Submitted by: Submitted by sullyb23
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Date Submitted: 03/02/2013 05:45 PM
MATT221: Introduction to Algebra
Simplifying Expressions
The simplifying of expressions in an essential skill to have when using Algebra. Simplifying mathematical expressions helps to turn a complicated jumble of numbers and symbols into an easier to read equation. It is important to understand not only how this process works, but why it works. This is why there are terms within Algebra that help to explain the process of simplifying expressions. For this assignment I will take the assigned expressions and simplify them to the best of my ability while outlining what is occurring in each step of the process.
1. 2a(a – 5) + 4(a – 5) Given Expression
2a²-10a+4a-20 Distribution due to distribution property removes parentheses
2a²-6a-20 combining like terms lets us simplify the expression
The expression is now in the simplest form
1. 2w–3+3(w–4)–5(w–6) Given Expression
2w-3+3w-12-5w+30 Distribution due to distribution property remove parentheses
2w+3w-5w-3-12+30 Like terms are arranged together using commutative property
0+15 Like terms are combined by adding coefficients
15 Final simplified answer
1. 0.05(0.3m + 35n) – 0.8(-0.09n – 22m) Given Expression
0.015m + 1.75n + .072n + 17.6m Distribution property lets us simplify expression
0.015m + 17.6m + 1.75n +.072n Commutative property groups like terms
17.615m + 1.822n Final simplified answer due to not being able to further simply the two given coefficients and variables
The main reason as to why it is important to know the properties of real numbers when working with algebra is shown in these three problems. The simplest little error or miscalculation in algebra will throw an answer completely off track. The same is true of not knowing the properties of real numbers. I myself caught myself making errors while simplifying these expressions due to not remembering the correct properties right away. It is very easy to...