Algebra

Algebra

Algebra is the branch of mathematics that uses letters or symbols to represent variables in formula and equations. Equations formed using this method are called as algebraic equations and they are widely used in aviation industry. The following rules are important when solving algebraic equations.

Rule 1: When solving for a variable in an equation, you must follow the same mathematical operations on both sides of the equation.

Example

        Find N using the equation, 4N = 24

                4N = 24

          4N ÷ 4 = 24 ÷ 4 (divide both sides by 4)

                   N = 6

 

Rule 2: PEMDAS is an acronym to remember the order of operation for algebraic equations. PEMDAS is expanded as follows.

  1. Parentheses
  2. Exponents
  3. Multiplication and Division
  4. Addition and Subtraction

However the process of ‘multiplication and division’ and ‘addition and subtraction’ can be done together.