What are the basics of pre-algebra?

Answer 1

Before I address Pre-Algebra, let me talk about Algebra. Algebra is a method that mathematicians have invented to describe things that vary. It makes it easier to say exactly how two changing things are related. Al means the and jabara which means to reunite, thus tieing together many ideas related to math.

Pre-Algebra encompasses everything you need to master before starting algebra; adding, subtracting, and understanding positive and negative addends; multiplying and dividing with Integers; order of operations and their rules; properties (commutative, associative, distributive, identity, inverse, zero and equality) using multiplication and division; expressions and equations using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. It also takes into account graphing values and using formulas.