What is the difference between algebra and pre-algebra?

Answer 1

Pre-algebra is essentially the basics of algebra. Algebra can be tough for many, so as a way to break the ice, you (ussually) take a pre-algebra course before algebra itself. Algebra is a very large subject, spanning multiple years of courses in most (if not all) schools. After pre-algebra, you have to work with many algebraic equations in the later courses, which cannot be understood without learning the basics that are taught in pre-algebra.