Introduction to Algebra
HISTORY OF ALGEBRA:
Algebra is the invention of muslims. In 820 AD, a muslim mathematician
Muhammad Ibne Mosa Al Khwarzmi wrote a book named Algebra-wal-
Almuqabla. The first translation of this book named "Algebra" was
published in Europe in Latin which is the base of the subject "Algebra".
8.1 ALGEBRA
Explain the term algebra as an extension of arithmetic in which letter
replace the numbers
Man has been using natural numbers 1, 2, 3, ... in his life. As time passed
his needs increased and the calculation became more complex. Algebra
provides methods to transform and solve difficult and complex
mathematical problems in easy way.
In Arithmetic we usually perform calculation of numbers with the help
of 'fundamental operations addition, subtraction, multiplication and
division, for example Rafay has 5 apples and Taha has 8 apples. So, the
total number of apples is 5 + 8.
The term algebra is •an extension of arithmetic in which letters or
symbols replace the numbers or quantities. For example Bisma has 5
toffees in a plate and Hifza has some toffees in her purse.
We can represent the total toffees as 5 + x.
In this example we have shown the unknown quantity of toffees of Hifza
by "x".
Teacher's Note: Teacher should give some more examples of unknown quantities from class
room or daily life and represent them by x, y or z. Also add or 'subtract them with
known quantities.
Page Number: 14 / 244
Mathematics for Class 6
Introduction to Algebra
Hence the sum of 5 and x' is written in symbols as '5 x'
Similarly other expression can be written in symbols as explained in the
example.
Example:
Represent into symbols.
In words In symbols (Algebraic expression)
Sum of 6 and x 6+x
Three times a number y 3y
The product of two numbers x and y xy
Five is greater than four 5>4
Double of a number e 2e
Know that a sentence is a set of words making a complete grammatical
structure and conveying full meaning
We speak sentences to convey some ideas in our daily life..
For example: Sum of two and seven is nine.
Symbolically, we write as 2+ 7 = 9
This sentence conveys full meaning.
So, In languages a sentence is set of words making a complete
grammatical structure and conveying full meaning.
Example:
Represent the following sentences symbolically.
Double of a number x is 8
Solution:
Symbolically we represent it as 2 x = 8.
Five is greater than three
Solution:
Symbolically we represent it as 5 > 3.
Know that Sentences that are either true or false are known as statements
and a statement must be either true or false but not both information
We, sometimes speak true sentences or false sentence
For example.
(1) Difference of nine and two is seven
i.e. 9 - 2 = 7
It is a true sentence.
(2) Sum of two and five is four
i.e. 2 + 5 = 4
It is a false sentence.
Such sentences are known as statements.
Thus,
Sentences that are either true or false are known as statements.
A sentence that does not include enough information required to decide whether it is
true or false is known as open statement (e.g. = 9) and a number that makes an
open statement true is said to satisfy the statement (e.g. = 7 makes the
statement + 2 = 9 true). Also use English alphabet x in the open statement + 2 = 9
to modify it to x + 2 = 9
We know that a statement must be either true or false. But in some
cases we have to decide whether a statement is true or false. Such
statement is called open statement.
For example:
+ 5 = 12 is an open statement.
if we replace A with 4 it becomes false i.e. 4 + 5 = 12 but if we replace
A with 7 it becomes true. i.e. 7 + 5 = 12.
If = 2, 2 + 5 = 7, which is not equal to 12. So, it becomes false. So,
we say 7 satisfies the statement and if we replace A with English
alphabet x it still remains open i e. x + 5 = 12
Page Number: 15 / 244
Mathematics for Class 6
Introduction to Algebra
Example 1:
Think and write the value of which makes the following statements
true.
(i) + 6 = 18
(ii) -3=7
Solution:
(i) + 6 = 18
It will be true if = 12
i.e. 12 + 6 = 18
(ii) -3=7
It will be true if = 12
i.e. 10 - 3 = 7
Example 2:
Replace the unknown by the number to make statement true
Page Number: 16 / 244
Mathematics for Class 6
Introduction to Algebra
EXERCISE 8 .1
1. Write the following sentences in symbols.
Sum of a number x and two is eight.
Product of a number y and seven is greater than two.
Sum of six and a number z is less than four.
2. Which of the following are true or false statements?
(i) 5 + 9 = 18 (ii) 8 + 3 = 11 (iii) 20 + 3 = 26
(iv) 21 - 8 = 13 (v) 18 - 13 = 15 (vi) 16 - 10 = 6
3. Which of the following are open statements?
(i) +3=9 (ii) 3a + 4 = 8 (iii) 9 + 4 = 13
4. Find the values of the number ❑ or which makes the following statements true.
(i) 6 + =15 (ii) ❑ + 5 = 8 (iii) 14 - =8
(iv) 24 - = 20 (v) 3❑ + 1 = 10 (vi) 35 - ❑ = 29
Page Number: 17 / 244
Mathematics for Class 6
Introduction to Algebra
Define variables as letters used to denote numbers in algebra
Consider an open statement x + 5 > 2
It will be true for different values of number x.
for x = 1 we get 1 + 5> 2 or 6> 2
for x = 2 we get 2 + 5> 2 or 7> 2
for x = 3 we get 3 + 5 > 2 or 8 > 2
and so on
It means the value of number x is not constant, but it is varying. So, x is
called variable.
Hence
Any of the letter of English alphabet which is used to denote number in
algebra is called variable.
Know that any numeral, variable or combination of numerals and variables
connected by one or more of the symbols '+' and '-' is known as an algebraic
expression (e.g., x + 2 y)
In daily life, we often speak set of words which are not sentences.
For example:
Difference of a number x and two Symbolically we write as x - 2
Sum of thrice of a number x and twice of a number y Symbolically we write as 3 x + 2
y
Such expressions like x - 2 and 3 x + 2 y are known as algebraic
expression. In these expressions we see variables, numerals and
fundamental operations.
Thus,
Algebraic expression is the combination of variables, numerals and
fundamental operations.
2 + x, 5 x, 6 x - 3 y + 8 are few examples of algebraic expressions.
Page Number: 18 / 244
Mathematics for Class 6
Introduction to Algebra
Example 1:
Moomal has three brothers. Every brother gives x rupees to Moomal.
She already has Rs 7.
Write an algebraic expression for the amount she has.
If each brother gives Rs 10. Find the amount that Moomal has.
If each brother gives him Rs 15. Find the amount that she has.
Solution:
Three brothers give her x + x + x = 3 x Already Moomal has Rs 7 Total amount that
Moomal has 3 x + 7
If x = 10, then Moomal has 3 x + 7 = 3 x 10 + 7 = 37 rupees
If x = 15, then Moomal has 3 x + 7 = 3 x 15 + 7 = 52 rupees
8.2 ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS
Know that x, 2 y and 5 are called the terms of the expression x + 2 y + 5
The parts of an algebraic expressions are connected to each other by
the signs of addition and subtraction, for example in 5 x + 4 y, there are
two parts, 5 x is 1st part and 4 y is 2nd part. They are connected by plus
sign. The parts 5 x and 4 y are called the 'terms' of the expression 5 x +
4 y.
Similarly a+b is an algebraic expression having two terms i.e. a and b.
The expressions a ÷ b or a/b and ab, contain only one term.
An algebraic expression consists of terms which are connected by the
operations of addition (+) and subtraction (-).
Note:
Operations of multiplication (x) and division (-) do not connect terms.
Page Number: 19 / 244
Mathematics for Class 6
Introduction to Algebra
Example.
Write the number of terms in the following expressions:
(1) 5 x + 7 y (2) 6 x ÷ 7 + y (3) 3 x - 4 y - 7
(4) 4 x p x q
Solutions:
(1) 5 x + 7 y (2) 6 x ÷ 7 + y
Number of terms = 2 Number of terms 2
(3) 3 x - 4 y - 7 (4) 4 x p x q
Number of terms 3 Number of tern-is = 1
Know that the symbol or number appearing as multiple of a variable used in
algebraic term is called its coefficient (e.g. in 2y, 2 is the coefficient of y)
In algebraic expression 3 x + 7, the term 3 x contains a variable x and a
number 3 which is multiplied with x. In this term 3 is the coefficient of x.
In algebraic expression, the symbol or number appearing as multiple of
a variable used in algebraic term is called its coefficient. e.g. in 4 x, 4 is
the coefficient of x.
Similarly, in algebraic expression 4 a - 3 c, 4 is the coefficient of a and -
3 is the coefficient of c.
Similarly, Coefficient of x is 1, which is not written. and the coefficient
of -x is -1, which is also not written
Generally x, y and z are used to write variable and a, b, c are used to
denote numbers.
Know that the number, appearing in algebraic expression, independent of a
variable is called a constant term(e.g. in x + 2 y + 5, number 5 is a constant
term).
In the algebraic expression 3 x + 7 if x = 10, the value of 3 x is 30 and
for x 15, the value of 3 x is 45. In both cases the second term 7 of the
expression 3 x + 7 does not ch because 7 is a constant. Similarly in 2 x
+ 9, 9 is constant.
In algebraic expression number appearing independent of a variable is
called constant term.
Page Number: 20 / 244
Mathematics for Class 6
Introduction to Algebra
Example:
Write coefficients, constants and variables of the following expressions.
(1) 6 z - 8 (2) 2 x + 3 y + 8
Solution:
(1) 62— 8
Here Coefficient is: 6
Constant is: - 8
Variables are: z
(2) 2 x + 3 y + 8
Here Coefficients are: 2, 3
Constant is: 8
Variable is : x, y
Differentiate between like and unlike terms
The terms having same variable are called 'like terms'. In like terms
coefficients and their signs may differ.
For example, 2 x, - 3 x and 5/2 x are like terms.
The terms having different variable are called 'unlike terms'
For example 3 x and 4 y are unlike terms. Similarly - 3 l and 5 ml are
called 'unlike terms'.
like terms can be combined to give a single term.
As 2 x 3 x = 5 x
Here two like terms 2 x and 3 x have been combined to give a single
term 5 x.
So,
Addition or subtraction can not be performed with unlike term
As unlike term 5 x and 7 y can not be combined to give single term i.e.
5 x + 7 y can not be further simplified.
Page Number: 21 / 244
Mathematics for Class 6
Introduction to Algebra
EXERCISE 8.1
1. Write the number of terms of the following expressions.
(i) 3 x m x n
(ii) p
(iii) 2 x + 3 y
(iv) 4 y + 7
(v) 4 l + 3 m + 9
(vi) 7 x + 5 + 8
2. Write the variables of the following expressions.
(i) 8 x + 3 (ii) - 7 x + 1 (iii) 6 x + y (iv) 2x/y
(v) 2 x y (vi) 5 ÷ 3 y z (vii) 3 x y z (viii) 3 x y + 9 y z
3. Write the constants of the following expressions.
(i) 2 x + 2
(ii) - 3 + x
(iii) x y + 1
(iv) x y + y z + 1/2
(v) 5 x + 9
(vi) 2 x + 2 y + 10
4. Write the coefficients of variables of the following.
(i) - 7 x (ii) 5 y (iii) 2 x + 3 y
(iv) x + 1/2 y - 1/4 z (v) 5 x + 9 (vi) 1/4 x + 6 y + 1
5. Write like terms in the following.
2 x y, 4 l m, - 7 x z, 140 x y, 13 m n, x z, 1/5 x y, - 9 x y z, 1/4 x y, - 2 p, 1/3
x y - 2 x y, 5 x y, x y z, 46 p, 5 l m
Add and subtract given algebraic expressions
1. Addition of algebraic expressions
We know that x + x = 2 x and x + x + x = 3 x
Here coefficient shows how many times the variable is added.
2 x + 3 x = (x + x) + (x + x + x) = x + x + x + x + x = 5 x
Thus, to add like terms only their coefficients are added and bases and
exponents remain the same.
Page Number: 22 / 244
Mathematics for Class 6
Introduction to Algebra
Let us see some examples.
Example 1.
Add 7 x and 5 x
Solution:
Writing the terms horizontally:
7 x + 5 x = (7 + 5)x = 12 x
It should be noted that in the addition of 7 x and 5 x only coefficients
are added and variable x remains the same.
Example 2.
Find the sum of 3 a + 2 b + c and 8 c + 6 b + a
Solution:
Writing the terms horizontally:
Sum = (3 a + 2 b + c) + (a + 6 b + 8 c) = 3 a+ 2 b + c + a + 6 b + 8 c 3
a+ a + 2 b+ 6 b + c + 8 c = 4 a + 8 b + 9 c
Example 3.
Add the following:
x + 2 x y + y, 3 x + 5 x y, 5 x + x y + 7 y
While adding vertically like terms are arranged in same column and then
added.
While adding horizontally like terms are arranged together and added.
Page Number: 23 / 244
Mathematics for Class 6
Introduction to Algebra
2. Subtraction of Algebraic Expressions
We know that subtraction is the inverse operation of addition.
For example to subtract 3 from 4 is equivalent to "add - 3 in 4".
(+4) - (+3) = (+4) + (-3) =1
So to subtract a number from a given number simply change the sign
of subtrahend (from - to + and + to -) and add it in the given number.
Example 1:
Subtract 6 x from 9 x.
Solution:
Writing the terms horizontally:
Difference = (+ 9 x) - (+ 6 x) = (+ 9 x) + (- 6 x) = 9 x - 6 x = 3 x
Example 2:
Subtract - 6 y from 10 y.
Solution:
Writing the terms horizontally:
Difference = (+ 10 y) - (- 6 y) = (+ 10 y) + (+ 6 y) = 10 y + 6 y = 16 y
Writing the terms vertically:
Example 3:
Subtract 3 x - 2 y from 8 x + 4 y
Solution:
(8 x + 4 y) - (3 x - 2 y) = 8 x + 4 y - 3 x + 2 y = (8 x - 3 x) + (4 y + 2 y) =
5x+6y
This question can also be solved as under:
Example 4:
Subtract 5 x + 2 y from 8 x + 5 y
Solution:
Page Number: 24 / 244
Mathematics for Class 6
Introduction to Algebra
EXERCISE 8.3
1. Add the following expression.
(i) 2 x, x, 4 x (ii) 2 a, 3 a, 6 a, a
(iii) 8 l m, 4 l m, l m, 6 l, m (iv) 2 x y, 4 x y, x y, 6 x y, 3 x y
2. Simplify:
(i) 2 x + 9 x (ii) a + 2 a + 3 a
(iii) x + 3 x + 6 x + 10 x (iv) 2 s t + 3 s t + 5 s t + 7 s t
3. Add:
(1) 3 a + 2 b, a + b, 4 a
(ii) 6 x + 5 y + 7 z, 2 x + 3 y + z, y + 2 x
(iii) p q + q r + p r, q r + 4 p r + 2 p q, 3 p q + 2 p r
(iv) 3 c + 4 d + 5 f, 5 c + 7 d + 6 f
4. Subtract
(i) 5 x from 8 x
(ii) - 3 y from 9 y
(iii) 2 x + 3 y from 6 x + 8 y
(iv) Subtract - 20 f + 30 g + 40 from 20 + 10 f + 20 g.
5. Perform the subtraction.
Page Number: 25 / 244
Mathematics for Class 6
Introduction to Algebra
Simplify algebraic expressions grouped with brackets
We know that brackets are used to indicate the order for performing
operations. The four kinds of brackets are:
" — " is called a bar or vinculum.
"( )" is called a round or curved brackets or parentheses.
"{ }" is called a curly brackets or braces.
"[ ]" is called box brackets or square brackets.
In algebra, sometimes, we can't simplify an expression into a single term
within the brackets. For example, in 2 x - (x + y) we can't simplify the
expression (x + y). For such a situation.
Expand the brackets
Simplify the whole expression as given below:
2 x - (x + y) = 2 x - x - y = x - y
Hence, x - y is the simplest form of the above mentioned algebraic
expression.
-ve sign before the brackets means, change the signs of all the terms
within brackets, i.e. - (a + b) = - a - b.
Example 1:
Simplify the following.
[5 a - {313 + (6 a 2 a + b)}]
[2 a + {c - a + (a + 2 b + c)}]
x y - [y z - {z x + x y + 9 y z - z x + x y)}]
Page Number: 26 / 244
Mathematics for Class 6
Introduction to Algebra
EXERCISE 8.4
1. Simplify the following expressions.
2.
3.
4. If x= 2, y = 3 then evaluate the following expression. 8 x + [3 y - {6 x
+ (5 - 4x)}
5. Abid purchased 5 bags at the rate of Rs x per bag. After paying
he has left Rs 3.
Then,
Find the cost of 5 bags.
Write an algebraic expression for paying the cost of 5 bags and Rs 3 left with him.
If x = 30, find the total amount that Abid had.
Page Number: 27 / 244
Mathematics for Class 6
Introduction to Algebra
REVIEW EXERCISE 8
1. Write in symbols.
(i) Cost of x books, when price of one book is Rs 18.
(ii) 9 b plus 5 a
(iii) 3 times x plus 5
(iv) Twice of y minus two third
(v) 6 more than p
2.Write the following in words.
(i) x + 2
(ii) 3 y - 4
(iii) x + 5
(iv) s + 2 t
(v) x - y/2
3. Write the number of terms in each of the following expression.
(i) 2 a + 5 b
(ii) 16 x
(iii) 2 b c + 2 a - c
(iv) 3 x y - 8 x + 6 y - 2
(v) 6 x ÷ 5 y + 2 z - 6
4.Write three expressions containing one term, two terms and three
terms respectively.
5. Simplify:
(i) 4 x y + 2 x y + 2/3 x y
(ii) 9 a b + 3 a b + 3/5 a b
6. Add:
(i) 3 x + 4 y, 5 x + 9 y
(ii) 2 d + 5 c + 3 b, 7 c + 5 d + 9 b
(iii) 12 x y + 3 x + 4 y, 5 x + 6 y + 8 x y
7. Subtract x + 3 y from 2 x + 7 y
8. Subtract x + 3 y + 5 z from 2 x - 15 y - 9 z
9. Which of the following are true or false statements?
(i) 13 - 5 = 3 ( )
(ii) 13 - 5 = 5 ( )
(iii) 13 - 5 = 8 ( )
10. Find the value of variable which makes the statement true.
(i) x = 15 - 6
(ii) y - 8 = 5
(iii) 14 = b + 8
(iv) 4 x - 10 = 2
(v) 12 - 2 m = 8
Page Number: 28 / 244
Mathematics for Class 6
Introduction to Algebra
SUMMARY
Algebra is generalized arithmetic in which letters (called variables) are also used as
numbers.
A sentence is a set of words making a complete grammatical structure and conveying
full meaning.
A sentence is called TRUE if it satisfies the given condition and FALSE if it does not
satisfy the condition.
A statement is called OPEN if it is either true or false.
An algebraic expression is the combination of variables, numerals and fundamental
operation.
The number appearing before a variable in a term of algebraic expression is called
its coefficient.
The terms having the same variables are called like terms otherwise, they are unlike
terms.
To add two (or more) algebraic expressions, add their like terms according to the rules
for the addition of integers.
To subtract one expression from the other, change the sign of each term of the
expression to be subtracted and add to the expression from which the subtraction is
to be performed.
If an algebraic expression involves two or more than two operations, it is simplified
following the rules of BODMAS.
To evaluate any algebraic expression means to find its value after substituting the
given numerical values of each variable in the expression.
Page Number: 29 / 244
Mathematics for Class 6
