Page 18 - Math Course 2 (Book 1)

Using the Distributive Property

Mo. 1

Lesson 3
Constant

KEY CONCEPTS: A term without a variable is called a constant.
1. Use the Distributive Property to simplify
algebraic expressions. Constant

5y + 3 + 2y + 8y
MO. 1 - L3a

Simplifying Algebraic Simplest Form
Expressions An algebraic expression is in simplest form if it has

no like terms and no parentheses.
Vocabulary A-Z 3x – 5 – 8x + 6
Let us learn some vocabulary
3x and –8x are like terms. –5 and 6 are also
like terms.

3x – 5 – 8x + 6 = 3x + (–5) + (–8x) + 6
Term
Def nition of subtraction
When plus or minus signs separate an algebraic
expression into parts, each part is a term. = 3x + (–8x) + (–5) + 6
Commutative Property

Four Terms = [3 + (–8)]x + (–5) + 6
Distributive Property
2x + 8 + x + 8
= –5x + 1
Simplify

Coef cient
Simplifying an Expression
The numerical part of a term that contains a variable
is called the coef cient of the variable.
When you combine like terms, you are simplifying
the expression.

2x + 8 + x + 8 6n + 3 + 2n
2 is the coef cient of 2x
6n and 2n are like terms.

6n + 3 + 2n = 6n + 2n + 3
Like Terms Commutative Property

are terms that contain the same variables. =(6 + 2)n + 3
Distributive Property
Like Terms = 8n + 3
Simplify
5y + 3 + 2y + 8y

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