Elementary algebra, also called algebra precalculus, is the mathematical field studying basic properties of linear, exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, rational, and trigonometric functions, graphs, and the solving of equations and systems of equations.
Questions tagged [elementary-algebra]
31 questions
5
votes
4 answers
Why did al-Khwarizmi use al jebr, ‘the reuniting of broken parts’ to signify algebra?
By "algebra", I'm assuming the solving of polynomial equations like every school child does. I accept that many kids loathe algebra, and that solving equations can be dreary and weariful, especially if you have to derive the Cubic Formula!
But I…
user3478
3
votes
1 answer
When was the idea of exponents generalized from "repeated multiplication"?
Recently I became curious about when the following ideas came about, and I couldn't really find information about them with some google searches.
$a^0 = 1$
$a^{\frac pq} = \sqrt [q] {2^p}$
$a^{-x} = \dfrac {1}{a^x}$.
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