Pronunciation guide

Equation

Linear

Matrices

B Comprehension

Read the text and decide if the following statements are true or false.

1 Algebra is a mathematical system which rewrites a problem making it as simple as T o possible. F o

2 Written down, algebra differs to arithmetic in the operators it uses. T o F o

3 Algebra has some advantages to offer the mathematician. T o

F o

4 Algebraic formulae are primarily of use in businesses. T o

F o

5 Universal algebra combines all the structures from the other three areas. T o

F o

Before yоu read

Discuss these questions with your partner.

-» What is the job of an engineer?

-» Why does an engineer need to know maths?

D Vocabulary

Complete the sentences below with words and phrases from the box.

N accumulation of quantities

N methodology n infinitesimal

N differential calculus n integral calculus

N vast n vital

N tangent n latter

n coordinate nchord