by letters of the alphabet, and perceives the necessity of establishing rules for performing the various operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division upon quantities thus represented. It is believed that the beginner will study these abstract principles with more satisfaction, than if he had been allowed no previous exercise on problems which indicate their importance. I have omitted from this volume all such topics as it was supposed would occasion any serious embarrassment to the young learner, and which were not essential to the clear comprehension of the topics actually introduced. It is hoped that the book will be found sufficiently clear and simple to be adapted tc the wants of a large class of students in our common schools. The study of Algebra may properly be commenced at an early stage of education. As soon as the mind has acquired some degree of maturity, and has become familiar with the principles of common Arithmetic, it is prepared to understand the elementary principles of Algebra. This study is admirably adapted to strengthen the reasoning faculties, to lead the mind to rely upon its own resources, and to cultivate those habits of independent thinking which are alike important to the scholar and to the man of business. Equations solved by Addition and Subtraction Equations solved by Multiplication and Division |