Final answer:
Algebra is fundamentally based on equations, which are statements of truth that express concepts and relationships in mathematical terms.
Step-by-step explanation:
In algebra, equations play a foundational role because they are statements of truth that express relationships between variables and constants. Each equation is like a sentence, conveying a specific truth about the values we are working with. When students understand the underlying concepts that an equation expresses, the equation itself becomes a natural extension of that understanding, rather than a formula that needs to be memorized without comprehension.
Algebra isn’t simply about memorizing procedures or a set of formulas but is more focused on understanding how to represent and solve problems through the use of equations that articulate a concept. While students may sometimes be tempted to rely too heavily on formulas, approaching equations as sentences that encapsulate a concept can be more beneficial. This enables students to engage with math on a more intuitive level, understanding what the equation is communicating and how it relates to the problem at hand, which in turn leads to a deeper grasp of mathematical principles.