Algebra Basics Cheat Sheet

Last Updated: November 21, 2025

Basic Operations

Rule Formula
Addition a + b = b + a
Multiplication a × b = b × a
Distributive a(b + c) = ab + ac
Power of a product (ab)ⁿ = aⁿbⁿ
Power of a power (aⁿ)ᵐ = aⁿᵐ

Solving Equations

Linear: ax + b = c
Isolate x: x = (c - b) / a
Quadratic: ax² + bx + c = 0
Use formula: x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a
Square both sides
Solve equations with square roots

Factoring

Pattern Factored Form
x² - y² (x + y)(x - y)
x² + 2xy + y² (x + y)²
x² - 2xy + y² (x - y)²
💡 Pro Tip: Always check your answer by substituting back into the original equation!
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