ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

3(x – 8) Herm
is
3x + (-24) or 3x - 24

3k I 3 n s 3 2 348

Q
-2x + 5x – 9 + 10
is
3x + 1
4x + 12 stem
is
4(x + 3) Herm

S Survey
P Parentheses
C Catch & Combine
= ...in equations...
A Clear Add/Subtract
D/M Clear Division/Multiplication

Name _________________
Period _____
 2Pt UP
29 t
N 39
sa DP
Variable
It is a symbol used to represent an unknown value/amount

Variables are denoted by small alphabets

Coefficient
The number being multiplied by a variable is called
coefficient
It is the number attached to the variable, and is usually
in front if variable
*Special note!

If One is a coefficient of of a term,then it is invisible

Constant
A number , which has fixed value
Constant is term which has No variable
Algebraic Expression
It Is a Combination of terms which
are separated by + or ‘ - '
 Terms
Quantities or parts which are separated by
+ or - of an expression are called terms

terms with the

same variable raised to the same power are
called like terms
 Name _____________________________________ Date ___________

Notes
Combining Like Terms
One way to simplify an expression is to “combine like terms.”

What does it
mean to combine To add or subtract
like terms?
What type of terms can add ???_LT with same sign______
You can only combine terms that have the same _______________________
and the same ______________

What type of terms can substract ??_____________

To combine like terms, first use the commutative property to move all like terms
together. Then, combine the coefficients of the variables.
Example 1: Example 1: Example 1:
Note:
2a + 3b – 4a Make sure 14m – 3n2 – 2n2 + 3m 5x + 4x – 6 + 5x2
to move
2a – 4a + 3b any
negative
-2a + 3b signs with
the term it
is before!

Note: all of your answers should be arranged so that the variables are in __________________

order first, then in order from greatest to least ___________________________.

Watch out for the following common mistakes! Circle the mistakes below:
Mistake #1: Mistake #2: Mistake #3:

a2 – 4a + 5a 3y + 4x2 – 3y + 5y 3h + 14g – 5h + 5g

2a2 3y – y + 5y + 4x2 3h + 5h + 14g – 5g

You can ONLY combine 7y + 4x2 8h + 9g

terms when the variable has
the same exponent.
You should ALWAYS put the
variables of your answer in
alphabetical order, then in
order by exponent.
9g + 8h
You should ALWAYS move
the negative sign along with
the term that is after it.
 Terms
Quantities that you ADD to form an algebraic
expression are called terms.

Like Terms
Terms with the same variable raised to the same power
are called like terms
Combining like terms means to add or subtract like terms

Unlike Terms
The terms whose variables are not the same, or
The terms, have the same variable,
but raised to a different power are called unlike terms
We Cannot add or subtract unlike terms.
 Variable
A symbol used to represent an unknown amount.
The symbol is usually a letter of the alphabet.
Co efficient
The number being multiplied by a variable.
It is the number attached to the variable, and is
usually in front.

5 and 3 are co-efficient

a, and b are variables

5 and 3 are
coefficients

a and b are Variables

A variable with no coefficient has an “INVISIBLE 1”
attached to it!
 constant
A number that doesn’t change. There is no variable
attached to a constant

Link 1 link 2
 Simplifying Algebraic Expressions by Combining + C
Like Terms
Objective: Students will identify like terms.
Students will simplify algebraic expressions by combining like terms.

Term Definition Picture/Example

There are 2 terms in
Quantities that you
ADD to form an
algebraic 4n + 6b – 8
Terms
expression are
called terms. The terms are:

terms with the

same variable raised to
Like Terms the same power

You can COMBINE Like You CAN add/

Terms subtract like terms.
**COMBINE means
add, so use the addition
rules
(SSS, DSD)
Unlike Terms terms whose
variables are not the
same, or who have
the same
variable, but it’s
raised to a different
power
You CANNOT
add/subtract unlike
terms.

1
 Variable A symbol used to represent
an unknown amount.
The symbol is usually a
letter of the alphabet.

Coefficient The number being multiplied

by a variable.

It is the number attached

to the variable, and is
usually in front.

*Special A variable with no coefficient

has an “INVISIBLE 1” attached
note! to it!

Constant A number that doesn’t

change. There is no variable
attached to a constant.

Algebraic An expression that

Expression contains variables.

6
Write a story of the following pictures
To simplify by combining like terms:
1.To combine like terms, first use the commutative property
to move all like terms together.

2. Then, combine the coefficients of the variables.

3.*Remember that an “invisible 1” or “invisible -1” is assigned

to a variables ,that appear to have no coefficient attached to them.

fi

1) 4x + 5x + 7 + x + 2 2) 2n + 3 – 5n + 6

_________________________________ _________________________________

3) - 9b + 2n – 4 + 2b 4) -7g + 3 – 8 – 3g + 7h

_________________________________ _________________________________

5) -8 + 2d – 7 – 5d + 12 6) 5b + 7 – 3b – 4

_________________________________ _________________________________

_________________________________ _________________________________

4
Identify the number of terms, the coefficient(s), and the constant HOMEWORK
term(s) of the expressions below.

1. 6p – 7pc + 9c – 4 2. 3 + 4ab - 5b + m
+ C

Number of terms: ________ Number of terms: ________

Coefficients: __________________ Coefficients: _________________

Constant terms: ________________ Constant terms: ________________

3. Sarah was asked to identify all coefficients and constants of the

expression 4 + n + 7m. She said that 4 is a constant, and 7 is a coefficient.

What is her error?

a. She did not include the constant 1.

b. She said 4 is a constant. It is actually a coefficient.
c. She did not include the coefficient 1.
d. She said 7 is a coefficient. It is actually a constant.

4. Add. 2a + 8 + 4b + 5 5. Add. 8x – 7 + 6x + 8

6. Find the sum. 8x + 2 -9x + 7 7. Find the sum. 3n + 4 – 8n -1

5
 Learning Activity:
Combining Like Terms Cards

Cut out the pieces along the dotted lines. Each row is a separate expression. Use these cards
on a board or projector to physically move the terms so that like terms are together. This, along
with color coding like terms, can help struggling students to see what you are doing when you
combine like terms. (This activity can be easily extended by giving each student an index card
and asking them to write a term using the variables a, b, or a constant. For example, a student
might come up with 3a, 11b or 8. Then choose student cards at random from the room to put
together into an expression and solve.)

2 2
1
4a + 3a - 16a +a
2
6b - 7b +8 + 4b
3
11 - 19 + 8g - 6g
2 5
4
5g + 6g - 4g + 8g
3
5
17x - 6y + 9y - 8x
6
6y +8 - 6y -8
2
7
-6d + 5c - 4c + 3c
8
2a +8 -a + 4a
2 3 2 4
9
2x + 5x - 6x +x
10
4p + 3np - 3n + 2p
 Name _____________________________________ Date ___________

Practice
Combining Like Terms
Which terms are like terms? (Not all terms will be used.)
Circle all terms that Draw a square around Underline all terms Draw an X through all
can be combined with all terms that can be that can be combined terms that can be
3a. combined with 4b. with a2. combined with 5.

1. 14a 2. 5ab 3. 3b 4. 3a2

5. 4b2 6. 17 7. 100 8. 14ab

9. 5a3 10. 4a 11. 16b 12. 73a2

Simplify the following expressions by combining like terms. Show all work on a separate sheet
of paper and box your answer.

13. 4x – 6x 14. 7y + 5y – 5y 15. 4r + 4y – 8

16. 3m + 4n – 6n 17. 4g + 6g – 3g 18. 15f – 5 + 2f

19. 13x – 7y + 4x 20. 5x2 – 4x + 9x2 21. 4b + 7a – 8

22. 13r + 5s – 2r 23. a + a + 3b + b 24. 3y – 4y2 + 3y

25. (3a – b) + 2a 26. 2w + 4w2 – 5w3 27. c3 + 4c – 4c3

28. a – 3b + 5c + 4a 29. 2x + 7x – 6x + 8 30. 11q + 5p – 9q + 7p

31. 3mn + 4m – 2mn 32. 0t – 9t + 6u + 4u5 33. 11d + 5f – 21d + 5 – 8

34. 12 + 9x – 6x – 19 35. y2 + 3y2 – 6y + 4y2 36. 2 – 5t + 8 + 5t – 8

When part of an expression is over or under a division bar, you must act as if that part of the
expression is inside of parenthesis. Use PEMDAS to decide if you can simplify the expression
any further. (Think: did you get a fraction that you can simplify?)

37. 14r + 12s 38. 3x2 39. 2 – 5t

4s – 10s 12 – 14x2 2 + 5t – 4t

40. 2x – 6y + 4x 41. 11d + 9d 42. 12x – 7x

3y – 8 + y 8d – 3d 5x

Bonus: Simplify the expression below by combining like terms.

4z + x – 5x + 7y – 3x + 5y2 – 3z + 16z + 14x - 5

 Name _____________________________________ Date ___________

Practice
Combining Like Terms Puzzle
Simplify each expression by combining like terms. Find the answer at the bottom of the page.
Then write the letter on the appropriate line below to spell out a secret message. (Some letters
may be used more than once!)

Did you hear the one about the acupuncture?

_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ !

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

1. 2m + 3m2 - 4m 2. 2x + x – 4y 3. 2m + 4m – 3m2 4. 2y + 14x – 7x + 9y

5. 8n – 4n2 + 8n 6. 11g – 9g + 8g 7. 3m2 – 2m + 4m 8. 20 + 10q + 3q – 4

9. 4xy + x + 2xy 10. 6m2 + 6m – 9m2 11. 3n – 6mn + 2n 12. 3/2x – y + ½x + 3y

13. y + x + y + x 14. 8n + 4n2 – 8n 15. 5 + 5mn – 11mn 16. 15y + 6y – 3x + xy

17. 3xy – 5xy + 21y

I. 3m2 – 2m N. -3x + xy + 21y A. 7x + 11y

S. -4n2 + 16n W. -3m2 + 6m E. -6mn + 5n
E. –2xy + 21y J. 3m2 + 2m A. 13q + 16
O. -6mn + 5 B. x + 6xy L.2x + 2y
T. 3x – 4y A. 10g D. 4n2
For each algebraic expression, identify the number of terms. Then list the
coefficients and any constant terms.

6a + 3 6a – 3 0.2x – y + 8z ½n
Expression
Number of Terms

Coefficient(s)

Constant(s)

Identify the number of terms, the coefficients, and the constant term of the
expressions below.

1. 7p – 6pc + 3c - 2

Number of terms: ________

Coefficients: _____________________

Constant terms: _____________________

2. 8 + 4ab - 5b

Number of terms: ________

Coefficients: _____________________

Constant terms: _____________________

3
Expanding Algebraic Expressions (The Distributive Property) day 1

Objective: Students will simplify algebraic expression using the distributive property.

Term Definition Example

Distributive The distributive property
combines multiplication with
Property addition and subtraction

You can multiply constants and algebraic terms simply by

multiplying the constant and the coefficient.
The variable remains the same.

Remember, if the variable has no coefficient, it’s an invisible 1.

a. 2(3x) = _____ b. -2(3d) = _____

c. 5(n) = _____ d. -3y(4) = _____

You can also multiply variables by one another.

e. a • t = _____ f. b(y) = _____

g. 3c(b) = _____ h. 2n(4x) = _____

But what happens when you have more than one term inside the
parentheses?

Examples: 2(n + 4) 3(x – 8)

7
 The Distributive Property x P (clear Parentheses)

Step 1: Catch the number touching the parentheses (on the

outside) and any number inside that has a sign.

Step 2: Multiply the number on the outside of the parentheses

by the FIRST number inside the parentheses.

I “times” over the rainbow !

Step 3: Multiply the number on the outside by the SECOND

number that’s inside.

Examples:

1. 3(4x + 2) 2. -3(4x + 2) 3. -3(4x - 2)

8
 Expanding Algebraic Expressions (The Distributive Property) day 2

Let’s review using the distributive property:

xP
1. 3(x – 4) 2. 4(n + 1) 3. -5(x – 5)

1 1 1
4. (10) 5. (12) 6. (9)
2 2 3

1 1 1
7. (16) 8. (6x + 10) 9. (8x − 4)
4 2 2

1 1
10. (12x + 9) 11. (15x − 3) 12. 5(2x + 1 – n)
3 3

Objective: Students will simplify algebraic expression using the distributive

property. Students will recognize that a problem can be written in different
forms. Students will recognize that some problems that have parentheses, may
NOT require the dist. property.

Remember!

The distributive property is multiplication over addition or subtraction. This

means that in order to distribute, you must have a term (constant or variable)
that is touching parentheses that contain more than one term. Those terms must
be separated by addition or subtraction signs, NOT multiplication or division signs.

11
ERROR ALERT!

Some addition and subtraction problems look very similar to distributive property
problems.

Ex. -3(x + 7) This expression requires the distributive property.

(5 – x)(-2) This expression requires the distributive property.

(5 – x) – 8 and 2(n • 4) These expressions do not!

1. Circle the problems that require the distributive property. Put an X through
those that do NOT require the distributive property.

-a(3 + b) (-a)(3) + (b) (3 + b) - a (3 + b)(-a)

4(2 • n) (3 – g)(-5) (-4)(6) + n (8 + h) - 2

SHOULD I USE THE DISTRIBUTIVE PROPERTY??

YES NO
-3(x + 1) -3 + (x + 1)

(2x – 4)(3) (2x – 4) + 3

(3 + y)(-2) (3⋅ y)(−2)

12
Use the Distributive Property to expand each expression.
xP

Ex. -4(2n + 5)

a. 3(4x + 2) b. -5( y – 7) c. -2(n + 9)

d. 3(-1 – 5c) e. x(3 + 4y) f. -1(a – 1)

1 3
− (8x + 12) (8x - 12)
g. ½(4x – 6) h. 4 i. 4

13
 HOMEWORK
Expand the expressions that require the distributive property.
Put an X through the expressions that do not require the distributive property.
REMEMBER—you can only distribute (multiply) over addition or subtraction!

1. -6(a + 8) 2. 4(1 + 8x + a) 3. (-5n + 7)6

4. 2 + (4k – 3) 5. (9m + 10) • 2 6. -8(-b – 4)

7. (3)(y)(-2) 8. 5(3 • y) 9. -4(-6p + 7)

1 1
(9n + 15) ( 6b − 10 )
10. -4(n ÷ 5) 11. 3 12. 2

14
 S
Simplifying Algebraic Expressions by Distributing P
and Combining Like Terms C
=
A
Objective: Students will simplify algebraic expressions by combining like D/M
terms.

Students will recognize when the distributive property is required to

simplify an expression and when it is not.

Before simplifying an expression that contains parentheses,

you must determine whether or not you need to use the distributive
property. If so, DO IT FIRST!

A. Simplify the expressions below (Hint: ONE of them needs dist. property).

a. 2x + 5 + (6x + 1) b. 2x + 5 + 6(x + 1)

B. Sometimes you will need to CATCH the term (including a subtraction sign)
before you distribute.

1. x – 2(x + 3) 2. 3n – 2(n + 5) 3. 4h – 3(2h + 5)

16
Simplify. (Ask… Do I need to distribute? If so, do it FIRST!)
S
1. 3(x + 6y – 7) P
C
=
A
D/M

2. -7(2x – 4)

3. 4(3x + 7) - 5x

4. 3x - 2(-4x + 5)

17
 S
HOMEWORK
P
Simplify. C
1a. -3(2x – 3y - 5) 1b. -4(2y - 3) + 7y =
A
D/M

2a. (b – 7) + (3b – 9) 2b. (-6x – 11) + (5x + 12)

3a. –2(-4x + 5) + 6x 3b. 7x + 3(-2x + 3)

4. For each algebraic expression, identify the number of terms. Then list the
coefficients and any constant terms.

Expression 8x - 3 4x + y + 11

Number of Terms
Coefficient(s)
Constant(s)

19
Simplifying Algebraic Expressions by Distributing
and Combining Like Terms
x P
1.a 3(x + 6y – 7) 1.b. -7(2x – 4)

Distribute first…. then catch and combine like terms. x P

2a. 4(3x + 7) - 5x 2.b. -2(-4x + 5) + 3x
+ C

Ask… Do I need to distribute? If not, Catch and Combine Like Terms.

3a. 5x + 6y – 4x + 3y – 9 3.b. - 9x + 7 –x + 5x - 4y

Ask… Do I need to distribute? If so, do it first. Then “Bring Down the

Junk.” If not, drop the parenthesis and then catch and combine like
terms.

4a. (x – 5) + (4x – 2) 4b. 6x + 4(-2x + 3)

20
 HOMEWORK

Rewrite the expression without parentheses. Ask…

Do I need to distribute? If so, do it first. Then x P
“Bring Down the Junk.” If not, drop the parenthesis and
then catch and combine like terms.
+ C

1. 7(2x – 1) + 8 2. -3(3x – 5) + 8x

3. 9x + 2(2x – 7) 4. 12x + 3(-4x + 1)

5. 12y + 7(2y – 3)

21
Adding and Subtracting Algebraic Expressions

Objective: Students will add and subtract algebraic expressions.

Recall that only like terms can be added or subtracted.

Simplify the following problem by combining like terms.

Ex 1: (2n + 3) + (4n + 5) Ex 2: (-3h + 2) + 3(4h - 2)

***Subtraction of expressions can be especially difficult!

Note the difference between the two problems below.

Which problem requires the distributive property to simplify it? _________

Rewrite using the distributive property where necessary.

(8x – 3) + 2(3x + 1) and (8x – 3) – 2(3x + 1)

22
Note the difference between the two problems below.
Which problem requires the distributive property to simplify it? _________

Rewrite using the distributive property where necessary.

(7x – 3) + 1(4x + 1) and (7x – 3) – 1(4x + 1)

Recall that often times in math the 1 is “invisible”, as is a -1.

Here are the same problems rewritten with an “invisible” 1.

(7x – 3) + (4x + 1) and (7x – 3) – (4x + 1)

HOWEVER, that means when there is a subtraction sign between expressions,

you must think of it is as distributing a -1.

a. Distribute the -1 b. Distribute the -1

(6n – 5) – (2n + 1) (8a + 1) – (2a + 4)

23
c. Distribute the -1 d. Distribute the -1

(5h – 4) – (2h + 1) (2n + 4) – (n - 1)

e. Distribute the -1 f. Distribute the -1

(-2x – 5) – (6x + 3) (-3y + 1) – (4y + 8)

24
 HOMEWORK
1. Distribute the -1

(6h + 4) – (2h + 3) x P
+ C

2. Distribute the -1

(6h + 4) – (2h - 3)

3. Distribute the -1

(6h - 4) – (2h - 3)

25
Factoring Algebraic Expressions
Objective:

Students will factor algebraic expressions by REVERSING the distributive property.

Term Definition Example

Factor A number that is List the factors of 18 and of 12.

(as a noun) multiplied by

another number to
get a
product.

Factor When you factor an Factor: 18n + 12

(as a verb) expression, you reverse
Skeleton:
the distributive
____ (_____+_____)
property.
1. Find the GCF of the numbers.
The number on the 2. Find the GCF of the variables.
outside of the 3. The GCF’s go on the outside.
4. The leftovers go on the inside.
parentheses is the GCF.

Greatest The largest factors

that is shared by two
Common
or more numbers. The GCF of 18 and 12 is ____.
Factor

(See top example.)

Factored Form An expression in
factored form has the The factored form of 18n + 12
GCF on the outside of is ___________.
the parentheses, and a
sum or difference on
the inside.

(See 2nd example.)

26
Ex 1. Factor. 14xy + 21x

To factor an algebraic expression you use division to undo the distributive property.

1. Make the “skeleton” of a distributive property problem under the given one.
It will look like this: __ ( ___ + ___ ) or __ ( ___ - ___ ) this.

2. Look for a variable that is shared by the terms (they may share more
than one); circle it and then place the shared variable on the outside,
next to the parentheses.

3. Bring down any variables not circled.

4. Find the GCF of the coefficients. (Check to see if the smallest # you see is a
factor of the others. If so, it’s the GCF. Otherwise, use the “rainbow” method.)

5. Place the GCF on the outside of the parentheses. If there are any
letters already there, the GCF will become their coefficient.

To fill the inside:

6. Divide the 1st term by the GCF you found. Place the quotient on the line.

7. Divide the 2nd term by the GCF you found. Place the quotient on the line.

8. Repeat until all terms have been divided by the GCF.

9. Check your work by applying the distributive property to your answer to

see if it matches the original expression.

Ex 2. 12x + 6

27
Ex. 3 5b – 15n Ex. 4 3n – nj

Use the distributive property to check.

1. 10n + 15 Check:

2. 8y - 12y Check:

3. 8n – 2 Check:

4. 14z + 21 Check:

Check:
5. 4h - 12

28
6. 8a + 4 Check:

7. 12a + 16b – 10c Check:

8. 12x – 24y - 3 Check:

9. 9n + 7n Check:

10. -5xy + 25x Check:

11. 18b + 3 Check:

29
 HOMEWORK
1. Write the factored form of each expression.
2. Check using distributive property.

a. 18a + 3 Check:

Check:
b. -2c + 6d

Check:
c. 20xy + 10x

Error analysis: Ali factored the above problem, c, and got 2x(10y + 5). When
she checked it using the distributive property, she got the original problem! Since
her check worked, she thinks she has the correct answer. How can that be?
Explain her mistake.

3. Error analysis: Jamie incorrectly factored 15x – 20xy. She got 5x(3 – 4xy).
Factor the expression correctly.

What error did she likely make?

a. She did not have the correct operation inside parentheses.

b. She did not factor the variable from the first term.
c. She did not factor the variable from the second term.
d. She did not simplify the terms inside the parentheses.
30
 HOMEWORK
More factoring practice.

1. 24xy + 10x

2. 15m – 18mn

3. 4x – xy

4. 42x + 7y

5. 4x – 2xy

6. 32xyz + 12xy

31
Name _____________ Class period: _____ Date: _______

Identifying Terms, Coefficients, and Constants

For each expression, fill in the table by telling how many terms there are and by listing the coeffi-
cients and the constants.

Problem # # of Terms Coefficients Constants

1.) x + 1 1

2.) 2x2 + x – 3 2

3
3.) 4
4
4.) 10x3yz
5
5.) 3x – 6
6
6.) 7y3 – 4y2 + 2
7
7.) -10
8
8.) a + 2b + 4c + d
9
9.) r2 + 11r
10
10.) 0
11
11.) 3x2y4
22
12.) 4x3 – 4x2 + x + 3
13
13.) 2x3 – 1
14
14.) 6y
15
15.) -4x4
16
16.) 5x4y3
17
17.) x2 + x – 3
18
18.) -3x
19
19.) 4x2 – 1
20
6 3
20.) 7x – 3x + 2
For each algebraic expression, identify the number of terms. Then list the
coefficients and any constant terms.

6a + 3 6a – 3 0.2x – y + 8z ½n
Expression
Number of Terms

Coefficient(s)

Constant(s)

Identify the number of terms, the coefficients, and the constant term of the
expressions below.

1. 7p – 6pc + 3c - 2

Number of terms: ________

Coefficients: _____________________

Constant terms: _____________________

2. 8 + 4ab - 5b

Number of terms: ________

Coefficients: _____________________

Constant terms: _____________________

3
To simplify by combining like terms: + C
1. Search for like terms (same variable raised to the same power; and constants
with other constants).

2. Catch the first term and any like terms.

3. Combine them using the addition rules. (SSS, DSD)

4. Continue with other like terms.

*Remember that an “invisible 1” lurks in front of variables that appear to have no

coefficient attached to them.

1) 4x + 5x + 7 + x + 2 2) 2n + 3 – 5n + 6

_________________________________ _________________________________

3) - 9b + 2n – 4 + 2b 4) -7g + 3 – 8 – 3g + 7h

_________________________________ _________________________________

5) -8 + 2d – 7 – 5d + 12 6) 5b + 7 – 3b – 4

_________________________________ _________________________________

_________________________________ _________________________________

4
Identify the number of terms, the coefficient(s), and the constant HOMEWORK
term(s) of the expressions below.

1. 6p – 7pc + 9c – 4 2. 3 + 4ab - 5b + m
+ C

Number of terms: ________ Number of terms: ________

Coefficients: __________________ Coefficients: _________________

Constant terms: ________________ Constant terms: ________________

3. Sarah was asked to identify all coefficients and constants of the

expression 4 + n + 7m. She said that 4 is a constant, and 7 is a coefficient.

What is her error?

a. She did not include the constant 1.

b. She said 4 is a constant. It is actually a coefficient.
c. She did not include the coefficient 1.
d. She said 7 is a coefficient. It is actually a constant.

4. Add. 2a + 8 + 4b + 5 5. Add. 8x – 7 + 6x + 8

6. Find the sum. 8x + 2 -9x + 7 7. Find the sum. 3n + 4 – 8n -1

5
Expanding Algebraic Expressions (The Distributive Property) day 1

Objective: Students will simplify algebraic expression using the distributive property.

Term Definition Example

Distributive The distributive property
combines multiplication with
Property addition and subtraction

You can multiply constants and algebraic terms simply by

multiplying the constant and the coefficient.
The variable remains the same.

Remember, if the variable has no coefficient, it’s an invisible 1.

a. 2(3x) = _____ b. -2(3d) = _____

c. 5(n) = _____ d. -3y(4) = _____

You can also multiply variables by one another.

e. a • t = _____ f. b(y) = _____

g. 3c(b) = _____ h. 2n(4x) = _____

But what happens when you have more than one term inside the
parentheses?

Examples: 2(n + 4) 3(x – 8)

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 S
Simplifying Algebraic Expressions by Distributing P
and Combining Like Terms C
=
A
Objective: Students will simplify algebraic expressions by combining like D/M
terms.

Students will recognize when the distributive property is required to

simplify an expression and when it is not.

Before simplifying an expression that contains parentheses,

you must determine whether or not you need to use the distributive
property. If so, DO IT FIRST!

A. Simplify the expressions below (Hint: ONE of them needs dist. property).

a. 2x + 5 + (6x + 1) b. 2x + 5 + 6(x + 1)

B. Sometimes you will need to CATCH the term (including a subtraction sign)
before you distribute.

1. x – 2(x + 3) 2. 3n – 2(n + 5) 3. 4h – 3(2h + 5)

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 S
HOMEWORK
P
Simplify. C
1a. -3(2x – 3y - 5) 1b. -4(2y - 3) + 7y =
A
D/M

2a. (b – 7) + (3b – 9) 2b. (-6x – 11) + (5x + 12)

3a. –2(-4x + 5) + 6x 3b. 7x + 3(-2x + 3)

4. For each algebraic expression, identify the number of terms. Then list the
coefficients and any constant terms.

Expression 8x - 3 4x + y + 11

Number of Terms
Coefficient(s)
Constant(s)

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Simplifying Algebraic Expressions by Distributing
and Combining Like Terms
x P
1.a 3(x + 6y – 7) 1.b. -7(2x – 4)

Distribute first…. then catch and combine like terms. x P

2a. 4(3x + 7) - 5x 2.b. -2(-4x + 5) + 3x
+ C

Ask… Do I need to distribute? If not, Catch and Combine Like Terms.

3a. 5x + 6y – 4x + 3y – 9 3.b. - 9x + 7 –x + 5x - 4y

Ask… Do I need to distribute? If so, do it first. Then “Bring Down the

Junk.” If not, drop the parenthesis and then catch and combine like
terms.

4a. (x – 5) + (4x – 2) 4b. 6x + 4(-2x + 3)

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 HOMEWORK

Rewrite the expression without parentheses. Ask…

Do I need to distribute? If so, do it first. Then x P
“Bring Down the Junk.” If not, drop the parenthesis and
then catch and combine like terms.
+ C

1. 7(2x – 1) + 8 2. -3(3x – 5) + 8x

3. 9x + 2(2x – 7) 4. 12x + 3(-4x + 1)

5. 12y + 7(2y – 3)

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Adding and Subtracting Algebraic Expressions

Objective: Students will add and subtract algebraic expressions.

Recall that only like terms can be added or subtracted.

Simplify the following problem by combining like terms.

Ex 1: (2n + 3) + (4n + 5) Ex 2: (-3h + 2) + 3(4h - 2)

***Subtraction of expressions can be especially difficult!

Note the difference between the two problems below.

Which problem requires the distributive property to simplify it? _________

Rewrite using the distributive property where necessary.

(8x – 3) + 2(3x + 1) and (8x – 3) – 2(3x + 1)

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Note the difference between the two problems below.
Which problem requires the distributive property to simplify it? _________

Rewrite using the distributive property where necessary.

(7x – 3) + 1(4x + 1) and (7x – 3) – 1(4x + 1)

Recall that often times in math the 1 is “invisible”, as is a -1.

Here are the same problems rewritten with an “invisible” 1.

(7x – 3) + (4x + 1) and (7x – 3) – (4x + 1)

HOWEVER, that means when there is a subtraction sign between expressions,

you must think of it is as distributing a -1.

a. Distribute the -1 b. Distribute the -1

(6n – 5) – (2n + 1) (8a + 1) – (2a + 4)

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c. Distribute the -1 d. Distribute the -1

(5h – 4) – (2h + 1) (2n + 4) – (n - 1)

e. Distribute the -1 f. Distribute the -1

(-2x – 5) – (6x + 3) (-3y + 1) – (4y + 8)

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 HOMEWORK
1. Distribute the -1

(6h + 4) – (2h + 3) x P
+ C

2. Distribute the -1

(6h + 4) – (2h - 3)

3. Distribute the -1

(6h - 4) – (2h - 3)

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6. 8a + 4 Check:

7. 12a + 16b – 10c Check:

8. 12x – 24y - 3 Check:

9. 9n + 7n Check:

10. -5xy + 25x Check:

11. 18b + 3 Check:

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 HOMEWORK
1. Write the factored form of each expression.
2. Check using distributive property.

a. 18a + 3 Check:

Check:
b. -2c + 6d

Check:
c. 20xy + 10x

Error analysis: Ali factored the above problem, c, and got 2x(10y + 5). When
she checked it using the distributive property, she got the original problem! Since
her check worked, she thinks she has the correct answer. How can that be?
Explain her mistake.

3. Error analysis: Jamie incorrectly factored 15x – 20xy. She got 5x(3 – 4xy).
Factor the expression correctly.

What error did she likely make?

a. She did not have the correct operation inside parentheses.

b. She did not factor the variable from the first term.
c. She did not factor the variable from the second term.
d. She did not simplify the terms inside the parentheses.
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