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AustraliaVIC
Level 8

4.03 Simplifying algebraic expressions

Lesson
Worksheet
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Lesson

Simplify algebraic expressions

We simplify algebraic expressions following the same order of operations as for numeric expressions. That is,

  1. Simplify any expression in brackets first.

  2. Simplify any powers.

  3. Simplify any multiplication or division from left to right.

  4. Simplify any addition or subtraction from left to right.

Examples

Example 1

Simplify the expression 4s+9\times 5s.

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

Use the order of operations.

Apply the idea
\displaystyle 4s+9\times 5s\displaystyle =\displaystyle 4s+45sEvaluate the multiplication
\displaystyle =\displaystyle 49sEvaluate the addition

Example 2

Simplify the expression 12s-8s\div 4.

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

Use the order of operations.

Apply the idea
\displaystyle 12s-8s\div 4\displaystyle =\displaystyle 12s-2sDivide -8s by 4
\displaystyle =\displaystyle 10sEvaluate the subtraction
Idea summary

We simplify algebraic expressions following the same order of operations as for numeric expressions:

  1. Simplify any expression in brackets first.

  2. Simplify any powers.

  3. Simplify any multiplication or division from left to right.

  4. Simplify any addition or subtraction from left to right.

Outcomes

VCMNA279

Extend and apply the distributive law to the expansion of algebraic expressions

VCMNA280

Factorise algebraic expressions by identifying numerical factors

VCMNA281

Simplify algebraic expressions involving the four operations

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