TEAS Math: Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
Algebraic expressions can look complicated at first because they combine numbers and variables. However, many basic TEAS Math problems involving expressions rely on a few important rules.
What Is a Variable?
A variable is a letter or symbol that represents a number. For example: 3x + 5 Here, x is the variable.
What Is a Coefficient?
A coefficient is the numerical factor multiplying a variable. In: 7x the coefficient is 7.
What Are Like Terms?
Like terms have the same variable parts. For example: 3x and 5x are like terms. You can combine them: 3x + 5x = 8x But: 3x and 5y are not like terms and cannot simply be combined.
Combining Like Terms
Consider: 4x + 7 + 2x + 3 Group the like terms: 4x + 2x = 6x and: 7 + 3 = 10 Therefore: 6x + 10 is the simplified expression.
Watch the Signs
Negative signs are especially important. For example: 5x − 2x = 3x But: 2x − 5x = −3x Write each step carefully instead of doing everything mentally.
Use the Distributive Property
You may also encounter expressions such as: 3(x + 4) Multiply 3 by each term inside the parentheses: 3x + 12 This is the distributive property.
Check Your Work
One useful strategy is to substitute a simple number for the variable. If: x = 2 then you can calculate the original expression and the simplified expression separately to see whether they produce the same result.
Final Takeaway
For TEAS algebraic expressions, focus on identifying variables, coefficients, constants, and like terms. Combine only terms that can legally be combined, and pay close attention to signs.
