Algebra is one of the broad areas of mathematics, together with number theory, geometry, and analysis. In its most general form, algebra is the study of mathematical symbols and the rules for manipulating them; it is a unifying thread of almost all mathematics. It includes everything from elementary equation solving to the study of abstractions such as groups, rings, and fields. The more basic parts of algebra are elementary algebra; the more abstract parts are called abstract algebra or modern algebra. Abstract algebra is a major area in advanced mathematics, studied primarily by professional mathematicians.