Algebra

Algebra uses letters to represent unknown values.

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Usually we use x, y to represent the variables, or any other letters.

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When we multiply the variable by a number we don't use the multiplication sign to write it, for example:

2 × y = 2y

3 × z = 3z​

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The same when we multiply two different variables:

y × z = yz​

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TERM

A number or letter on its own, or numbers and letters multiplied together.

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An expression is a string of terms combined using the operations +, – .​

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An expression is a string of terms combined using the operations +, – .​

Algebraic terms that have the same letters are called like terms.

Only like terms can be added or subtracted.

When like terms are added and subtracted, it is called simplifying.

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Write variable expressions for the following operations:

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u multiplied by 8

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t divides by 9

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r multiplied by the sum of y and x​

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Simplify :

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3x + 7y + 10x - 2y =​

Multiply Terms:

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Expanding brackets:

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​Brackets are used in algebra to show a repeated calculation, without having to write the same calculation out several times.

Expanding brackets:

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