Algebraic Expressions II

Identify coefficients of given algebraic terms

The coefficients of the unknown(s) in an algebraic term are the other factors of the
term.

Example 1

The coefficient of x is –5y

The coefficient of y is –5x
–5xy
The coefficient of –5xy is y
The coefficient of xy is –5

Example 2
Write the coefficient of the given unknown.

8rst
Unknown Coefficient
rst 8
st r
t rs
rst 8t

State like terms

Like terms are referred to term which have same unknown without concern about
the order of unknowns and the numbers

Example 3
5xy, 45xy, –0.8 xy

Example 4

Circle the like terms

–5st, 6ts, 7st

st = ts
State unlike terms
Unlike terms are those terms which have different unknowns

Example 5
3a , 5b, 8t

Multiplication and Division of Algebraic Terms

Rule of multiplication
To multiply two terms:
1. Multiply the numbers
2. Multiply the letters
3. Write the numbers followed by letters in alphabetical order

Example 6
Find the product of:
4abc (–6bc)

Solution
4abc (–6bc) = 4 (–6) a b c b c

Multiply the Multiply the

numbers letters

= –24 a b b c c

Group the same

unknowns
= –24ab Arrange in alphabetical order c

Concept of Algebraic Expressions

1. Algebraic expressions can be written using letter symbols

2. In algebra, letters are used to represent unknowns and
numbers.

Example 7
A triangle has sides with length of x cm, 2y cm and 3z cm. Write an expression of the
perimeter of that triangle.

Solution

x cm 2y cm

3z cm

The perimeter of a triangle = Total length of each side

= x + 2y + 3z

Therefore, the algebraic expression of the perimeter of that triangle is (x + 2y + 3z) cm.

Example 8
Kamal wants to buy s number of oranges at 70 cents each and t number of apples at 80
cents each. Find the total amount that Kamal has to pay in cents.

Solution
An orange costs = 70 cents
So, s oranges cost = 70 s
= 70s cents
An apple costs = 80 cents
So, t apples cost = 80 t
= 80t cents
Total amount = 70s + 80t cents
Determining the number of terms in given algebraic expressions
Terms are separated by only addition and subtraction symbols

Example 9
1. Algebraic expression 3pq has one term that is 3pq.
2. Algebraic expression 4a + 2bc + 3 has three terms that 4a, 2bc and 3
3. Algebraic expression 5x + 6y 4z has two terms because 5x + 24yz. Therefore,
the two terms are 5x and 24yz.

Simplifying algebraic expressions

1. Only like terms can be added or subtracted in order to simplify an
expression.
2. To simplify an expression that consists of a few like and unlike terms,
rearrange and group like terms. Then add or subtract the coefficient of the
unknown.
3. Observe that when a term is rearranged, the operation symbol must follow.
Example 10
Calculate the sum each of the following
1. 7xy + 4yx
2. 2ab – 6pq

Solution Like terms can be added

1. 7xy + 4yx = 11xy

2. 2ab – 6pq = 2ab – 6pq Unlike terms cannot be added

Example 11
Simplify 5pq – 3xy + 2 pq + 5xy

Solution

5pq – 3xy + 2pq + 5xy = 1. Group the like terms

5pq + 2pq – 3xy + 5xy 2. Operation symbol must follow
= 7pq + 2xy 3. Only like terms can be added
or subtracted

Test your self

1. Given 7xy , write the coefficient of:

a) xy b) x c) xy d) y e) y

2. Multiply 4uv (–7u )

3. State the number of terms in the following algebraic expressions:

a) 8mn b) 3pq – 6rs + 9xy c) 4 + 7 – 2

4. Simplify
a) 6p – (–4p) – 3p b) 3ps – 9rq + 5qr + 2sp