Why this chapter matters
Every later equation, function, and model depends on reading symbols correctly and combining only terms that truly match.
What you will learn
- Evaluate expressions using substitution and the order of operations.
- Apply distributive, commutative, and associative properties.
- Combine like terms and translate verbal statements into algebra.
Lessons in this chapter
- Variables and expressionsIdentify coefficients, constants, terms, and operations in an expression.
- Properties of real numbersRewrite expressions while preserving equality.
- Combining like termsSimplify expressions by grouping terms with the same variable part.
- Writing expressions from contextRepresent quantities and relationships with algebraic notation.
Study task
Write three different expressions for a phone plan with a fixed monthly fee and a per-gigabyte charge, then explain what each term means.
Chapter checkpoint
Simplify 3(2x - 5) + 4x.
Distribute first: 6x - 15 + 4x. Combine like terms to get 10x - 15.