# Portal:Algebra

## Introduction

The quadratic formula expresses the solution of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, where a is not zero, in terms of its coefficients a, b and c.

Algebra (from Arabic "al-jabr", literally meaning "reunion of broken parts") is one of the broad parts of mathematics, together with number theory, geometry and analysis. In its most general form, algebra is the study of mathematical symbols and the rules for manipulating these symbols; it is a unifying thread of almost all of mathematics. It includes everything from elementary equation solving to the study of abstractions such as groups, rings, and fields. The more basic parts of algebra are called elementary algebra; the more abstract parts are called abstract algebra or modern algebra. Elementary algebra is generally considered to be essential for any study of mathematics, science, or engineering, as well as such applications as medicine and economics. Abstract algebra is a major area in advanced mathematics, studied primarily by professional mathematicians.

Elementary algebra differs from arithmetic in the use of abstractions, such as using letters to stand for numbers that are either unknown or allowed to take on many values. For example, in ${\displaystyle x+2=5}$ the letter ${\displaystyle x}$ is unknown, but applying additive inverses can reveal its value: ${\displaystyle x=3}$. In E = mc2, the letters ${\displaystyle E}$ and ${\displaystyle m}$ are variables, and the letter ${\displaystyle c}$ is a constant, the speed of light in a vacuum. Algebra gives methods for writing formulas and solving equations that are much clearer and easier than the older method of writing everything out in words.

The word algebra is also used in certain specialized ways. A special kind of mathematical object in abstract algebra is called an "algebra", and the word is used, for example, in the phrases linear algebra and algebraic topology.

## Selected article

 The graph of a real-valued quadratic function of a real variable x, is a parabola.

A quadratic equation is a polynomial equation of degree two. The general form is

${\displaystyle ax^{2}+bx+c=0,\,\!}$

where a ≠ 0 (if a = 0, then the equation becomes a linear equation). The letters a, b, and c are called coefficients: the quadratic coefficient a is the coefficient of x2, the linear coefficient b is the coefficient of x, and c is the constant coefficient, also called the free term.

A quadratic equation has two (not necessarily distinct) solutions, which may be real or complex, given by the quadratic formula:

${\displaystyle x={\frac {-b\pm {\sqrt {b^{2}-4ac}}}{2a}},}$

These solutions are roots of the corresponding quadratic function

${\displaystyle f(x)=ax^{2}+bx+c.\,}$
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These are all the connected Dynkin diagrams, which classify the irreducible root systems, which themselves classify simple complex Lie algebras and simple complex Lie groups. These diagrams are therefore fundamental throughout Lie group theory.

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 Logic Mathematical analysis Mathematics Physics Science Set theory Statistics Topology

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