Simplifying Algebraic Expressions Distribution and Like Terms Section

Simplifying Algebraic Expressions Distribution and Like Terms Section 4. 2

Notes l When a ____ or ____ sign separates an algebraic expression into parts, each part is called a _______. l The numerical factor of a term that contains a variable is called the ______.

Notes l A term without a variable is called a _____. l _____ terms contain the same variables to the same powers, such as 3 x and 2 x.

Like Terms l Like Terms have the EXACT same variables with the same exponents. Like Terms 2 x, -5 x -8, 10 3 y², 8 y² 7 xy, -xy Unlike Terms 4 x, 4 y 9, 6 x -5 x, 5 x² 3 x²y, 8 xy²

Examples l Identify the terms, like terms, coefficients, and constants l 1. 4 – 4 y + y – 3 l 2. 7 – 5 y + 2 + 1

Example l Find the like terms: 7 x, -8, 4 y, x, x², 6, 5 xy, 8 y, 9

Notes l An algebraic expression is in _______form if it has no like terms and no parentheses.

Combining Like Terms l Terms must be like in order to add and subtract them. l To combine like terms: ¡Add the coefficients ¡Keep the variable

Examples 6 x + 5 y – 3 x + y -2 x – 8 y + 5 x – 4 y 5 a – 2 b + c – 5 b + 4 b

Distributive Property l Signified by a number next to ( ) with no sign in between Ex: 5(x + 3) l Tells you to multiply the number outside by every term inside l Watch the signs