We're already old hands at dealing with equations. Now we'll be making a lot of new kinds of equations and faux-equations, like inequalities and absolute values. In other sections it'll get even crazier: higher-order polynomials, exponential and logarithmic functions, sequences, series, the dreaded trig functions...
We just want to make sure everyone has the basics down pat before we dive into it all. Other acceptable ways to have the basics down are eric, jen, or rebecca. Having them down jeff, steve, or dennis are right out.