Algebra is the branch of mathematics which is concerned with the study of, properties of operations and structures and also analyzing the relation between the structures and operations. The word Algebra is derived from the concept of a book titled, Al-jebr w’ Al-muqabalah, written by an Arabic mathematician Muhammad bin Mu-sa- Al-Khwa-rizmi. The word when considered by splitting in to two parts, “Al-jebr w” means, “The reunion of parts” and “Al-Muqabalah” means, “to set equal” or “to balance something”. This book contained the solving of linear and quadratic equations. In the 16th century, Robert Recorde, invented the symbol “=”, which is called the “equality symbol” or operator and this symbol formed the basic criteria in solving equations. Algebra is one of the main concepts in mathematics that provides knowledge on solving equations, finding the roots of the equations, addition, subtraction, multiplication of constants and variables, substitution methods, factorization methods, finding out polynomials etc. by moving the equations and balancing them. Balancing is the most important criteria that make Algebra easy. Algebra is the introductory chapter in basic education standards, as it is the simple calculative and interesting chapter to deal in mathematics. Algebra is classified in to two categories.
1. Elementary Algebra.
2. Abstract Algebra (Modern Algebra).
Elementary Algebra deals with expressions and evaluations involving constants and variables whereas Abstract Algebra deals with groups and fields of algebraic structures like sets. Using Algebra, it is very easy to solve a load of problems in a few minutes, using formulas. Many typical problems in linear equations, quadratic equations etc. are solved using formulas with least effort. Algebra can also be used to solve problems in matrices, geometry, number theory etc. It just involves little time and effort to solve any sort of difficult problems using Algebra. Hence it is one of the major subjects in schools and colleges.
