What Do You Already Know?

In order to check your knowledge of these properties, there is a table below with four problems and resources available to help you learn how to simplify them. You may not think you need help on certain problems, therefore, you may choose which tutorials to view.

If you think you need to work on a particular problem, there is a website listed for a review. If you go to a website, copy the problems and steps in your notes so you can refer back to these examples later. After you have had time to look at the tutorials, you will be asked to work the 4 problems and check your answers.

Expression to simplify	Tutorial
5[4 + 3(2x − 1)]	Algebraic Expressions: This is a basic review of simplifying algebraic expressions. It includes vocabulary and basic examples. Simplifying Algebraic Expressions: This presentation gives harder questions and some practice problems.
4(x² − 5x) − (3x + 1)	Use the Algebraic Expressions video listed above. 5:00 into the video is an important concept dealing with the negative in front of the 2nd parentheses.
6 − 3(5x + 2y) − 10x	Use the Algebraic Expressions video listed above. 5:45 into the video is an example similar to this problem.
3(x² + 2x + 1) − (x + 3)(x + 2)	Multiplying Binomials (FOIL): This is a review of multiplying binomials only. This is the (x + 3)(x + 2) part of the problem. Simplify expression FOIL: This is an example very similar to the given problem.

Now that you are ready, work the 4 problems in the table above. Record your answers in your notes. Check your answers below.

5[4 + 3(2x − 1)]
Check your answer.

4(x² − 5x) − (3x + 1)
Check your answer.

6 − 3(5x + 2y) − 10x
Check your answer.

3(x² + 2x + 1) − (x + 3)(x + 2)
Check your answer.

If you did not get the correct answer for one of these four problems, you can watch individual Prezi presentations that show how to solve each problem.

Interactive exercise. Assistance may be required.