Simplifying expressions
Simplifying Expressions
Basics of Simplifying Expressions
- Recognise that simplifying expressions involves reducing them to their simplest form.
- Understand that this area focuses on simplifying both numerical and algebraic expressions.
- Keep in mind that like terms can be combined to make simplification easier.
Operations on Algebraic Expressions
- Familiarise yourself with the order of operations, often remembered as BIDMAS (Brackets, Indices, Division and Multiplication (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)).
- Understand how to use associative, commutative, and distributive properties while simplifying expressions.
Key Techniques for Simplification
- Learn to simplify expressions by combining like terms. Like terms are those that have the same variables raised to the same power.
- Realise that when terms have exactly the same variables and exponents, their coefficients can be combined through addition or subtraction.
- Remember to expand brackets where necessary using the distributive law (a(b+c) = ab + ac).
- Know how to handle exponents and powers, including simplifying expressions with exponents.
Applications of Simplifying Expressions
- Be aware that simplification is not just an abstract exercise. It has real applications in solving algebraic equations, thus enabling the solution of a wide range of mathematical problems.
- Keep in mind that the essence of simplifying expressions lies in making complex calculations more manageable, hence, this concept has wide usage in real-life scenarios.
- Be able to apply your skills in simplifying expressions in order to solve complicated algebraic problems.