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Enriched Pre­Algebra ­ (chapter 10­1) Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
Simplifying Algebraic Expressions (Enriched Pre-Algebra)
Use the distributive property
to re-write each expression.
1. 5(x + 4)
2. -8(a + 7)
Equivalent Expressions: Expressions
that have the same value.
Term: A number, a variable, or a
product of numbers and variables.
Coefficient: The numerical factor of
a term that contains a variable.
Like Terms: Terms that contain the
same variable(s).
Identify the terms, the like terms,
coefficients, and constants in
each expression.
1. 8a + 4 - 6a
Terms:
Like terms:
Coefficients:
Constants:
2. 5n - n + 3 - 2n
Terms:
Like terms:
Coefficients:
Constants:
Simplify each expression.
1. 7p + 2p
Constant: A term without a variable.
Simplest Form: An algebraic expression
which has no like terms and no
parentheses.
Using the Distributive Property
1. Multiply each number and/or variable
inside the parentheses by the number
outside of the parentheses.
2. Re-write adding or subtracting the
new terms. (remember - you cannot
add a variable to a constant)
Simplifying Expressions Steps
1. Use the distributive property to get
rid of any parentheses.
2. 10y - 17y
3. 11v - 12 - 6v + 9
2. Combine like terms (be careful of
their signs - negative and positive)
3. Write the term(s) in order
alphabetically
followed by a constant (if it is necessary).
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Enriched Pre­Algebra ­ (chapter 10­1) Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
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