#set document(title: "5.1 Algebraic Expressions", author: "OpenStax / XYZ Homework") #set page(width: 8.5in, height: auto, margin: 1in) #import "@preview/cetz:0.5.2" #set text(font: ("STIX Two Text", "Libertinus Serif", "New Computer Modern"), size: 10.5pt, lang: "en") #show math.equation: set text(font: ("STIX Two Math", "New Computer Modern Math")) #set par(justify: true, leading: 0.62em, spacing: 0.9em) #set enum(spacing: 1.1em) // room between list items so tall inline fractions don't collide #set list(spacing: 1.1em) #set table(stroke: 0.5pt + rgb("#c7ccd3")) #let BLUE = rgb("#183B6F") // brand navy — section bars + example/solution labels (white on navy 11.09:1) #let ORANGE = rgb("#A94509") // brand primary-700 — AA-safe deep orange for TEXT (5.93:1 on white; raw brand #F37021 is 2.94:1 and must never carry text) #let RED = rgb("#DC2626") // brand error-600 #let GREEN = rgb("#059669") // brand success-600 (decoration only; small green text uses green-text #007942) #show heading.where(level: 1): it => block(width: 100%, above: 0pt, below: 16pt, fill: gradient.linear(BLUE, rgb("#2C5AA0")), inset: (x: 14pt, y: 12pt), radius: 3pt, text(fill: white, weight: "bold", size: 19pt, it.body)) #show heading.where(level: 2): it => block(width: 100%, above: 18pt, below: 10pt, fill: BLUE, inset: (x: 10pt, y: 6pt), radius: 2pt, text(fill: white, weight: "bold", size: 12pt, it.body)) #show heading.where(level: 3): it => text(fill: ORANGE, weight: "bold", size: 12.5pt, it.body) #show heading.where(level: 4): it => text(fill: BLUE, weight: "bold", size: 10.5pt, it.body) #let examplebox(label, title, body) = block(width: 100%, breakable: true, fill: rgb("#EFF1F5"), stroke: 0.5pt + rgb("#CFDDF0"), radius: 4pt, inset: 10pt, above: 12pt, below: 12pt)[ #block(below: 6pt)[#box(fill: BLUE, inset: (x: 6pt, y: 2pt), radius: 2pt, text(fill: white, weight: "bold", size: 8.5pt, label)) #h(0.4em) #strong[#title]] #body] // rail = decorative left rule (raw brand token); labelcolor = AA-safe label text shade #let notebox(label, rail, labelcolor, tint, body) = block(width: 100%, breakable: true, fill: tint, stroke: (left: 3pt + rail), inset: (left: 10pt, rest: 8pt), radius: (right: 4pt), above: 11pt, below: 11pt)[ #text(fill: labelcolor, weight: "bold", size: 7.5pt, tracking: 0.5pt)[#upper(label)] #linebreak() #body] #let solutionbox(body) = block(above: 4pt, below: 8pt)[ #text(fill: BLUE, weight: "bold", size: 8.5pt)[Solution] #linebreak() #body] #let figph(msg) = block(width: 100%, height: 60pt, fill: rgb("#f6f7f9"), stroke: (paint: rgb("#c7ccd3"), dash: "dashed"), radius: 4pt, inset: 10pt)[ #align(center + horizon, text(fill: rgb("#889"), style: "italic", size: 9pt, msg))] // Standardize inlined figure sizes: measure the natural CeTZ canvas, then scale to a // consistent envelope (aspect-aware; see build_typst.py FIG_* constants). Unlike the // print preamble, dimensions are FLOORED: in an editor a user can trim a figure to a // degenerate 1-D shape (a bare line), and w/h or tw/w would then divide by zero. #let _STD_W = 3.5 #let _WIDE_W = 5.6 #let _MAX_H = 3.4 #let _ASPECT_WIDE = 2.2 #let _UPSCALE_MAX = 1.15 #let stdfig(body) = context { let m = measure(body) let w = calc.max(m.width / 1in, 0.01) let h = calc.max(m.height / 1in, 0.01) let tw = if w / h > _ASPECT_WIDE { _WIDE_W } else { _STD_W } let s = calc.min(tw / w, _MAX_H / h, _UPSCALE_MAX) align(center, box(scale(x: s * 100%, y: s * 100%, reflow: true, body))) } #show figure: set block(breakable: false) #set figure(gap: 8pt) #show figure.caption: set text(size: 8.5pt, fill: rgb("#555")) == 5.1#h(0.6em)Algebraic Expressions #figure(figph[A young man and a young woman are standing next to each other wearing graduation caps and gowns.], alt: "A young man and a young woman are standing next to each other wearing graduation caps and gowns.", caption: [Two college graduates!]) === Learning Objectives After completing this section, you should be able to: + Convert between written and symbolic algebraic expressions and equations. + Simplify and evaluate algebraic expressions. + Add and subtract algebraic expressions. + Multiply and divide algebraic expressions. #strong[Algebraic expressions] are the building blocks of algebra. While a numerical expression (also known as an arithmetic expression) like #math.equation(block: false, alt: "5 plus 3")[$5 + 3$] can represent only a single number, an algebraic expression such as #math.equation(block: false, alt: "5 x plus 3")[$5 x + 3$] can represent many different numbers. This section will introduce you to algebraic expressions, how to create them, simplify them, and perform arithmetic operations on them. === Algebraic Expressions and Equations Xavier and Yasenia have the same birthday, but they were born in different years. This year Xavier is 20 years old and Yasenia is 23, so Yasenia is three years older than Xavier. When Xavier was 15, Yasenia was 18. When Xavier will be 33, Yasenia will be 36. No matter what Xavier’s age is, Yasenia’s age will always be 3 years more. In the language of algebra, we say that Xavier's age and Yasenia's age are variable and the 3 is a constant. The ages change, or vary, so age is a #strong[variable]. The 3 years between them always stays the same or has the same value, so the age difference is the #strong[constant]. In algebra, letters of the alphabet are used to represent variables. The letters most often used for variables are #math.equation(block: false, alt: "x")[$x$], #math.equation(block: false, alt: "y")[$y$], #math.equation(block: false, alt: "z")[$z$], #math.equation(block: false, alt: "a")[$a$], #math.equation(block: false, alt: "b")[$b$], and #math.equation(block: false, alt: "c")[$c$]. Suppose we call Xavier's age #math.equation(block: false, alt: "x")[$x$]. Then we could use #math.equation(block: false, alt: "x plus 3")[$x + 3$] to represent Yasenia's age, as shown in the table below. #figure(table( columns: 2, align: left, inset: 6pt, table.header([Xavier’s Age], [Yasenia’s Age]), [15], [18], [20], [23], [33], [36], [#math.equation(block: false, alt: "x")[$x$]], [#math.equation(block: false, alt: "x plus 3")[$x + 3$]], )) To write algebraically, we need some symbols as well as numbers and variables. The symbols for the four basic arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are summarized in , along with words we use for the operations and the result. #figure(table( columns: 4, align: left, inset: 6pt, table.header([Operation], [Notation], [Say:], [The result is…]), [Addition], [#math.equation(block: false, alt: "a plus b")[$a + b$]], [#math.equation(block: false, alt: "a")[$a$] plus #math.equation(block: false, alt: "b")[$b$]], [The sum of #math.equation(block: false, alt: "a")[$a$] and #math.equation(block: false, alt: "b")[$b$]], [Subtraction], [#math.equation(block: false, alt: "a")[$a$] − #math.equation(block: false, alt: "b")[$b$]], [#math.equation(block: false, alt: "a")[$a$] minus #math.equation(block: false, alt: "b")[$b$]], [The difference of #math.equation(block: false, alt: "a")[$a$] and #math.equation(block: false, alt: "b")[$b$]], [Multiplication], [#math.equation(block: false, alt: "a")[$a$] ⋅ #math.equation(block: false, alt: "b")[$b$], (#math.equation(block: false, alt: "a")[$a$])(#math.equation(block: false, alt: "b")[$b$]), (#math.equation(block: false, alt: "a")[$a$])#math.equation(block: false, alt: "b")[$b$], #math.equation(block: false, alt: "a")[$a$] (#math.equation(block: false, alt: "b")[$b$]), #math.equation(block: false, alt: "ab")[$italic("ab")$], #math.equation(block: false, alt: "ba")[$italic("ba")$]], [#math.equation(block: false, alt: "a")[$a$] times #math.equation(block: false, alt: "b")[$b$]], [The product of #math.equation(block: false, alt: "a")[$a$] and #math.equation(block: false, alt: "b")[$b$]], [Division], [#math.equation(block: false, alt: "a")[$a$] ÷ #math.equation(block: false, alt: "b")[$b$], #math.equation(block: false, alt: "a")[$a$]/#math.equation(block: false, alt: "b")[$b$]], [#math.equation(block: false, alt: "a")[$a$] divided by #math.equation(block: false, alt: "b")[$b$]], [The quotient of #math.equation(block: false, alt: "a")[$a$] and #math.equation(block: false, alt: "b")[$b$]], )) #notebox("Checkpoint", rgb("#059669"), rgb("#007942"), rgb("#EAF3EC"))[ #emph[In algebra, the cross symbol #math.equation(block: false, alt: "open parenthesis x close parenthesis")[$( x )$] is normally not used to show multiplication because that symbol could cause confusion. For example, does #math.equation(block: false, alt: "3 x y")[$3 x y$] mean #math.equation(block: false, alt: "3 times y")[$3 × y$] (three times #math.equation(block: false, alt: "y")[$y$]) or #math.equation(block: false, alt: "3 times x times y")[$3 ⋅ x ⋅ y$] (three times #math.equation(block: false, alt: "x")[$x$] times #math.equation(block: false, alt: "y")[$y$])? To make it clear, use #math.equation(block: false, alt: "times")[$⋅$] or parentheses for multiplication.] ] We perform these operations on two numbers. When translating from symbolic form to words, or from words to symbolic form, pay attention to the words #emph[of] or #emph[and] to help you find the numbers. - The #emph[sum] #emph[#strong[of]] 5 #emph[#strong[and]] 3 means add 5 plus 3, which we write as #math.equation(block: false, alt: "5 plus 3")[$5 + 3$]. - The #emph[difference] #emph[#strong[of]] 9 #emph[#strong[and]] 2 means subtract 9 minus 2, which we write as #math.equation(block: false, alt: "9 minus 2")[$9 − 2$]. - The #emph[product] #emph[#strong[of]] 4 #emph[#strong[and]] 8 means multiply 4 times 8, which we can write as #math.equation(block: false, alt: "4 times 8")[$4 ⋅ 8$]. - The #emph[quotient] #emph[#strong[of]] 20 #emph[#strong[and]] 5 means divide 20 by 5, which we can write as #math.equation(block: false, alt: "20 divided by 5")[$20 ÷ 5$]. #examplebox("Example 1")[Translating from Algebra to Words][ Translate the following algebraic expressions from algebra into words. + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "12 plus 14")[$12 + 14$] + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "open parenthesis 30 close parenthesis open parenthesis 5 close parenthesis")[$( 30 ) ( 5 )$] + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "64 divided by 8")[$64 ÷ 8$] + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "x minus y")[$x − y$] #solutionbox[ + This could be translated as 12 plus 14 OR the sum of 12 and 14. + This could be translated as 30 times 5 OR the product of 30 and 5. + This could be translated as 64 divided by 8 OR the quotient of 64 and 8. + This could be translated as #math.equation(block: false, alt: "x")[$x$] minus #math.equation(block: false, alt: "y")[$y$] OR the difference of #math.equation(block: false, alt: "x")[$x$] and #math.equation(block: false, alt: "y.")[$"y."$] ] ] #examplebox("Example 2")[Translating from Words to Algebra][ Translate the following phrases from words into algebraic expressions. + The difference of 47 and 19 + 72 divided by 9 + The sum of #math.equation(block: false, alt: "m")[$m$] and #math.equation(block: false, alt: "n")[$n$] + 13 times 7 #solutionbox[ + These words could be translated as #math.equation(block: false, alt: "47 minus 19")[$47 − 19$]. + These words could be translated as #math.equation(block: false, alt: "72 divided by 9")[$72 ÷ 9$]. + These words could be translated as #math.equation(block: false, alt: "m plus n")[$m + n$]. + These words could be translated as #math.equation(block: false, alt: "open parenthesis 13 close parenthesis open parenthesis 7 close parenthesis")[$( 13 ) ( 7 )$]. ] ] What is the difference in English between a phrase and a sentence? A phrase expresses a single thought that is incomplete by itself, but a sentence makes a complete statement. “Running very fast” is a phrase, but “The football player was running very fast” is a sentence. A sentence has a subject and a verb. In algebra, we have #strong[expressions] and equations. Example 1 and Example 2 used expressions. An expression is like an English phrase. Notice that the English phrases do not form a complete sentence because the phrase does not have a verb. The following table has examples of expressions, which are numbers, variables, or combinations of numbers and variables using operation symbols. #figure(table( columns: 3, align: left, inset: 6pt, table.header([Expression], [Words], [English Phrase]), [#math.equation(block: false, alt: "3 plus 5")[$3 + 5$]], [3 plus 5], [The sum of three and five], [#emph[#math.equation(block: false, alt: "n minus 1")[$n − 1$]]], [#math.equation(block: false, alt: "n")[$n$] minus one], [The difference of #math.equation(block: false, alt: "n")[$n$] and one], [#math.equation(block: false, alt: "6 times 7")[$6 ⋅ 7$]], [6 times 7], [The product of six and seven], [#math.equation(block: false, alt: "x divided by y")[$x ÷ y$]], [#math.equation(block: false, alt: "x")[$x$] divided by #math.equation(block: false, alt: "y")[$y$]], [The quotient of #math.equation(block: false, alt: "x")[$x$] and #math.equation(block: false, alt: "y")[$y$]], )) #examplebox("Example 3")[Translating from an English Phrase to an Expression][ Translate the following phrases from words into algebraic expressions. + Seven more than a number #math.equation(block: false, alt: "n")[$n$]. + A number #math.equation(block: false, alt: "n")[$n$] times itself. + Six times a number #math.equation(block: false, alt: "n")[$n$], plus two more. + The cost of postage is a flat rate of 10 cents for every parcel, plus 34 cents per ounce #math.equation(block: false, alt: "x")[$x$]. #solutionbox[ + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "n plus 7")[$n + 7$] + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "n times n")[$n ⋅ n$] or #math.equation(block: false, alt: "n squared")[$n^(2)$] + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "6 n plus 2")[$6 n + 2$] + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "10 plus 34 x")[$10 + 34 x$] ] ] An #strong[equation] is two expressions linked with an #strong[equal sign] (the symbol =). When two quantities have the same value, we say they are equal and connect them with an equal sign. When you read the words the symbols represent in an equation, you have a complete sentence in English. The equal sign gives the verb. So, #math.equation(block: false, alt: "a equals b")[$a = b$] is read “#math.equation(block: false, alt: "a")[$a$] is equal to #math.equation(block: false, alt: "b")[$b$].” The following table has some examples of equations. #figure(table( columns: 2, align: left, inset: 6pt, table.header([Equation], [English Sentence]), [#math.equation(block: false, alt: "3 plus 5 equals 8")[$3 + 5 = 8$]], [The sum of three and five is equal to eight.], [#math.equation(block: false, alt: "n minus 1 equals 14")[$n − 1 = 14$]], [#math.equation(block: false, alt: "n")[$n$] minus one equals fourteen.], [#math.equation(block: false, alt: "6 times 7 equals 42")[$6 ⋅ 7 = 42$]], [The product of six and seven is equal to forty-two.], [#math.equation(block: false, alt: "x equals 53")[$x = 53$]], [#math.equation(block: false, alt: "x")[$x$] is equal to fifty-three.], [#math.equation(block: false, alt: "y plus 9 equals 2 y minus 3")[$y + 9 = 2 y − 3$]], [#math.equation(block: false, alt: "y")[$y$] plus nine is equal to two times #math.equation(block: false, alt: "y")[$y$] minus three.], )) #examplebox("Example 4")[Translating from an English Sentence to an Equation][ Translate the following sentences from words into algebraic equations. + Two times #math.equation(block: false, alt: "x")[$x$] is 6. + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "n")[$n$] plus 2 is equal to #math.equation(block: false, alt: "n")[$n$] times 3. + The quotient of 35 and 7 is 5. + Sixty-seven minus #math.equation(block: false, alt: "x")[$x$] is 56. #solutionbox[ + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "2 x equals 6")[$2 x = 6$] + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "n plus 2 equals 3 n")[$n + 2 = 3 n$] + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "35 divided by 7 equals 5")[$35 ÷ 7 = 5$] + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "67 minus x equals 56")[$67 − x = 56$] ] ] #notebox("Who Knew?", rgb("#183B6F"), rgb("#183B6F"), rgb("#EFF1F5"))[ #emph[The Use of Variables] French philosopher and mathematician René Descartes (1596–1650) is usually given credit for the use of the letters #math.equation(block: false, alt: "x")[$x$], #math.equation(block: false, alt: "y")[$y$], and #math.equation(block: false, alt: "z")[$z$] to represent unknown quantities in algebra. He introduced these ideas in his publication of #emph[La Geometrie], which was printed in 1637. In this publication, he also used the letters #math.equation(block: false, alt: "a")[$a$], #math.equation(block: false, alt: "b")[$b$], and #math.equation(block: false, alt: "c")[$c$] to represent known quantities. There is a (possibly fictitious) story that, when the book was being printed for the first time, the printer began to run short of the last three letters of the alphabet. So the printer asked Descartes if it mattered which of #math.equation(block: false, alt: "x")[$x$], #math.equation(block: false, alt: "y")[$y$], or #math.equation(block: false, alt: "z")[$z$] were used for the mathematical equations in the book. Descartes decided it made no difference to him; so the printer decided to use #math.equation(block: false, alt: "x")[$x$] predominantly for the mathematics in the book, because the letters #math.equation(block: false, alt: "y")[$y$] and #math.equation(block: false, alt: "z")[$z$] would occur more often in the body of the text (written in French) than the letter #math.equation(block: false, alt: "x")[$x$] would! This might explain why the letter #math.equation(block: false, alt: "x")[$x$] is still used today as the most common variable to represent unknown quantities in algebra. ] === Simplifying and Evaluating Algebraic Expressions To #strong[simplify an expression] means to do all the math possible. For example, to simplify #math.equation(block: false, alt: "4 times 2 plus 1")[$4 ⋅ 2 + 1$] we would first multiply #math.equation(block: false, alt: "4 times 2")[$4 ⋅ 2$] to get 8 and then add 1 to get 9. We have introduced most of the symbols and notation used in algebra, but now we need to clarify the order of operations. Otherwise, expressions may have different meanings, and they may result in different values. Consider #math.equation(block: false, alt: "2 plus 7 times 3")[$2 + 7 ⋅ 3$]. Do you add first or multiply first? Do you get different answers? #figure(table( columns: 3, align: left, inset: 6pt, [Add first: #math.equation(block: false, alt: "9 times 3 equals 27")[$9 ⋅ 3 = 27$]], [Multiply first: #math.equation(block: false, alt: "2 plus 21 equals 23")[$2 + 21 = 23$]], [Which one is correct?], )) Early on, mathematicians realized the need to establish some guidelines when performing arithmetic operations to ensure that everyone would get the same answer. Those guidelines are called the order of operations and are listed in the table below. #figure(table( columns: 2, align: left, inset: 6pt, table.header([#strong[Step 1:] Parentheses and Other Grouping Symbols], [Simplify all expressions inside the parentheses or other grouping symbols, working on the innermost parentheses first.]), [#strong[Step 2:] Exponents], [Simplify all expressions with exponents.], [#strong[Step 3:] Multiplication and Division], [Perform all multiplication and division in order from left to right. These operations have equal priority.], [#strong[Step 4:] Addition and Subtraction], [Perform all addition and subtraction in order from left to right. These operations have equal priority.], )) #notebox("Checkpoint", rgb("#059669"), rgb("#007942"), rgb("#EAF3EC"))[ #emph[You may have heard about Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally or PEMDAS. Be careful to notice in Steps 3 and 4 in the table above that multiplication and division, as well as addition and subtraction, happen in order from LEFT to RIGHT. It is possible, for example, to have PEDMAS or PEMDSA. The PEMDAS trick can be misleading if not fully understood!] ] #examplebox("Example 5")[Making a Numerical Equation True Using the Order of Operations][ Use parentheses to make the following statements true. + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "17 minus 10 plus 3 equals 10")[$17 − 10 + 3 = 10$] + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "2 times 26 minus 7 equals 38")[$2 ⋅ 26 − 7 = 38$] + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "8 plus 12 divided by 5 minus 3 equals 14")[$8 + 12 ÷ 5 − 3 = 14$] + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "5 plus 2 cubed times 7 equals 91")[$5 + 2^(3) ⋅ 7 = 91$] #solutionbox[ + Add the parentheses around the #math.equation(block: false, alt: "17 minus 10")[$17 − 10$]. Then you have #math.equation(block: false, alt: "open parenthesis 17 minus 10 close parenthesis plus 3 equals 7 plus 3 equals 10")[$( 17 − 10 ) + 3 = 7 + 3 = 10$]. + Add the parentheses around the #math.equation(block: false, alt: "26 minus 7")[$26 − 7$]. Then you have #math.equation(block: false, alt: "2 times open parenthesis 26 minus 7 close parenthesis equals 2 times 19 equals 38")[$2 ⋅ ( 26 − 7 ) = 2 ⋅ 19 = 38$]. + Add the parentheses around the #math.equation(block: false, alt: "5 minus 3")[$5 − 3$]. Then you have #math.equation(block: false, alt: "8 plus 12 divided by open parenthesis 5 minus 3 close parenthesis equals 8 plus 12 divided by 2 equals 8 plus 6 equals 14")[$8 + 12 ÷ ( 5 − 3 ) = 8 + 12 ÷ 2 = 8 + 6 = 14$]. + Add the parentheses around the #math.equation(block: false, alt: "5 plus 2 cubed")[$5 + 2^(3)$]. Then you have #math.equation(block: false, alt: "open parenthesis 5 plus 2 cubed close parenthesis times 7 equals open parenthesis 5 plus 8 close parenthesis times 7 equals 13 times 7 equals 91")[$( 5 + 2^(3) ) ⋅ 7 = ( 5 + 8 ) ⋅ 7 = 13 ⋅ 7 = 91$]. ] ] In the last example, we simplified expressions using the order of operations. Now we'll evaluate some expressions—again following the order of operations. To evaluate an expression means to find the value of the expression when the variable is replaced by a given number. #examplebox("Example 6")[Evaluating and Simplifying an Expression][ + Evaluate #math.equation(block: false, alt: "3 x plus 5")[$3 x + 5$] when #math.equation(block: false, alt: "x equals 2")[$x = 2$]. + Evaluate #math.equation(block: false, alt: "x squared plus 3 x plus 1")[$x^(2) + 3 x + 1$] when #math.equation(block: false, alt: "x equals 2")[$x = 2$]. #solutionbox[ + To evaluate, let #math.equation(block: false, alt: "x equals 2")[$x = 2$] in the expression, and then simplify: #math.equation(block: false, alt: "3 open parenthesis 2 close parenthesis plus 5 equals 6 plus 5 equals 11")[$3 ( 2 ) + 5 = 6 + 5 = 11$]. + To evaluate, let #math.equation(block: false, alt: "x equals 2")[$x = 2$] in the expression, and then simplify: #math.equation(block: false, alt: "2 squared plus 3 open parenthesis 2 close parenthesis plus 1 equals 4 plus 6 plus 1 equals 11")[$2^(2) + 3 ( 2 ) + 1 = 4 + 6 + 1 = 11$]. ] ] === Operations of Algebraic Expressions Algebraic expressions are made up of #strong[terms]. A term is a constant or the product of a constant and one or more variables. Examples of terms are 7, #math.equation(block: false, alt: "y")[$y$], 5#math.equation(block: false, alt: "x squared")[$x^(2)$], 9#math.equation(block: false, alt: "a")[$a$], and #math.equation(block: false, alt: "b to the power 5")[$b^(5)$]. The constant that multiplies the variable is called the #strong[coefficient]. Think of the coefficient as the number in front of the variable. Consider the algebraic expressions 5#math.equation(block: false, alt: "x squared")[$x^(2)$], which has a coefficient of 5, and 9#math.equation(block: false, alt: "a")[$a$], which has a coefficient of 9. If there is no number listed in front of the variable, then the coefficient is 1 since #math.equation(block: false, alt: "x equals 1 times x")[$x = 1 ⋅ x$]. Some terms share common traits. When two terms are constants or have the same variable and exponent, we say they are #strong[like terms]. If there are like terms in an expression, you can simplify the expression by combining the like terms. We add the coefficients and keep the same variable. #examplebox("Example 7")[Adding Algebraic Expressions][ Add #math.equation(block: false, alt: "open parenthesis x squared plus 4 x minus 9 close parenthesis plus open parenthesis 3 x squared minus x plus 12 close parenthesis")[$( x^(2) + 4 x − 9 ) + ( 3 x^(2) − x + 12 )$]. #solutionbox[ #strong[Step 1:] Add the terms in any order and get the same result (think: #math.equation(block: false, alt: "2 plus 3 equals 3 plus 2")[$2 + 3 = 3 + 2$] ) and drop the parentheses: #math.equation(block: true, alt: "x squared plus 4 x minus 9 plus 3 x squared minus x plus 12")[$x^(2) + 4 x − 9 + 3 x^(2) − x + 12$] #strong[Step 2:] Group like terms together: #math.equation(block: true, alt: "x squared plus 3 x squared plus 4 x minus x minus 9 plus 12")[$x^(2) + 3 x^(2) + 4 x − x − 9 + 12$] #strong[Step 3:] Combine the like terms: #math.equation(block: true, alt: "4 x squared plus 3 x plus 3")[$4 x^(2) + 3 x + 3$] ] ] #examplebox("Example 8")[Subtracting Algebraic Expressions][ Subtract #math.equation(block: false, alt: "open parenthesis 5 x squared plus 4 x minus 9 close parenthesis minus open parenthesis 3 x squared minus x plus 12 close parenthesis")[$( 5 x^(2) + 4 x − 9 ) − ( 3 x^(2) − x + 12 )$]. #solutionbox[ #strong[Step 1:] Distribute the negative inside the parentheses (think: #math.equation(block: false, alt: "2 minus open parenthesis 3 minus 4 close parenthesis equals 2 minus 3 plus 4 equals minus 1 plus 4 equals 3")[$2 − ( 3 − 4 ) = 2 − 3 + 4 = − 1 + 4 = 3$], which is the correct answer). You cannot just drop the parentheses (for example, #math.equation(block: false, alt: "2 minus 3 minus 4 equals minus 1 minus 4 equals minus 5")[$2 − 3 − 4 = − 1 − 4 = − 5$], which is not correct as we have already verified the answer is 3): #math.equation(block: true, alt: "5 x squared plus 4 x minus 9 minus 3 x squared plus x minus 12")[$5 x^(2) + 4 x − 9 − 3 x^(2) + x − 12$] #strong[Step 2:] Group like terms together: #math.equation(block: true, alt: "5 x squared minus 3 x squared plus 4 x plus x minus 9 minus 12")[$5 x^(2) − 3 x^(2) + 4 x + x − 9 − 12$] #strong[Step 3:] Combine the like terms: #math.equation(block: true, alt: "2 x squared plus x minus 21")[$2 x^(2) + x − 21$] ] ] Before looking at multiplying algebraic expressions we look at the #strong[Distributive Property], which says that to multiply a sum, first you multiply each term in the sum and then you add the products. For example, #math.equation(block: false, alt: "5 open parenthesis 4 plus 3 close parenthesis equals 5 open parenthesis 4 close parenthesis plus 5 open parenthesis 3 close parenthesis equals 20 plus 15 equals 35")[$5 ( 4 + 3 ) = 5 ( 4 ) + 5 ( 3 ) = 20 + 15 = 35$] can also be solved as #math.equation(block: false, alt: "5 open parenthesis 4 plus 3 close parenthesis equals 5 open parenthesis 7 close parenthesis equals 35")[$5 ( 4 + 3 ) = 5 ( 7 ) = 35$]. If we use a variable, then #math.equation(block: false, alt: "5 open parenthesis x plus 3 close parenthesis equals 5 x plus 15")[$5 ( x + 3 ) = 5 x + 15$]. We can extended this example to #math.equation(block: false, alt: "open parenthesis 5 plus 2 close parenthesis open parenthesis 4 plus 3 close parenthesis equals open parenthesis 5 close parenthesis open parenthesis 4 close parenthesis plus open parenthesis 5 close parenthesis open parenthesis 3 close parenthesis plus open parenthesis 2 close parenthesis open parenthesis 4 close parenthesis plus open parenthesis 2 close parenthesis open parenthesis 3 close parenthesis equals 20 plus 15 plus 8 plus 6 equals 49")[$( 5 + 2 ) ( 4 + 3 ) = ( 5 ) ( 4 ) + ( 5 ) ( 3 ) + ( 2 ) ( 4 ) + ( 2 ) ( 3 ) = 20 + 15 + 8 + 6 = 49$], which can also be solved as #math.equation(block: false, alt: "open parenthesis 5 plus 2 close parenthesis open parenthesis 4 plus 3 close parenthesis equals open parenthesis 7 close parenthesis open parenthesis 7 close parenthesis equals 49")[$( 5 + 2 ) ( 4 + 3 ) = ( 7 ) ( 7 ) = 49$]. If we use variables, then #math.equation(block: false, alt: "open parenthesis x plus 5 close parenthesis open parenthesis x plus 4 close parenthesis equals open parenthesis x close parenthesis open parenthesis x close parenthesis plus open parenthesis x close parenthesis open parenthesis 4 close parenthesis plus open parenthesis 5 close parenthesis open parenthesis x close parenthesis plus open parenthesis 5 close parenthesis open parenthesis 4 close parenthesis equals x squared plus 4 x plus 5 x plus 20 equals x squared plus 9 x plus 20")[$( x + 5 ) ( x + 4 ) = ( x ) ( x ) + ( x ) ( 4 ) + ( 5 ) ( x ) + ( 5 ) ( 4 ) = x^(2) + 4 x + 5 x + 20 = x^(2) + 9 x + 20$]. #notebox("Formula", rgb("#059669"), rgb("#007942"), rgb("#EAF3EC"))[ Distributive Property: #math.equation(block: false, alt: "a open parenthesis b plus c close parenthesis equals a b plus a c")[$a ( b + c ) = a b + a c$] ] #examplebox("Example 9")[Simplifying an Expression Using the Order of Operations][ Simplify each expression. + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "open parenthesis x minus 3 close parenthesis 5")[$( x − 3 ) 5$] + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "open parenthesis minus 3 close parenthesis open parenthesis x plus y minus 2 close parenthesis")[$( − 3 ) ( x + y − 2 )$] + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "5 squared open parenthesis 7 plus 3 close parenthesis open parenthesis x close parenthesis")[$5^(2) ( 7 + 3 ) ( x )$] + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "4 plus x times 5")[$4 + x ⋅ 5$] + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "open parenthesis 4 plus x close parenthesis times 5")[$( 4 + x ) ⋅ 5$] #solutionbox[ + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "5 x minus 3 times 5 equals 5 x minus 15")[$5 x − 3 ⋅ 5 = 5 x − 15$] + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "open parenthesis minus 3 close parenthesis times x plus open parenthesis minus 3 close parenthesis times y minus open parenthesis minus 3 close parenthesis times 2 equals minus 3 x minus 3 y plus 6")[$( − 3 ) ⋅ x + ( − 3 ) ⋅ y − ( − 3 ) ⋅ 2 = − 3 x − 3 y + 6$] + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "25 open parenthesis 7 plus 3 close parenthesis open parenthesis x close parenthesis equals 25 open parenthesis 10 close parenthesis open parenthesis x close parenthesis equals 250 x")[$25 ( 7 + 3 ) ( x ) = 25 ( 10 ) ( x ) = 250 x$] + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "4 plus 5 x")[$4 + 5 x$] + #math.equation(block: false, alt: "open parenthesis 4 close parenthesis times open parenthesis 5 close parenthesis plus open parenthesis x close parenthesis times open parenthesis 5 close parenthesis equals 20 plus 5 x")[$( 4 ) ⋅ ( 5 ) + ( x ) ⋅ ( 5 ) = 20 + 5 x$] ] ] #examplebox("Example 10")[Multiplying Algebraic Expressions][ Multiply #math.equation(block: false, alt: "open parenthesis 4 x minus 9 close parenthesis open parenthesis x plus 2 close parenthesis")[$( 4 x − 9 ) ( x + 2 )$]. #solutionbox[ #strong[Step 1:] Use the Distributive Property: #math.equation(block: true, alt: "open parenthesis 4 x close parenthesis open parenthesis x close parenthesis plus open parenthesis 4 x close parenthesis open parenthesis 2 close parenthesis minus open parenthesis 9 close parenthesis open parenthesis x close parenthesis minus open parenthesis 9 close parenthesis open parenthesis 2 close parenthesis")[$( 4 x ) ( x ) + ( 4 x ) ( 2 ) − ( 9 ) ( x ) − ( 9 ) ( 2 )$] #strong[Step 2:] Multiply: #math.equation(block: true, alt: "4 x squared plus 8 x minus 9 x minus 18")[$4 x^(2) + 8 x − 9 x − 18$] #strong[Step 3:] Combine the like terms: #math.equation(block: true, alt: "4 x squared minus x minus 18")[$4 x^(2) − x − 18$] ] ] #notebox("Checkpoint", rgb("#059669"), rgb("#007942"), rgb("#EAF3EC"))[ #emph[You may have heard the term FOIL which stands for: First, Outer, Inner, Last. FOIL essentially describes a way to use the Distributive Property if you multiply a two-term expression by another two-term expression, but FOIL only works in that specific situation. For example, suppose you have a two-term expression multiplied by a three-term expression, such as #math.equation(block: false, alt: "open parenthesis x plus 2 close parenthesis open parenthesis x plus y minus 5 close parenthesis")[$( x + 2 ) ( x + y − 5 )$]]. #emph[What terms qualify as inner terms and what terms qualify as outer terms? In this particular situation, FOIL cannot possibly work; the multiplication of #math.equation(block: false, alt: "open parenthesis x plus 2 close parenthesis open parenthesis x plus y minus 5 close parenthesis")[$( x + 2 ) ( x + y − 5 )$]] #emph[should yield six terms, where FOIL is designed to only give you four! The Distributive Property works regardless of how many terms there are. FOIL can be misleading and applied inappropriately if not fully understood!] ] #examplebox("Example 11")[Dividing Algebraic Expressions][ Divide #math.equation(block: false, alt: "open parenthesis 8 x squared plus 4 x minus 16 close parenthesis divided by open parenthesis 4 x close parenthesis")[$( 8 x^(2) + 4 x − 16 ) ÷ ( 4 x )$]. #solutionbox[ Divide EACH term by 4#math.equation(block: false, alt: "x")[$x$]: #math.equation(block: true, alt: "open parenthesis 8 x squared divided by 4 x close parenthesis plus open parenthesis 4 x divided by 4 x close parenthesis minus open parenthesis 16 divided by 4 x close parenthesis equals 2 x plus 1 minus the fraction 4 over x")[$( 8 x^(2) ÷ 4 x ) + ( 4 x ÷ 4 x ) − ( 16 ÷ 4 x ) = 2 x + 1 − frac(4, x)$] ] ] #notebox("Checkpoint", rgb("#059669"), rgb("#007942"), rgb("#EAF3EC"))[ #emph[Be careful how you divide! Sometimes students incorrectly divide only one term on top by the bottom term. For example,] #math.equation(block: false, alt: "the fraction 8 x squared plus 6 x minus 3 over 2 x")[$frac(8 x^(2) + 6 x − 3, 2 x)$] #emph[might turn into #math.equation(block: false, alt: "4 x plus 3 x minus 3 equals 7 x minus 3")[$4 x + 3 x − 3 = 7 x − 3$] if done incorrectly. When we divide expressions, EACH term is divided by the divisor. So,] #math.equation(block: false, alt: "the fraction 8 x squared plus 6 x minus 3 over 2 x equals the fraction 8 x squared over 2 x plus the fraction 6 x over 2 x minus the fraction 3 over 2 x equals 4 x plus 3 minus the fraction 3 over 2 x .")[$frac(8 x^(2) + 6 x − 3, 2 x) = frac(8 x^(2), 2 x) + frac(6 x, 2 x) − frac(3, 2 x) = 4 x + 3 − frac(3, 2 x) .$] #emph[If you forget, it is always a good idea to check these rules by creating an example using numerical expressions. For example,] #math.equation(block: false, alt: "the fraction 9 plus 6 plus 3 over 3 equals the fraction 18 over 3 equals 6")[$frac(9 + 6 + 3, 3) = frac(18, 3) = 6$]. #emph[Dividing each term on top by 3 would yield] #math.equation(block: false, alt: "the fraction 9 plus 6 plus 3 over 3 equals the fraction 9 over 3 plus the fraction 6 over 3 plus the fraction 3 over 3 equals 3 plus 2 plus 1 equals 6")[$frac(9 + 6 + 3, 3) = frac(9, 3) + frac(6, 3) + frac(3, 3) = 3 + 2 + 1 = 6$], #emph[which is the correct answer. However, if you just divided the 9 on top by the 3 on the bottom, getting] #math.equation(block: false, alt: "the fraction 9 plus 6 plus 3 over 3 equals 3 plus 6 plus 3 equals 12")[$frac(9 + 6 + 3, 3) = 3 + 6 + 3 = 12$], #emph[this does not result in the correct answer.] ] #notebox("People in Mathematics", rgb("#183B6F"), rgb("#183B6F"), rgb("#EFF1F5"))[ #emph[Al-Khwarizmi] #figure(figph[A portrait of Muhammad ibn Musa Al-Khwarizmi.], alt: "A portrait of Muhammad ibn Musa Al-Khwarizmi.", caption: [Al-Khwarizmi]) Abu Ja’far Muhammad ibn Musa Al-Khwarizmi was born around 780 AD, probably in or around the region of Khwarizm, which is now part of modern-day Uzbekistan. For most of his adult life, he worked as a scholar at the House of Wisdom in Baghdad, Iraq. He wrote many mathematical works during his life, but is probably most famous for his book #emph[Al-kitab al-muhtasar fi hisab al-jabr w’al’muqabalah], which translates to #emph[The Condensed Book on the Calculation of al-Jabr] (#emph[completion]) #emph[and al’muqabalah] (#emph[balancing]). The word #emph[al-jabr] would eventually become the word we use to describe the topic that he was writing about in this book: #emph[algebra]. From another book of his, with the Latin title #emph[Algoritmi de numero Indorum] (#emph[Al-Khwarizmi on the Hindu Art of Reckoning] ), our word #emph[algorithm] is derived. In addition to writing on mathematics, Al-Khwarizmi wrote works on astronomy, geography, the sundial, and the calendar. ] In 2012, Andrew Hacker wrote an opinion piece in the #emph[New York Times Magazine] suggesting that teaching algebra in high school was a waste of time. Keith Devlin, a British mathematician, was asked to comment on Hacker's article by his students in his #link("https://openstax.org/r/Making_the_Invisible_Visible")[Stanford University Continuing Studies course "Mathematics: Making the Invisible Visible"] on iTunes University. Devlin concludes that Hacker was displaying his ignorance of what algebra is. #notebox("Video", rgb("#DC2626"), rgb("#DC2626"), rgb("#f7f8fa"))[ #link("https://openstax.org/r/Teach_Algebra")[Q&A: Why We Teach Algebra] ] === Key Terms - variable - constant - expression - equation - equal sign - term - coefficient - like terms - Distributive Property === Key Concepts - Algebra is useful because it allows us to understand many situations in real life by modeling them with expressions. - Algebraic expressions are the building blocks of algebra. From algebraic expressions we can create algebraic equations. - Algebraic expressions are often simplified and evaluated using the four arithmetic operations. === Videos - #link("https://openstax.org/r/Teach_Algebra")[Q&A: Why We Teach Algebra] === Formulas - Distributive Property: #math.equation(block: false, alt: "a open parenthesis b plus c close parenthesis equals a b plus a c")[$a ( b + c ) = a b + a c$]