algebra

al·ge·bra | \ ˈal-jə-brə

Definition of algebra

1 : a generalization of arithmetic in which letters representing numbers are combined according to the rules of arithmetic

2 : any of various systems or branches of mathematics or logic concerned with the properties and relationships of abstract entities (such as complex numbers, matrices, sets, vectors, groups, rings, or fields) manipulated in symbolic form under operations often analogous to those of arithmetic — compare boolean algebra

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Examples of algebra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Gamboa ended up receiving incompletes in three classes: AP English Language and Composition, chemistry and algebra. — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, "Facing a spike in Fs, winter break isn’t a vacation for many teachers and students," 30 Dec. 2020 Some algebra illuminates this and hints at an underlying symmetry. — Quanta Magazine, "Some Math Problems Seem Impossible. That Can Be a Good Thing.," 18 Nov. 2020 Urwan earned a degree in physics and taught algebra to middle schoolers. — Los Angeles Times, "A tale of two cities: the cautious refugees hit by COVID-19 and those who call it a hoax and refuse masks," 18 Dec. 2020 The school has no math classes beyond algebra and geometry, so the hero’s father persuades him to learn trigonometry and calculus on his own to pursue his dream of going to space. — Washington Post, "Progressive education hard to pin down because it’s everywhere," 4 Nov. 2020 The definitions sprawled across many areas of math, from algebra to topology to geometry. — Quanta Magazine, "Building the Mathematical Library of the Future," 1 Oct. 2020 Google is fine, up to a point, but Wolfram|Alpha beats it in all kinds of areas—from mathematical equations and algebra to cultural history and entertainment. — David Nield, Wired, "9 Browser Extensions to Help You Search the Web Better," 6 Dec. 2020 The boy, who is now taking geometry and advanced algebra, is considering a career in engineering. — Washington Post, "Fairfax families sue over changes to Thomas Jefferson High’s admissions," 5 Nov. 2020 No other member of the animal kingdom can ace an algebra test or write an A+ essay. — Claire Maldarelli, Popular Science, "What are the smartest animals in the world and how do we know?," 30 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'algebra.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.