Have you ever worked with variables? algebra is a branch of mathematics that specifically deals with the idea of using variables to solve problems. what kinds of problems have you already solved using variables? do you know any real-life applications for variables?

think about the numbers you encounter in the world around you. do you understand what they really mean? interactions at grocery stores, gas stations, and online shopping commonly involve numbers. these interactions can be better understood using algebra. is there anything you don’t know involving numbers that you wish you better understood?