Factoring Algebraic Expressions

Front

What is factoring in algebra?

Back

Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into simpler components, or factors, that when multiplied together give the original expression.

Front

What is a coefficient?

Back

A coefficient is a numerical factor that multiplies a variable in an algebraic expression. For example, in 7h, 7 is the coefficient.

Front

Expand and simplify: 8(a - 1) - 2a

Back

6a - 8

Front

Factor the expression: 14r - 8

Back

2(7r - 4)

Front

Factor the expression: 2x + 8

Back

2(x + 4)

Front

What does it mean to simplify an expression?

Back

Simplifying an expression means to reduce it to its simplest form by combining like terms and eliminating unnecessary parentheses.

Front

What are like terms?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 3x and 5x are like terms.

Front

What is the distributive property?

Back

The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac, meaning you can distribute a factor across a sum.

Front

What is the difference between an expression and an equation?

Back

An expression is a combination of numbers and variables without an equality sign, while an equation states that two expressions are equal.

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is an algebraic expression that consists of variables raised to whole number powers and their coefficients, such as 3x^2 + 2x + 1.