1. Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
Unit 1 ~ Intro to Algebra
Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

2. Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
There are two things that you must be able to do when simplifying algebraic expressions . . .
The first is to be able to use the distributive property.
The second is to be able to combine like terms.

3. Distributive Property
Multiply across the parentheses – each element inside the parentheses is multiplied by the element outside the parentheses.

4. Simplified Expression
Examples . . .
Expression
Simplified Expression
3(x + 7) =
3(4x – 5) =
-2(x – 4) =
20(x + ¼) =
3x + 21
12x - 15
-2x + 8
20x + 5

5. Can you identify 3 sets of like terms?
Combining Like Terms
Like terms are two or more terms that have EXACTLY the same variables. 2x 5y 7 6y
Can you identify 3 sets of like terms? 4 8x
3xy
4x2

6. Combining Like Terms
To combine like terms, add or subtract the coefficients.
DO NOT change the variable.
EXAMPLE: 9x - 3y + 4x + 2y
9x - 3y + 4x + 2y
13x - 1y
13x - y

7. More examples . . .
2(x + 4) + 3(x – 5) – 2y 2x x – 15 – 2y 5x – 7 – 2y
3(ab – a) – 2(b – a) – 4ab 3ab – 3a - 2b + 2a – 4ab - ab – a – 2b