Understanding algebra

By Paul Yates2008-05-01T00:00:00

Source: istockphoto

Tips for teaching maths skills to our future chemists, by Paul Yates of Keele University

The mention of algebra often conjures up images of complicated equations with obscure symbols that require rearranging and solving. While this is undoubtedly an important aspect of physical chemistry, here I want to explore how students can extract some meaning from the algebraic symbols used in chemistry. I also want to take the opportunity to investigate a specific use of the term 'algebraic' which is used in thermochemistry.

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