Algebra Flashcards
What does the word “distribute” mean in algebra?
“Distribute” is another word for expand by multiplying (break the brackets)
What is the distributive law of multiplcation of an algebraic expression?
a(b + c)
It is the general rule for expansion of bracketed terms in an algebraic expression
a(b + c) = ab + ac
Expand (distribute) the following:
Get rid of the bracket by multiplying what’s outside by each thing that’s inside
Expand the following:
Careful with that negative sign in front of the 3!
Distribute
Distribute the following:
What is a BINOMIAL?
A BINOMIAL is an expression that contains two terms.
e.g. (2x -1)
What is a TRINOMIAL?
A trinomial is an expression that contains THREE terms.
e.g. x2 + 2x + 1
What is the FOIL method?
It’s for expanding two sets of brackets that contain binomials, like
(x+1)(x+2)
F: first
O: outside
I: inside
L: last
Answer: x2 + 3x + 2. How?
(Don’t forget to combine like terms at the end)
What are like terms?
They are terms that have the exact same variables.
What is a “term”?
It’s a group of numbers and letters that are separated by add or subtract.
Are you allowed to add or subtract terms with different variables (unlike terms)?
No. You can only add/subtract like terms.
