GRAPHIC REPRESENTATION OF FUNCTIONS AND EQUATIONS Representation of Functions of One Variable Graphic Solution of Equations involving One Unknown Quantity SIMULTANEOUS QUADRATIC EQUATIONS I. Equations solved by finding x + y and x ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION 1. Algebra treats of numbers as does arithmetic, but for reasons which will appear later, numbers are frequently denoted by letters; as, a, m, x. 2. Known numbers are usually represented by the first letters of the alphabet; as, a, b, c. Unknown numbers are usually represented by the last letters of the alphabet; as, x, y, z. 3. The signs of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and equality have the same meaning in algebra as they have in arithmetic. 4. A problem is a question proposed for solution. 5. An equation is a statement expressing the equality of two quantities; as, 7 x=56. ALGEBRAIC SOLUTION OF PROBLEMS 6. Problem. The sum of two numbers is 56, and the greater is six times the smaller. Find the numbers. |