Scribd
Upload
9 views1 page

Screenshot 2024-04-20 at 19.37.57

The document explains the basics of simplifying algebra, including how to represent multiplication without a times sign and using powers for repeated multiplication. It provides examples of simplifying expressions through multiplication and division, as well as collecting like terms. Additionally, it emphasizes that only like terms can be combined in algebraic expressions.

Uploaded by

dariabarnat
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
9 views1 page

Screenshot 2024-04-20 at 19.37.57

The document explains the basics of simplifying algebra, including how to represent multiplication without a times sign and using powers for repeated multiplication. It provides examples of simplifying expressions through multiplication and division, as well as collecting like terms. Additionally, it emphasizes that only like terms can be combined in algebraic expressions.

Uploaded by

dariabarnat
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

☰

Simplifying Algebra

Simplifying Algebra

In algebra we use letters to represent


unknown numbers.

When we are writing algebra we do not use a


times sign.
We can write a × b as ab
We can write 5 × c as 5c
We can write 6 × a × b as 6ab

When we have the same letter multiplied


together we can use a power.

In the same way that we say the 5 × 5 = 5²


we can say that a × a = a²
b × b × b = b3
p × p × p × p × p = p5

Example 1: Simplify: 4a × 5b

We can multiply the 4 and 5 together


4 × 5 = 20

We now have 20 × a × b
We don't write the times sign in algebra.
We write 20 × a × b as 20ab

The answer is 20ab

Example 2: Simplify: 10t × 3t

We can multiply the 10 and 3 together


10 × 3 = 30

We now have 30 × t × t
t × t = t2
30 × t2 = 30t2

The answer is 30t2

We write division as a fraction


a
We write a ÷ b as
b

12a3
Example 3: Simplify
4a

We can look at this question in two parts:


We have 12 ÷ 4
12 ÷ 4 = 3
We also have a3 ÷ a
a3 ÷ a = a2

The answer is 3a2

Try these:

Simplify: 2d × d

Show Answer Hide Answer New Question

Simplify: 5c × 4d

Show Answer Hide Answer New Question

Simplify: 4e2 × 2e3

Show Answer Hide Answer New Question

12h3
Simplify:
3h

Show Answer Hide Answer New Question

We can also simplify algebra by collecting


like terms (adding up, or subtracting, things
that are the same).

In the same way that 5 + 5 + 5 can be


written as 3 × 5
a + a + a can be written as 3 × a or 3a

In the same way that 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 can be


written as 4 × 5
a + a + a + a can be written as 4 × a or 4a

We can add 3a and 4a


a + a + a + a + a + a + a = 7a
3a + 4a = 7a

We can add b terms to other b terms, and


subtract b terms from other b terms:
10b + 6b = 16b
2b + 5b = 7b
8b + 2b = 10b
7b - 4b = 3b
10b - 8b = 2b

We cannot add 3a and 4b because they are


not like terms (we can only add a terms to
other a terms).

Example 4: Simplify: 3a + 5b + 7a + 4b

We can add the a term to the other a term


and the b term to the other b term.
3a + 5b + 7a + 4b

For the a terms we have: 3a + 7a


3a + 7a = 10a

For the b terms we have 5b + 4b


5b + 4b = 9b

The answer is 10a + 9b

Example 5: Simplify: 8a + b - 2a + 4b

We collect the a terms and collect the b


terms.
Each term always goes with the sign in front
of it.

8a + b - 2a + 4b

For the a terms we have: 8a - 2a


8a - 2a = 6a

For the b terms we have b + 4b


b + 4b = 5b

The answer is 6a + 5b

Example 6: Simplify: 5a - 3ab - 9a - ab

This time we have a terms and ab terms.


We can collect the a terms and collect the ab
terms.
Each term takes the sign from in front of it.

5a - 3ab - 9a - ab

For the a terms we have: 5a - 9a


5a - 9a = -4a

For the ab terms we have -3ab - ab


-3ab - ab = -4ab

The answer is -4a - 4ab

Try these:

Simplify: 15h − 6h

Show Answer Hide Answer New Question

Simplify: 3e + 6f + 10e + 2f

Show Answer Hide Answer New Question

Simplify: 6g + 10h − 15g − 19h

Show Answer Hide Answer New Question

Simplify: 10d − 4d2 − 6d − 5d2

Show Answer Hide Answer New Question

GCSE
Learn GCSE Maths
Edexcel Exam Papers
OCR Exam Papers
AQA Exam Papers
Eduqas Exam Papers
Edexcel IGCSE Maths
GCSE Statistics

A Level
Learn A Level Maths
Edexcel A Level Papers
AQA A Level Papers
OCR A Level Papers
OCR MEI A Level Papers
Old Spec A Level

Other Links
Primary School Maths
Free Maths Course
More Resources
Privacy and Cookie Policy

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons


Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Copyright © Maths Genie. Maths Genie Limited is a company registered in


England and Wales with company number 14341280. Registered Office:
143 Lynwood, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 5DF.

Privacy and cookie settings

Managed by Google. Complies with IAB TCF. CMP ID: 300

-35% PRICE DROP

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy