Ms. Dewey-Hoffman, 2009

2-3: Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

Page 2

IDing Parts of an Algebraic Expression

7a 4a 3b 6+ + -

Any thing separated by addition or subtraction is a TERM.

7a 4a 3b 6+ + -A term that has NO variable is a CONSTANT.

Any number that multiplies a variable is a COEFFICIENT.

7a 4a 3b 6+ + -

Page 3

Parts of an Algebraic Expression/Combining Like Terms

7a 4a 3b 6+ + -

Terms that have identical variables and exponents are LIKE TERMS.

To SIMPLIFY Expressions with Like Terms, add or subtract them.

If there are NO Like Terms, then you cannot simplify any more.

8c² 4a -2c³ 9+ + +

Page 4

Name the coefficients, like terms and constants.

There are 3 things they want from you, so get all 3!!!

6 + 2s + 4s

Coefficients: 2 and 4

Like Terms: 2s and 4s

Constants: 6

9m + 2r – 2m + r

Coefficients: 9, 2, and –2

Like Terms: 9m and –2m

Constants: none

Page 5

Like Terms and the Distributive Property

Simplify 5y + y =

= 5y + 1y Identity Property of Multiplication

= (5 + 1)y Distributive Property: Pull out Pikachu.

= (6)y Simplify: PEMDAS

= 6y Can’t simplify more because x is unknown.

Simplify:

-4m – 9m

p + 6p – 4p

Page 6

Evaluate. Justify each step.

6y + 4m – 7y + m =

= 6y + 4m + (-7y) + m Turn Subt. Into Addition.

= 6y + (-7y) + 4m + m Comm. Prop of Addition.

= -1y + 5m Simplify, Combine Like Terms

= -y + 5m These are

the steps for Justifying.

7r + 6t – 3r – 13t =

Page 7

#17

Page 80: 4-32 all.

Be sure to read the directions! If they ask you to justify each step then show each step and why you did it!