Solving Quadratic Equations
This unit is about the solution of quadratic equations. These take the form ax2+bx+c = 0. We will look at four methods: solution by factorisation, solution by completing the square, solution using a formula, and solution using graphs. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) This resource is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Substitution & Formulae
In mathematics, engineering and science, formulae are used to relate physical quantities to each other. They provide rules so that if we know the values of certain quantities; we can calculate the values of others. In this video we discuss several formulae and illustrate how they are used. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) This resource is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Transposition or Re-arranging Formulae
It is often useful to rearrange, or transpose, a formula in order to write it in a different, but equivalent form. This unit explains the procedure for doing this. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) This resource is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.

Video with captions which require edits (17)

Resource type Completing the Square - by Inspection
In this unit we consider how quadratic expressions can be written in an equivalent form using the technique known as completing the square. This technique has applications in a number of areas, but we will see an example of its use in solving a quadratic equation. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) The video is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Completing the Square - maxima & maxima
Completing the square is an algebraic technique which has several applications. These include the solution of quadratic equations. In this unit we use it to find the maximum or minimum values of quadratic functions. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) The video is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Expanding & Removing Brackets
In this unit we see how to expand an expression containing brackets. By this we mean to rewrite the expression in an equivalent form without any brackets in. Fluency with this sort of algebraic manipulation is an essential skill which is vital for further study. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) The video is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Factorising Quadratic Equations
An essential skill in many applications is the ability to factorise quadratic expressions. In this unit you will see that this can be thought of as reversing the process used to 'remove' or 'multiply-out' brackets from an expression. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) The video is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Logarithms
Logarithms appear in all sorts of calculations in engineering and science, business and economics. Before the days of calculators they were used to assist in the process of multiplication by replacing the operation of multiplication by addition. Similarly, they enabled the operation of division to be replaced by subtraction. They remain important in other ways, one of which is that they provide the underlying theory of the logarithm function. This has applications in many fields, for example, the decibel scale in acoustics. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) The video is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Mathematical language
This introductory section provides useful background material on the importance of symbols in mathematical work. It describes conventions used by mathematicians, engineers, and scientists. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) The video is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Partial Fractions
After viewing this tutorial, you should be able to explain the meaning of the terms 'proper fraction' and 'improper fraction', and express an algebraic fraction as the sum of its partial fractions. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) algebraic fraction as the sum of its partial fractions. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) The video is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Polynomial Division
In order to simplify certain sorts of algebraic fraction we need a process known as polynomial division. This unit describes this process. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) The video is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Powers
A knowledge of powers, or indices as they are often called, is essential for an understanding of most algebraic processes. In this section you will learn about powers and rules for manipulating them through a number of worked examples. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) The video is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Simple Linear Equations
In this unit we give examples of simple linear equations and show you how these can be solved. In any equation there is an unknown quantity, x say, that we are trying to find. In a linear equation this unknown quantity will appear only as a multiple of x, and not as a function of x such as x2, x3, sin x and so on. Linear equations occur so frequently in the solution of other problems that a thorough understanding of them is essential. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) The video is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Simplifying Algebraic Fractions
This video explains how algebraic fractions can be simplified by cancelling common factors. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) The video is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Simultaneous Linear Equations Part 1
The purpose of this section is to look at the solution of simultaneous linear equations. We will see that solving a pair of simultaneous equations is equivalent to finding the location of the point of intersection of two straight lines. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) The video is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Solving Cubic Equations
All cubic equations have either one real root, or three real roots. In this video we explore why this is so. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) The video is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Solving Inequalities
This video explains linear and quadratic inequalities and how they can be solved algebraically and graphically. It includes information on inequalities in which the modulus symbol is used. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) The video is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Solving Quadratic Equations
This unit is about the solution of quadratic equations. These take the form ax2+bx+c = 0. We will look at four methods: solution by factorisation, solution by completing the square, solution using a formula, and solution using graphs. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) The video is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Substitution & Formulae
In mathematics, engineering and science, formulae are used to relate physical quantities to each other. They provide rules so that if we know the values of certain quantities; we can calculate the values of others. In this video we discuss several formulae and illustrate how they are used. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) The video is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Resource type Transposition or Re-arranging Formulae
It is often useful to rearrange, or transpose, a formula in order to write it in a different, but equivalent form. This unit explains the procedure for doing this. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial) The video is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.