<P> Algebra began with computations similar to those of arithmetic, with letters standing for numbers . This allowed proofs of properties that are true no matter which numbers are involved . For example, in the quadratic equation </P> <Dl> <Dd> a x 2 + b x + c = 0, (\ displaystyle ax ^ (2) + bx + c = 0,) </Dd> </Dl> <Dd> a x 2 + b x + c = 0, (\ displaystyle ax ^ (2) + bx + c = 0,) </Dd> <P> a, b, c (\ displaystyle a, b, c) can be any numbers whatsoever (except that a (\ displaystyle a) cannot be 0 (\ displaystyle 0)), and the quadratic formula can be used to quickly and easily find the values of the unknown quantity x (\ displaystyle x) which satisfy the equation . That is to say, to find all the solutions of the equation . </P>

Application of algebra in day to day life wikipedia