This chapter is intended to introduce you to the use of algebra in solving business problems. For some people the very word algebra conjures up impressions of abstract and impenetrable jumbles of letters and numbers that are the preserve of mathematical boffins. Certainly parts of the subject of algebra are complex, but our concern here is with algebraic techniques that help to represent or model business situations. In doing this we are following in the footsteps of the 'father of algebra', Mohammed ibn-Musa al-Khwarizmi. In the ninth century al-Khwarizmi wrote Al-jabr wa'l-muqabala, which might be translated as 'Calculation Using Balancing and Completion'. The first part of the Arabic title gives us the word algebra. Although al-Khwarizmi was a scholar working at the House of Wisdom in Baghdad, he saw his task in very practical terms, namely to focus on
Kyle Simpson is an Open Web Evangelist from Austin, TX, who's passionate about all things JavaScript. He's an author, workshop trainer, tech speaker, and OSS contributor/leader.