Talk:Algebra/Variables/Archive 1

What does "the domain of a function" mean?
 * See Discrete mathematics/Functions and relations Dysprosia 06:12, 19 Oct 2004 (UTC)

I'm not entirely sure what the intended audience for this wikibook is, but I'm assuming it's aimed at people with only a very basic understanding of the principles of maths. Is it a good idea to begin throwing things like the slope formula at such people right on the very first page of the book? I'm not too sure what convention dictates around here, so I'll just make my suggestion here: Add something like ' ''Don't worry if this formula makes no sense at all to you. We'll explain it all, bit by bit, in the next few chapters.'' '

FOIL
I really don't think the FOIL bit belongs here, as it is badly explained and really shouldn't be covered in a chapter on the most basic elements in algebra. Odd bloke 19:48, 25 November 2005 (UTC)

Multiple use of variables
I don't think students are yet familiar with the use of other variable other than x and y. By introducing the concept of z now, it might confuse students in the future. Also, it must be taught that the variables such as Z, are merely representations of a number(though having multiple variables does remind me of techniques I had in my second year of algebra).

The explanation of the term "variable" is not really correct. Letters, like "a" can represent a variable, but it can also represent a constant. For instance "C", the arbitrary constant of integration. Fokion 03:10, 9 September 2006 (UTC)

My edits
I have done the following so that this page has more of a focus:

Foil- take out. As suggested, because it has nothing to do with grammar. moved to polynomials section distributive property-moved to polynomial section Any mention of multiple variable use (Z is linear algebra use) Improved simple definitions and examples introduce why Variables can be any letter.

Stubby text
This text follows the "Distributive Property" section:

"For example, since each letter represents a number, let's pick some numbers and try them out.

So in y - z = x + 5, if y = 18 and z = 7, then x = 6."

Is it relevant? It seems to have landed here from someplace else?

--Stephen francis 04:13, 18 March 2006 (UTC)

Extra dot (.) makes integer a real - intentional?
Please see second bullet point above "Like Terms" heading. ...and how about explaining the term "coefficient" before (or as) it's used - link? 86.7.73.179 23:36, 21 April 2006 (UTC) Gareth

"Like Terms" section revamped
The "Like Terms" section was pretty badly set up and lacked information as to all the characteristics of like terms, as well as the property that they can be added or subtracted. Since this property is the major desire of identifying like terms, I completely rewrote this section. Darkxxxxillusion 12:59, 17 July 2006 (UTC)

Dependent/Independent
It's quite telling how fuzzy this concept is based on the fact that there was no decisive answer for the only example given. Perhaps we should discuss functions alone, and not dependent variables. Ahhoefel 02:00, 13 March 2007 (UTC)