Simplifying Algebraic Expressions and Applications
This final page covers techniques for simplifying algebraic expressions, including combining like terms and using the distributive property. It also introduces geometry applications and translating word problems into expressions.
Steps to simplify expressions:
- Distribute ifnecessary
- Combine like terms
The distributive property states that multiplying a number by a group of numbers added together gives the same result as doing each multiplication separately.
Example: 42x+1 = 42x + 41 = 8x + 4
Geometry application: To find the perimeter of a shape, add up the lengths of all sides.
Translating word problems into expressions:
- Addition: sum, total, all together, plus, increase, more than
- Subtraction: minus, difference, fewer, take away, decrease, less than
- Multiplication: product, times, per, each
- Division: quotient, average, per, each
Highlight: When simplifying expressions, remember to only combine like terms and keep the variables and exponents unchanged.
Vocabulary: Translate in mathematics means expressing a word problem or situation in mathematical language.