Today we looked at simplifying algebraic expressions by adding and subtracting like terms. To do this we looked at the parts of an algebraic term: the coefficient, the unknown/variable and the power/exponent. For example in the term 3x^2:
- 3 is the coefficient (the number out the front)
- x is the unknown or variable
- 2 is the power or exponent
Like terms have the same power and exponent. Examples of like terms are 3x & 5x, 2ab & 2ba, and 3x^2 and -x^2. Examples of terms that are not like terms are 3p & 3q, 2x & 5 and 4x^2 and 7x.
To add and subtract we group like terms and remember that the sign belongs to the term following it
- e.g. 2x + 3x + 4y - y = 5x + 3y
- e.g. 3a + 2 - 7a + 12 = -4a + 14
Homework: 8.02 & 8.03
Also due Friday: 1.10 & 7.05
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