noun
Uncommon
algebra
AL-jih-bruh
Algebra (noun) means the branch of mathematics that uses letters and symbols to stand for numbers in equations and formulas. Example: “She struggled with algebra until her teacher explained it using real-world examples.”
noun
1
The branch of mathematics that uses letters and symbols to stand for numbers in equations and formulas.
"She struggled with algebra until her teacher explained it using real-world examples."
"Solving for x is one of the first skills taught in algebra class."
"You need to understand basic algebra before you can solve most physics problems."
2
(advanced mathematics) A more general structure or system built from sets, operations, and rules, studied in abstract algebra.
"Graduate students spend a semester on the algebra of vector spaces."
How to use algebra
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe math of using letters like x and y to represent unknown numbers and work out equations.
Common pairings
solve an algebra problem
linear algebra
algebra equation
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Etymology
From Arabic al-jabr ("reunion of broken parts"), taken from the title of a ninth-century mathematics text by al-Khwarizmi.
Rhymes for algebra
See all rhymes for algebra →Frequently asked questions
What does “algebra” mean?
The word “algebra” means the branch of mathematics that uses letters and symbols to stand for numbers in equations and formulas. In plain terms, the math of using letters like x and y to represent unknown numbers and work out equations.
How do you pronounce “algebra”?
“Algebra” is pronounced AL-jih-bruh (/ˈæl.d͡ʒɪ.bɹə/ in IPA).
How do you use “algebra” in a sentence?
Here is “algebra” used in a sentence: “She struggled with algebra until her teacher explained it using real-world examples.”
What part of speech is “algebra”?
“Algebra” is a noun.
Where does the word “algebra” come from?
The word “algebra” dates back to around 800 and comes from Arabic. From Arabic al-jabr ("reunion of broken parts"), taken from the title of a ninth-century mathematics text by al-Khwarizmi.
Is “algebra” a common word?
“Algebra” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “algebra” have?
“Algebra” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the branch of mathematics that uses letters and symbols to stand for numbers in equations and formulas.
What is the difference between algebra and arithmetic?
Arithmetic deals with basic operations on specific numbers, such as addition and multiplication, while algebra uses letters and symbols to represent unknown or general numbers within equations and formulas. Algebra builds on arithmetic to solve for unknowns and describe relationships between quantities.
What is the difference between algebra and abstract algebra?
Everyday algebra refers to the branch of mathematics using letters and symbols to represent numbers in equations, typically taught in school. Abstract algebra is a more advanced field studying general structures built from sets, operations, and rules, extending far beyond solving for x.
What symbols are typically used in algebra?
Algebra primarily uses letters, such as x and y, to stand in for unknown or variable numbers within equations and formulas, alongside standard mathematical operation symbols.
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