Finding the Value of an Algebraic

Expression
We know the formula for calculating the perimeter of a rectangle: P = 2(l + w), where l is length
and w width. If the length of a rectangle is 12 m and its width 7 m, its perimeter will be 38 m.
To find this result, we have replaced l and w with their respective numerical values in the
algebraic expression for the perimeter: 2(12 m+ 7 m) = 38 m.

I. Calculating without using a calculator

A. Algebraic expression with only one variable

Take the expression A = 3 – 2x – 5x² where x is assigned a numerical value.

Example 1: We want to calculate the value of A where x = 3.
If we replace x with 3, we have: A = 3 – (2 × 3) – (5 × 3²)
We apply the rules for order of operations:
A = 3 – 6 – (5 × 9)
A = 3 – 6 – 45
A = –48
For x = 3, we find that A = – 48.

Example 2: We want to calculate the value of A where .

If we replace x with , we have:

Where a and b are numbers other than zero and n is a signed integer, .
Using this formula and the rule of signs:

For , we find that .

B. Algebraic expression with several variables

Let a, b, and c be three numbers.

Example 1: Take the expression A = (2a – b)(a + 3). We want to find A where and .

If we replace a with and b with , we have:

Then we reduce the sums to a common denominator within each set of brackets:

Example 2: Take the expression B = (a + b – c) + (b + c – a) – (b + 2). We want to calculate B

where , and .
We could start by replacing a, b, and c with their respective values, but it would be better if we
simplified how B is written first of all.
B = a + b – c + b + c – a –b – 2
B=b–2
We can see that B is not dependent on either a or c. Replace b with its numerical value:

II. Calculating using a calculator

A. The calculator memory

The calculator has at least one memory. Generally, to store a number in the memory, we use the
(or or , etc.) key.
For example, to store 3.245789 in the memory, enter: 3 . 2 4 5 7 8 9
To recall the number from the memory, even after other calculations, use the (or or
, etc.) key. The number in the memory will then appear on screen.

B. Calculation example

Take the expression A = –3x3 + 4x² – 5x + 9 where x is a number.

We want to find A rounded to the nearest 0.0001, where x = –2.357951.
Start by storing –2.357951 in the memory, by entering: 2 . 3 5 7 9 5 1
Then enter: 3 3 4 –5× +9
The screen will read: 82.35963482
Rounded to the nearest 0.0001, A is equal to 82.3596.
Conclusion: Using the memory is quicker than entering the value of x each time and avoids
keying errors.

© Copyright 2006 Ruedesecoles, translated and reprinted by permission. Translation Copyright

of Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Expanding or Factoring Expressions
Expanding and factoring concern the distribution of multiplication over addition or subtraction.
Equation (1) expresses the distribution of multiplication over addition and equation (2) the
distribution of multiplication over subtraction:
(1) k(a + b)=ka + kb
(2) k(a – b)=ka – kb

I. Expanding an algebraic expression

To expand an algebraic expression, we change a product into an algebraic sum.

A. The product contains a single set of brackets

Examples: We want to expand the following expressions.

A = 2(x + 1) – 4(3x – 6) = 2x + 2 – 12x + 24 (simplified: -10x + 26)
B = a(a – 7) = a² – 7a

B. The product contains two sets of brackets

We use a “double distribution,” i.e., (a + b)(c + d) = ac + ad + bc + bd,

or (a + b)(c - d) = ac - ad + bc - bd,
or (a - b)(c + d) = ac + ad - bc - bd,
or even (a - b)(c - d) = ac - ad - bc + bd.
Example: We want to expand the following expressions.
A = (2x + 5)(x – 4) = 2x² – 8x + 5x – 20; simplified: A = 2x² - 3x - 20
B = (–5 + 3y)(y – 2) = –5y + 10 + 3y² – 6y; simplified: B = 3y² - 11y + 10

II. Factoring an algebraic expression

To factor an algebraic expression we change an algebraic sum into a product.

For example: ka + kb = k(a + b) or ka – kb = k(a – b) means we have factored ka + kb and ka -
kb.
In both cases, we have made k the factor. k is called the common factor.
This common factor can be a number, a letter, the product of a number and a letter, or an
expression in brackets.
A common factor may be apparent or hidden. If hidden, it must be determined.

A. The common factor is apparent

5x – 5a + 5b = 5(x – a + b); the common factor is 5.

x² – 3x = x(x – 3); the common factor is x.
(x + 2)(4x – 5) + (x + 2)(5x + 1) = (x + 2)[(4x – 5) + (5x + 1)]; the common factor is (x+2).
Simplified: (x + 2)(9x - 4).
(3x – 4)² – (3x – 4)(2x + 7) = (3x – 4)[(3x – 4) – (2x+7)]; the common factor is (3x – 4).
Simplified: (3x - 4)(x - 11).

B. The common factor is hidden

A = 10a – 8b = 2(5a – 4b)

B = (2x + 3)(4x – 3) – (4x + 6)(7x + 8)
B = (2x + 3)(4x – 3) – 2(2x + 3)(7x + 8); the common factor (2x + 3) has been determined.
B = (2x + 3)[(4x – 3) – 2(7x + 8)]; simplified: B = (2x + 3)(4x - 3 - 14x - 16) = (2x + 3)(-10x - 19)

© Copyright 2006 Ruedesecoles, translated and reprinted by permission. Translation Copyright

of Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Simplifying an Algebraic Expression
When we write the algebraic sum A = 5x – (3 + x) in the form A = 4x – 3, we call this simplifying
the expression A. What are the processes used to do this?

I. Rules of calculation

A. Factoring an algebraic sum

Property: To factor an algebraic sum we use the property of distribution of multiplication with
respect to addition and subtraction.
This property can be stated like this: a, b, and k are three numbers,
ka + kb = k(a + b)
ka – kb = k(a – b)
Example: x represents a number. We want to factor the expression B:
B = 13.3x – 4.28x.
We note the common factor x: B = 13.3x – 4.28x = (13.3 – 4.28)x = 9.02x.
This last expression is a simplified expression of B.

B. Removing parentheses from an algebraic sum

Rule: a, b, c, and d are four numbers,

a + (b – c + d) = a + b – c + d
a – (b – c + d) = a – b + c – d
In other words:
if the parentheses are preceded by a + sign, we “maintain” the signs of the terms of the
expression within the parentheses;
if the parentheses are preceded by a – sign, we “change” the signs of the terms of the expression
within the parentheses.

II. Examples of simplification

In the following examples, x represents a number.

A. Example 1

A = 3x – (2 + 7x)
First we remove the parentheses and then regroup the x terms: A = 3x – 2 – 7x = 3x – 7x – 2
We factor 3x – 7x: A = (3 – 7)x – 2 = –4x – 2.
Finally, a simplified form of A is: –4x – 2.

B. Example 2

B = x² – (3 – x + 5x²)
First we remove the parentheses: B = x² – 3 + x – 5x²
We regroup the similar terms (those in x²): B = x² – 5x² + x – 3
We factor out the x² in x² – 5x², which can also be written as 1x² - 5x²:
B = (1 – 5)x² + x – 3
Finally, a simplified form of B is: –4x² + x – 3.

C. Example 3

C = x(3 – 2x) + 5(x – 2)

We start by multiplying out the parentheses: C = 3x – 2xx + 5x – 5 × 2
We replace xx with x² and 5 × 2 with 10 (following the rules of the order of operations), and then
we regroup the similar terms (those in x): C = 3x + 5x – 2x² – 10
We factor out the x in 3x + 5x: C = (3 + 5)x – 2x² – 10
C = 8x – 2x² – 10
Finally, the simplified and ordered form of C is therefore: –2x² + 8x – 10.

D. Example 4

We expand this expression:

We remove the parentheses:

We carry out the multiplications after simplifying by 2:

We regroup the similar terms (those in x):

We factor out the x in :

We calculate the sum of the inside of the parentheses, after reducing them to common
denominators:

Finally, a simplified form of D is: .

© Copyright 2006 Ruedesecoles, translated and reprinted by permission. Translation Copyright

of Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.