Simplifying, Expanding, and Factoring Algebraic Expressions

Front

What does it mean to simplify an algebraic expression?

Back

To simplify an algebraic expression means to combine like terms and reduce the expression to its simplest form.

Front

Simplify: -9(x - 4)

Back

-9x + 36

Front

What is the process of expanding an algebraic expression?

Back

Expanding an algebraic expression involves distributing multiplication over addition or subtraction to eliminate parentheses.

Front

Expand: -3(4a + 9b)

Back

-12a - 27b

Front

What does it mean to factor an algebraic expression?

Back

Factoring an algebraic expression means to express it as a product of its factors.

Front

Factor: 24g - 12h + 36

Back

12(2g - h + 3) or 12(2g - h + 3) (both are correct)

Front

Simplify: 8y + 4 - 6y

Back

2y + 4

Front

What are like terms in algebra?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

Front

Give an example of combining like terms.

Back

In the expression 3x + 5x, the like terms can be combined to give 8x.

Front

What is the distributive property?

Back

The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac.