Exercise 2B - Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

Exercise 2B - Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

Re-Cap of 2A

Like Terms: Any terms that have the same pronumerals WITH the same indices.

3a + 4b + 6a: 3a and 6a are like terms

Unlike Terms: Terms that do not have the same pronumerals, or have the same pronumerals but with different indices.

3a + 4b + 6a: 3a and 4b are unlike terms

Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

We simplify algebraic expressions and equations to shorten them.

It's like the mathematical equivalent of "arvo" or "servo". These are shortened words. Simplifying expressions and equations works in a similar way.

Instead of writing 4a + 4b + 7b + 8a


We can write 12a + 11b

Dividing Terms

• First multiply the coefficients together.

• Then multiply the pronumerals together by combining them.

• If multiplying the same pronumeral, raise it to the correct power.

Multiplying Terms

Multiplying and Dividing Terms

• Convert the division sentence into a fraction if it hasn't been done.

• Then cancel out any common factors.

• Focus on the numbers first, and then the pronumerals.

Match

Match the following

• $$3a\times4b$$

• $$6x\times3x$$

• $$a\times3b\times6y$$

• $$\frac{12a}{6a}$$

• $$15ab\div a$$

• $$12ab$$

• $$18x^2$$

• $$18aby$$

• $$2$$

• $$15b$$

Draw

Simplify $$16ab\div2ab$$

Adding and Subtracting Terms

Rules
Only like terms can be added and subtracted.
Leave unlike terms separate.

Steps
1. Re-organise your expression or equation so that all the like terms are together.
2. Add or subtract the like terms as needed by adding and subtracting the coefficients. Do not add powers to the pronumerals when adding or subtracting like terms.

Drag and Drop

Rearrange the following expression so all like terms are together.



3a + 7b - 4a + 9a + 6b



3​

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​ +​

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​ -​

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+7​

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+​

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Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

a

9a

4a

b

6b