Table of Contents
What do you understand by an Algebraic Expression?
An algebraic expression is a mathematical statement involving one or more variables that is typically written using algebraic notation. Algebraic expressions can be simplified by using algebraic techniques such as factoring and substitution.
Simplifying Expressions Of the Like and Unlike Terms
-Simplifying expressions of the like terms is when you group together terms that are the same and simplify them.
-Simplifying expressions of the unlike terms is when you group together terms that are different and simplify them.
Addition of Algebraic Expressions
To add two algebraic expressions, one simply combines the terms of each expression and then applies the standard order of operations. For instance, the sum of 3x + 5 and 2x – 7 can be computed as:
3x + 5 + 2x – 7 = 5x – 2
Subtraction of Algebraic Expressions
To subtract two algebraic expressions, first use the distributive property to simplify the expressions. Next, use the additive inverse property to cancel out the like terms.
For example, to subtract 2x − 3 from 5x − 2, first distribute the 2x − 3 to each of the 5x and −2 terms. This gives you 5x − 6. Next, use the additive inverse property to cancel out the like terms. This gives you −1x − 2.
