Intro to Algebra

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...