Simplifying and writing expressions 1: length and perimeter

I model simple algebraic expressions using line segments of varying lengths, and thus help you understand HOW TO simplify those types of expressions. For example, y + y + y simplifies to 3y because it is modeled as 3 "sticks" of y units long. Another easy example: a + a + b simplifies to 2a + b and is modeled by 2 sticks "a" units long and one stick "b" units long.

You will also learn how to omit unnecessary multiplication signs from expressions and how to simplify expressions such as a . 5 . 3 (the period means a raised dot, used for the multiplication symbol in algebra).

Later in the lesson I explain what a "term" means in algebra: a TERM can include multiplications, divisions, variables, and numbers, but not additions and subtractions. An algebraic expression can have several terms, which are separated by additions or subtractions.

Lastly, we form and simplify an expression for the perimeter of various shapes.

[mohammedabdelhamid]

Thank you ... you are an amazing teacher