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Basic Algebraa

The document covers basic algebra concepts including algebraic expressions, like terms, simplifying expressions, the distributive property, solving linear equations, systems of linear equations, and factoring quadratic equations. It provides definitions, examples, and methods for each topic. The content is designed to help understand and apply algebra in various mathematical scenarios.

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partyballoonz261
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
2 views

Basic Algebraa

The document covers basic algebra concepts including algebraic expressions, like terms, simplifying expressions, the distributive property, solving linear equations, systems of linear equations, and factoring quadratic equations. It provides definitions, examples, and methods for each topic. The content is designed to help understand and apply algebra in various mathematical scenarios.

Uploaded by

partyballoonz261
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Section 1: Basic Algebra

Algebraic Expressions
An algebraic expression is a combination of numbers, variables, and mathematical
operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These
expressions represent quantities and are often used to model real-world situations.

Example:

𝑥
3

𝑦
5

−
7

𝑥
3x+5y−7 is an algebraic expression where

𝑦
x and

y are variables, and 3, 5, and 7 are constants.

Example 2:

𝑎
4

2
+

𝑏
7

𝑐
9

4a
2
+7b−9c involves powers of variables and coefficients.

Like Terms
Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. Only the
coefficients of like terms can be combined.

Example: In the expression

𝑥
5

𝑥
3

𝑥
2

𝑥
5x+3x−2x, all terms have the same variable

x, so we can combine them to get


(
5
+
3
−
2

𝑥
)

=
𝑥
6

(5+3−2)x=6x.

Simplifying Expressions
To simplify an algebraic expression, combine like terms and reduce the expression
to its simplest form.

Example: Simplify

𝑥
2

𝑥
3

𝑦
4

𝑦
−

2x+3x+4y−y.

Combine like terms:


(

𝑥
2

𝑥
3

)
+
(

𝑦
4

𝑦
−

)
=

𝑥
5

𝑦
3

(2x+3x)+(4y−y)=5x+3y.

Distributive Property

𝑎
The distributive property states that for any numbers

𝑏
a,

𝑐
b, and

𝑎
c,

𝑏
(

𝑐
+

)
=
𝑎
𝑏

𝑎
+

𝑐
a(b+c)=ab+ac. This allows us to expand expressions.

Example: Distribute in
3

𝑥
(

+
4
)
3(x+4):

𝑥
(

+
4
)
=

𝑥
3

+
12
3(x+4)=3x+12.

Solving Linear Equations


Linear equations are equations where the highest power of the variable is 1.
Solving these equations involves isolating the variable on one side.

Example: Solve

𝑥
2

+
5
=
15
2x+5=15:

Subtract 5 from both sides:

𝑥
2

=
10
2x=10.

𝑥
Divide both sides by 2:

=
5
x=5.

More complex linear equations can involve parentheses and coefficients.

Example: Solve
3
(

𝑥
2

−
4
)
=
18
3(2x−4)=18:

Distribute the 3:

𝑥
6

−
12
=
18
6x−12=18.

Add 12 to both sides:

𝑥
6

=
30
6x=30.

𝑥
Divide by 6:

=
5
x=5.

Systems of Linear Equations


A system of linear equations involves two or more linear equations that are solved
together. These can be solved by substitution or elimination.

Example: Solve the system:

𝑥
2

𝑦
+

=
10
2x+y=10

𝑥
3

𝑦
−

=
5
3x−y=5
To solve by substitution, solve one equation for one variable, then substitute into
the other equation.

Factoring Quadratic Equations


Factoring is the process of writing an expression as a product of simpler
expressions.
𝑥
Example: Factor

2
+

𝑥
5

+
6
x
2
+5x+6.

Find two numbers that multiply to 6 and add to 5: 2 and 3.

𝑥
So,

2
+

𝑥
5

+
6
=

𝑥
(

+
2
)

𝑥
(

+
3
)
x
2
+5x+6=(x+2)(x+3).

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