The things you need to learn how to do in order to do algebra.
Arithmetic
- You have to be able to do basic arithmetic in order to use algebra.
Understanding the symbolism
- You have to be able to interpret the equation
Converting word problems to an equation
- Otherwise, what is the point?\
Critical thinking
- In order to do all that I have mentioned above, this is the key skill.
Graphing
- Presenting your answer
- Be able to look at various graphs and say something significant about the
equation that produced them.
Finally, flexibility
The whole point of algebra is to set up a system to obtain an answer.