Practice Set · Part 1
Simplify Algebraic Expressions
Pick up where we left off
Where we left off
Our goal: I can simplify algebraic expressions by combining like terms, explain why the method works, and use it on a problem I have not seen before.
The big idea: Only combine terms that have the same variable part; numbers without a variable combine with each other — and you can say why it is true, and where it would stop being true.
Model to copy — Watch me
- The rooms need microphones and stands: (4 + 2 + 6) microphones and (3 + 5 + 1) stands.
- Microphones are like items, so I add: 4 + 2 + 6 = 12 microphones.
- Stands are like items, so I add: 3 + 5 + 1 = 9 stands.
- In algebra this is the same as 4m + 2m + 6m + 3s + 5s + 1s = 12m + 9s.
Start here
You did these with your group. Now do them on your own — the model above is yours to copy.
- 1
Same stepsFinish what the group started. Use the model above, step for step.
Try it together — then prove it: Let's simplify 5x + 3x. Are these like terms? Yes, both have x, so we add the numbers in front: 5 + 3 = 8. So 5x + 3x = 8x. Now prove it: say why that move had to work at all — not just that it did.Show your work - 2
Warm restartExpand 5(x + 3).
- A5x + 15
- B5x + 3
- Cx + 15
- D8x
How do you know?
- 3
Warm restartWhich shows 6n + 18 factored using its GREATEST common factor?
- A6(n + 3)
- B3(2n + 6)
- C2(3n + 9)
- D6(n + 18)
How do you know?
- 4
Warm restartExpand 4(2y − 5).
- A8y − 20
- B8y − 5
- C6y − 20
- D2y − 20
How do you know?
Practice Set · Part 2
Simplify Algebraic Expressions
Keep going
You answered these out loud. Now write them.
Answer, then say how you know — the reason is the part that counts.
- 5
Think it throughSimplify (8m + 5) + (3m + 7) + (4m + 2).
- A15m + 14
- B15m + 15
- C29m
- D12m + 17
Why is that the answer?
- 6
Think it throughWhat does the 15m tell the festival?
- A15 cables are needed for every microphone
- BThere are 15 microphones
- C15 stages need cables
- DThe cables cost $15
How do you know? Give a second reason as well.
- 7
Think it throughIf each stage has 4 microphones (m = 4), how many cables in total?
- A74
- B60
- C64
- D29
Explain your thinking. What would have to change for a different choice to be right?
- 8
Back to the modelWhat rule determines whether two terms are 'like terms'? Why can't you combine unlike terms?
Practice Set · Part 3
Simplify Algebraic Expressions
Words and reasoning
Word bank · Banco de palabras
Use the words
Fill each blank with a word from the bank.
- Combine ___ ___ to write a shorter expression with the same value.
- Terms with the same variable part, like 3y and 8y, are ___.
- To add or subtract like terms into a single term is to ___ them.
- Rewriting an expression in a shorter form that is still equal to it is to ___ it.
Explain the thinking
- 9
Find the mistakeAnother student made this exact mistake in this lesson. Explain why it is wrong, then write what they should have done.
The mistake: A common mistake in Simplify Algebraic Expressions is sweeping a constant into the variable terms — for example, simplifying 6x + 4 + 2x as 12x by adding all three numbers (6 + 4 + 2 = 12) instead of recognizing that 4 has no variable and cannot combine with 6x and 2x. - 10
Say moreTo simplify 6x + 4 + 2x + 7, which are the like terms, and how do you combine them?
- 11
Write your ownWrite your own problem about this situation, then solve it and show the answer. The situation: A studio order lists the same equipment two different ways. On the left it is written out item by item — microphone, microphone, stand, microphone, stand. On the right the same gear is grouped together — 3 microphones and 2 stands.
Show your work
Practice Set · Part 4
Simplify Algebraic Expressions
Show what you know
Last check
These two come from Lesson 6.14. If they are shaky, that is the lesson to revisit — not this one.
- 12
Show what you knowExplain your thinking — Simplify 6x + 3 + 2x + 5.
- A8x + 8
- B8x² + 8
- C62x + 35
- D16x
Explain your choice.
- 13
From Lesson 6.14Explain your thinking — Which expression is equivalent to 7(x + 3)?
- A7x + 21
- B7x + 3
- Cx + 21
- D7x + 10
How do you know?
- 14
From Lesson 6.14A student wrote 8(12 + 9) = 8 × 12 + 9 = 105. What went wrong?
- AThey forgot to multiply the 9 by 8 as well
- BThey added instead of multiplying
- CThey used the wrong prices
- DThey distributed too many times
How do you know?
Be honest — this tells your teacher what to do next
| I can… | Not yet | Getting there | Got it |
|---|---|---|---|
| I can simplify algebraic expressions by combining like terms, explain why the method works, and use it on a problem I have not seen before. | |||
| I can explain why it works: Only combine terms that have the same variable part; numbers without a variable combine with each other… | |||
| I can justify my answer to a skeptic and connect it to a second strategy or representation. |
One question I want to ask my group next time