Algebra

Expressions, equations, variables, inequalities, linear equations, slope, intercepts, and basic systems.

Detailed SSAT Tested Points

Algebra usually makes up about 25-30% of SSAT Upper Level math. Students should be able to translate, simplify, solve, and interpret.

Expressions and Equations

  • Simplifying expressions
  • Combining like terms
  • One-step equations
  • Multi-step equations
  • Variables
  • Solving for unknowns

Inequalities

  • Solve simple inequalities
  • Graph inequalities
  • Remember to reverse the inequality sign when multiplying or dividing by a negative number

Linear Equations

  • Slope
  • y = mx + b
  • Intercepts
  • Read slope and intercepts from equations, tables, and coordinate points

Systems

  • Basic simultaneous equations
  • Use addition/subtraction or substitution when equations are simple
  • Check both equations after solving

Core Knowledge

Like terms: 4x + 3x = 7x.
Equations: keep both sides balanced.
Inequalities: flip the sign when multiplying or dividing by a negative.
Linear form: y = mx + b, where m is slope and b is y-intercept.

Practice

  1. Solve: 3x + 7 = 22.
  2. Simplify: 5a + 2b - 3a + 6b.
  3. Solve: 4(y - 3) = 28.
  4. If -2x < 10, what must be true about x?
  5. What is the slope of a line through (1, 4) and (5, 12)?
  6. Solve the system: x + y = 10 and x - y = 2.
Show Answer Key

1. x = 5.

2. 2a + 8b.

3. y = 10.

4. x > -5.

5. 2.

6. x = 6, y = 4.

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