Algebra

# Algebra

• Algebra
• Significance of Letters in Algebra
• Summary
• What’s Next?

In the previous segment of Class 6 Maths, we learnt about Mensuration. In this segment, we will learn about Algebra.

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## What is Algebra?

Algebra is the branch of mathematics in which letters are used to represent numbers and quantities in equations and formulas.

For example,

● x + 3 = 19

● 3?2 = ? + 10

● ?2 + ?2 = 25

We can represent any number using a letter. Hence, the letters are known as variables as their

value can vary with different equations. The values of these letters are unknown to us and hence called as unknowns.

## Why are letters used in algebra?

If we have to represent many unknown quantities in an equation, letters make it easy to represent these unknowns than anything else such as geometric shapes.

## What is the advantage of using variables?

Variables help to communicate mathematical ideas clearly and briefly. For example,

Consider the following case:

Your friend had a few chocolates with him. A bully came across, took away 5 of his chocolates. And then he had just 7 chocolates remaining with him. How many chocolates did he have before the bully came to him?

The above mathematical problem consists of 40 words. The same can be written concisely as follows:

If your friend has x chocolates and x – 5 = 7. Find x.

Thus, algebra can help to express mathematical models in a very simple manner.

## Summary

 Algebra The branch of mathematics in which letters are used to represent numbers and quantities in equations and formulas Variables Letters used in algebra to denote unknown quantities Also known as ‘unknowns’ Help to communicate mathematical ideas clearly and briefly

## What’s next?

In our next segment of Class 6 Maths, we will understand what an Equation is.

## Related content

 Equations Terms Counting Terms

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