Algebraic Expressions For Class
Uploaded by
Ronald Abrasaldo SatoAlgebraic Expressions For Class
Uploaded by
Ronald Abrasaldo SatoAlgebraic Expressions
An algebraic expression is a collection of real
numbers, variables, grouping symbols and
operation symbols.
Here are some examples of algebraic expressions.
( ) 2 7 ,
7
5
3
1
, 4 , 7 5
2
+ x xy x x
Consider the example:
The terms of the expression are separated by addition.
There are 3 terms in this example and they are
.
The coefficient of a variable term is the real number
factor. The first term has coefficient of 5. The second
term has an unwritten coefficient of 1.
The last term , -7, is called a constant since there is no
variable in the term.
7 5
2
+ x x
7 , , 5
2
x x
Distributive Property
a ( b + c ) = ba + ca
To simplify some expressions we may
need to use the Distributive Property
Do you remember it?
Distributive Property
Examples
Example 1: 6(x + 2)
Distribute the 6.
6 (x + 2) = x(6) + 2(6)
= 6x + 12
Example 2: -4(x 3)
Distribute the 4.
-4 (x 3) = x(-4) 3(-4)
= -4x + 12
Like Terms
Like terms are terms with the same
variables raised to the same power.
Hint: The idea is that the variable part of
the terms must be identical for them to be
like terms.
Examples
Like Terms
5x , -14x
-6.7xy , 02xy
The variable factors are
identical.
Unlike Terms
5x , 8y
The variable factors are
not identical.
2 2
8 , 3 xy y x
Combining Like Terms
Recall the Distributive Property
a (b + c) = b(a) +c(a)
To see how like terms are combined use the
Distributive Property in reverse.
5x + 7x = x (5 + 7)
= x (12)
= 12x
Example
All that work is not necessary every time.
Simply identify the like terms and add their
coefficients.
4x + 7y x + 5y = 4x x + 7y +5y
= 3x + 12y
Collecting Like Terms Example
3 13 16
terms. like Combine
3 13 3 4 12 4
terms. the Reorder
3 3 12 4 13 4
2
2 2
2 2
+ +
+ + +
+ + +
y x x
y x x x x
x x x y x
Both Skills
This example requires both the Distributive
Property and combining like terms.
5(x 2) 3(2x 7)
Distribute the 5 and the 3.
x(5) - 2(5) + 2x(-3) - 7(-3)
5x 10 6x + 21
Combine like terms.
- x+11
Simplifying Example
( ) ( ) 4 3 10 6
2
1
+ + x x
Simplifying Example
Distribute.
( ) ( ) 4 3 10 6
2
1
+ + x x
Simplifying Example
Distribute.
( ) ( ) 4 3 10 6
2
1
+ + x x
( ) ( )
12 3 5 3
3 4 3
2
1
10
2
1
6
+ +
+
|
.
|
\
|
+
|
.
|
\
|
x x
x x
Simplifying Example
Distribute.
Combine like terms.
( ) ( ) 4 3 10 6
2
1
+ + x x
( ) ( )
12 3 5 3
3 4 3
2
1
10
2
1
6
+ +
+
|
.
|
\
|
+
|
.
|
\
|
x x
x x
Simplifying Example
Distribute.
Combine like terms.
( ) ( ) 4 3 10 6
2
1
+ + x x
( ) ( )
12 3 5 3
3 4 3
2
1
10
2
1
6
+ +
+
|
.
|
\
|
+
|
.
|
\
|
x x
x x
7 6 x
Evaluating Expressions
Remember to use correct order of operations.
Evaluate the expression 2x 3xy +4y when
x = 3 and y = -5.
To find the numerical value of the expression,
simply replace the variables in the expression
with the appropriate number.
Example
Evaluate 2x3xy +4y when x = 3 and y = -5.
Substitute in the numbers.
2(3) 3(3)(-5) + 4(-5)
Use correct order of operations.
6 + 45 20
51 20
31
Evaluating Example
1 and 2 when 3 4 Evaluate
2 2
= = + y x y xy x
Evaluating Example
Substitute in the numbers.
1 and 2 when 3 4 Evaluate
2 2
= = + y x y xy x
Evaluating Example
Substitute in the numbers.
1 and 2 when 3 4 Evaluate
2 2
= = + y x y xy x
( ) ( )( ) ( )
2 2
1 3 1 2 4 2 +
Evaluating Example
Remember correct order of operations.
1 and 2 when 3 4 Evaluate
2 2
= = + y x y xy x
( ) ( )( ) ( )
2 2
1 3 1 2 4 2 +
Substitute in the numbers.
( )( ) ( ) 1 3 1 2 4 4 +
3 8 4 + +
15
Common Mistakes
Incorrect
Correct
