Chapter 3-2 Simplifying Algebraic Expressions Unit 1 Chapter 3-2 Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

Vocabulary: Term – when a plus or minus signs separate an algebraic expression into parts Coefficient – A number that multiplies a variable 3 terms 7A + A + 9 7 is the coefficient of 7A 1 is the coefficient of X because X = 1X Like terms – have identical variables Constant – A term with no variable Like Terms 6X + 5 + 3X+ 2X Constant

Identify the terms, like terms, coefficients, and constant Ex Identify the terms, like terms, coefficients, and constant Ex.1) 3m – 2n + n – 4 Terms: 3m, -2n, 1n, -4 Like terms: -2n and n Coefficients: 3, -2, 1 Constant: - 4 Ex 2) 4Y + 2X -7 Terms: 4Y, 2X, -7 Like terms: none Coefficients: 4, 2 Constant: -7

Simplest Form You simplify an expression by using Distributive Property to combine like terms. If an expression has no like terms and no parenthesis, then it is considered written in simplest form. Simplify each expression 2X + 6X =8X (since 2X and 6X are like terms, then add) B) 6N + 4 + 3N = 6N + 3N + 4 (Combine 6N and 3N since they are like terms) = 9N +4

Let’s try some examples Identify the terms, like terms, coefficients, and constant Ex 1) 2 – 3A + 4B Simplify each expression Ex 2) F+F+F Ex 3) H + 5H – 3 – 6H Ex 4) 9 – X – 3(X+3)

Let’s check our answers Identify the terms, like terms, coefficients, and constant Ex 1) 2 – 3A + 4B Terms: 2, -3A, 4B Coefficients: -3, 4 Like terms: None Constant: 2 Simplify each expression Ex 2) F+F+F = 3F Ex 3) H + 5H – 3 – 6K = 6H – 6K - 3 Ex 4) 9 – X – 3(X+3) =9 – X – 3X – 9 = - 2X