1. Mathematics is defined as a formalized language for transmitting information encoded by numbers. Key figures like Galileo emphasized that the universe is written in mathematical language.
2. Algebra is a mathematical grammar that defines well-formed expressions using symbols, operations, and relations. It is the study of expressions of symbols and rules for their manipulation.
3. Key concepts in algebra include expressions, operands, operations, equations, polynomials, and linear equations. An equation expresses an equality relationship between two expressions using variables, constants, and operations.