Learning Algebra

Algebraic ExpressionsEquation- a complete math sentence that includes an equal signExpression- a math sentence without an equal signTerms- separate values in an expression

Variable- unknown number, often represented by x

Constant- a number that doesnt change

Coefficient- number that is multiplied by the variable

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= 2Monomial- 1 termEx: (xy)

Binomial- 2 termsEx: (xy zx)

Trinomial- 3 termsEx: (xy zx + 4y)

Quadnomial- 4 termsEx: (xy zx + 4y 3)

Click to continue2x + 8x 10Correct!Great work! You multiplied the binomial and simplified it correctly!Distributive PropertiesClick to go back to Algebra Topics

Note: These do not work with subtraction or division.Distribute the x to the y and the z

x (y + z) = xy + xz

x (y z) = xy xz

Note: that the (+) and () signs separate the xy and the xz when the x is distributed

Combining Like TermsAdd or Subtract integers, combine coefficientsKeep operations with correct terms 4x - 7x -3xOrder of the terms does not matterExample:3y + 2x - 9y(combine 3y and -9y)2x - 6y(another way to write it)-6y + 2xClick to go back to Algebra Topics

Multiplying Monomials Click to go back to Algebra Topics

Multiplying Binomials: FOIL (smiling man)FOIL stands for:F: multiply the first terms in each factor(x 2)(2x + 1)

O: multiply the outside terms in each factor(x 2)(2x + 1)I: multiply the inside terms in each factor(x 2)(2x + 1)L: multiply the last terms in each factor(x 2)(2x + 1)Click to go back to Algebra Topics

Result from FOIL:2x + x 4x 2

Simplify:2x 3x 2 Solving EquationsWhatever you do to one side you MUST do to the other sideWhy? To keep each side balanced!

Click to go back to Algebra TopicsIsolate variables by using opposite operationsAddition: use subtraction x + 1 = 5 - 1 - 1 x = 4Subtraction: use addition x 2 = -6 + 2 + 2 x = -4Multiplication: use division 3x = 21 3 3 x = 7Division: use multiplicationx/3 = 5* 3 * 3 x = 15

Multiplying Binomials: Box MethodCreate a two-by-two boxOne factor goes on topThe other goes on the sideSigns should stay with the correct number and variableClick to go back to Algebra Topics

XX 2+ -4Multiply each factor in rows and in columnsTop left box: xTop right box: -2x Bottom left box: 4xBottom right box: -8Add together each termx + 4x 2x 8

Combine like termsx + 2x 8