Algebra

In mathematics, algebra is the study of examining, manipulating, and solving equations, inequalities, and other mathematical expressions. Algebra revolves around the concept of the variable, an unknown quantity given a name and usually denoted by a letter or symbol. Many contest problems test one's fluency with algebraic manipulation.

Higher algebra deals (in part) with generalisations of the normal operations seen arithmetic and highschool algebra. For instance, such notions as set product and quotient group form an elementary part of higher algebra. Higher algebra also contains the field of number theory, which has important applications in computer science. (It is commonly claimed that the NSA is the largest employer in the USA of mathematicians, due to the applications of number theory to cryptanalysis.)

Study Guides to Algebra

• Introductory topics in algebra
• Intermediate topics in algebra
• Olympiad topics in algebra
• More advanced topics in algebra

See also

• Abstract algebra
• Elementary algebra

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