Topic 1 of 6
Expressions & Equations
Translate algebraic structure, simplify without changing value, and solve equations with a reliable sequence of reversible moves.
01Algebra · Concept explainerOrder of operations with variables: what actually comes first?Parentheses and exponents set the structure; multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction then move left to right within their own level.02Algebra · Method guideCombining like terms without combining things that only look alikeTerms combine only when their variable parts match exactly. The coefficients change; the variable structure does not.03Algebra · Concept explainerThe distributive property: why the outside factor reaches every termDistribution is multiplication across a sum. It expands an expression without changing its value—and it works in reverse when factoring.04Algebra · Method guideSolving linear equations: keep the balance, not a bag of tricksAn equation stays true when the same legal operation is applied to both sides. Simplify, isolate, and check.05Algebra · Decision guideVariables on both sides: which side should you move them to?Either side can work. Choose the direction that keeps the variable coefficient positive and the arithmetic easy to audit.