Algebra I All-in-One For Dummies

Chapter 7

Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

IN THIS CHAPTER

Making algebraic expressions more user friendly

Maintaining order with the order of operations

Evaluating expressions and checking your work

Combining all the rules for simpler computing

Algebra had its start as expressions that were all words. Everything was literally spelled out. As symbols and letters were introduced, algebraic manipulations became easier. But, as more symbols and notations were added, the rules that went along with the symbols also became a part of algebra. All this shorthand is wonderful, as long as you know the rules and follow the steps that go along with them. The order of operations is a biggie that you use frequently when working in algebra. It tells you what to do first, next, and last in a problem, whether terms are in grouping symbols or raised to a power.

And, because you may not always remember the order of operations correctly, checking your work is very important. Making sure that the answer you get makes sense, and that it actually solves the problem, is the next-to-last step of working ...