A simple algebraic analysis and its relation to the Einstein-Lorentz transformations

Starting from a set of elementary algebraic relations between arbitrary var iables, a few formulas are derived connecting those variables through some postulated operational steps. The applicability of these formulas is not ge neral, but constrained by the operational steps. It is then recognized that the algebraic relations and the operational steps are the same as those us ed by Einstein in deriving his famous coordinate transformations. It is fou nd that one of the fundamental principles of relativity, namely the constan cy of the velocity of light in all inertial frames, seems to be inconsisten t with these coordinate transformations.