Simplifying Variable Expressions (Day 4 – The Distributive Property)

We are learning to…simplify variable expressions by combining like terms.

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Simplify the expression:

2 3x We have 2 sets of…x + 3

Create a representation of the expression with Algebra Tiles

xx xx

Next…Organize your Algebra TilesWrite the expression in simplest form:

2x + 6

Simplify the expression:

23 1xy y We have 3 sets of…xy – y2 - 1

Create a representation of the expression with Algebra Tiles

Next…Organize your Algebra TilesWrite the expression in simplest form:

3xy - 3y2

y2y2xyxy y2y2

xyxy y2y2xyxy

- 3

Simplify the expression:

4 2 2x y x y We have 4 sets of…2x – y + x + 2y

Create a representation of the expression with Algebra Tiles

Next…Organize your Algebra Tiles

12x + 4y

xxyy

xx xxyy yy

xxyy

xx xxyy yy

xxyy

xx xxyy yy

xxyy

xx xxyy yy

Remove any “Zero Pairs”Write the expression in simplest form:

Critical Thinking Could we have done anything else to make

the process easier when simplifying? Discuss with your group, write down some ideas

and be ready to share your thoughts with the class.

Remove any “Zero Pairs”

Simplify the expression:

4 2 2x y x y We have 4 sets of…3x + y

Next…Organize your Algebra Tiles

12x + 4y

xxyy

xx xxyy yy

Write the expression in simplest form:

Create a representation of the expression with Algebra Tiles

xx xx xxyy

xx xx xxyy

xx xx xxyy

4 3x y

Critical Thinking Did you get the same solution? Why did this happen?

Discuss with your group and then write several complete sentences explaining how this happened.

Practice…• Now try some practice with your team.

• Directions:1. Read each expression carefully.

2. Use your Algebra Tiles to create a representation of the expression.

3. Organize your tiles as you draw your representation with Algebra Tiles.

4. Combine like terms in the expression and create zero pairs.

5. Write your simplified expression.