Home > Subjects > Mathematics > Level 1 - CAS Mathematics > 1.1 Algebra (AS90799) > Subject content > Simplifying in algebra
- Subject: Mathematics
- AS: 90799
- Level: 1
- Credits: 4
- External
CAS Mathematics 1.1 Demonstrate an understanding of straightforward algebraic methods
Simplifying in algebra
Adding and subtracting terms
This involves identifying and combining the “like terms”.
e.g. 5x + 2y – 3x + 4y = 2x + 6y
Note: the sign belongs to the term it is in front of.
For more about collecting like terms, see:
Multiplying terms
To multiply terms, multiply the numbers and add the indices.
e.g. 5ab2 x –3a3b5 = -15a4b7
e.g. (5d2)3 = 5d2 x 5d2 x 5d2 = 125d6
See example of Indices
See worked examples using exponents on Algebasics – Section 6: Exponents (Macromedia Flash® and sound required).
Dividing algebraic terms (algebraic fractions)
Cancel 4 in each line. Two ‘a’s in the bottom line cancel with two in the top line.
See further information and practice on simplifying algebraic fractions.
Algebra fractions
For revision notes, see Bitesize revision: Fractions
For practice exercises, see Bitesize revision: Test Bite Fractions
For harder examples, see:
- Algebasics – Section 9: Rational expressions (Macromedia Flash® and sound required)
