Algebraic Thinking

## Expressions and Equations Algebra is like a puzzle! It uses symbols and letters to represent numbers in equations or expressions. Understanding how to manipulate these expressions is key to solving unknowns. ### Variables and Simplifying Variables stand in for unknown values. Learning to combine like terms and use distributive properties makes equations easier to solve. ### Solving for the Unknown Setting up equations from word problems and solving for variables is a core algebra skill. Remember to do the same operation to both sides of the equation to keep things balanced. ### Everyday Algebra Algebraic thinking is used when comparing phone plans, figuring out distances, or even splitting bills.