Basic Algebra Rules : Addition, Subtraction and Multiplication

ADDITION IN ALGEBRA
$1a$ means $1$ of $a$, say, $1$ apple.

$1a$ is usually written without the $1$ as just $a$.

$2a$ means $2$ lots of $a$, sat $2$ apples.

$2\times 1a$=$2a$. This makes sense. Two times one apple gives two apples.

$2\times 3a=6a$.

$a+a=1a+1a=2a$
$2a+3a=5a$

Rule:$$ma+na=(m+n)a$$

Rule:$$ma-na=(m-n)a$$

MULTIPLICATION IN ALGEBRA

$2x\times 3y = 6xy$

just multiply everything together!

$a\times a=a^2$

$a^3\times a^4=a^{3+4}=a^7$

$mx\times n =mnx$ where $m,n$ are numbers,