Welcome to your introduction to algebra. Algebra is a powerful tool in maths where we use letters to represent unknown numbers. In this deck, you'll learn the basic language of algebra, how to tidy up algebraic statements by simplifying them, and how to work out their value by substituting numbers.

First, let's look at the building blocks. In algebra, a 'term' is a single number or variable, or numbers and variables multiplied together. For example, 5, x, and 7y are all terms.

When we string terms together with addition or subtraction signs, we create an 'expression'. For example, 7y plus 5 is an expression. An expression doesn't have an equals sign; it's like a mathematical phrase.

If you take two expressions and put an equals sign between them, you create an 'equation'. For example, 7y plus 5 equals 19 is an equation. The equals sign is the key ingredient that turns an expression into an equation.