Pre-Algebra Simplifying Expresssions

Simplifying Expressions

Checking for understanding

Basics

1) Apply distributive property if needed

2) Combine like terms

Simplify: 5(6 + b)+4b-9

Step 1: 30 +5 b + 4b -9

Step 2: 9b+21

Translating from words to expression:

You spend a total of 50 minutes talking long-distance to your friend and grandparents. It costs 4 cents per minute to call your friend and 6 cents to call your grandparents. Let t be the time you talk with your friend (in minutes). Write and expression in terms of t for the cost of both phone calls.

0.04t+0.06(50-t)

Simplify this expression

Now use the simplified expression to find the cost of the phone calls if you talk with your friend for 25 minutes.

3-0.02t

Cost of the phone call with your friend

$2.50

Poll

Simplifying expressions makes me feel.....

• Fantastic!

• Pretty good!

• A little uneasy.

• You are crazy if you think I'm going to get a 100% on the quiz tomorrow.