Simplifying Variable Expressions

1
Simplifying Variable Expressions

• We are learning tosimplify variable expressions
  by combining like terms.
• Tuesday, August 06, 2013

2
Find one of each of the Algebra Tiles shown below
in your container and trace them on your notes.
With your team investigate to see if any of the
dimensions of the tiles fit together.
Name each of the tiles based on the area of the
Algebra Tile.
x units
1 unit
5 units
y units
1 unit
1 unit
Name 1 Unit Tile
Name x Tile
1 unit
Name y Tile
Name 5 Unit Tile
1 unit
x units
x units
(x)(x)
(x)(y)
y units
(y)(y)
x units
y units
Name xy Tile
Name x2 Tile
Name y2 Tile
y units
3
As a group take out the following tiles and lay
them out on a desk.
Name this group of tiles!
Is there an easier or simplified way to write
this expression?
y2
xy
x2
1
x2
xy
x
y2
x
1
x
5
y
x2
1
4
Is there an easier or simplified way to write
this expression?
Organize the tiles by grouping them with other
like tiles.
Now name the tiles by the groups that you have
made.
3x
3x2
2xy
8
y
2y2
5
Simplify the expression below
3 2x 2xy x2 xy 4x2 5 2x
Represent the expression with Algebra Tiles
Organize the Algebra Tiles so that similar units
are next to one another
Write the simplified version of the expression
8 3xy 5x2 4x
6
Simplify the expression below
y 2x 2y 4x y x 3y 2x
Represent the expression with Algebra Tiles
Organize the Algebra Tiles so that similar units
are next to one another
Write the simplified version of the expression
9x 7y
7
Critical Thinking

• We simplified the last expression to be 9x
  7ywould it be correct if we wrote the expression
  as 7y 9x? Why? Discuss this with your team
  and be ready to justify your reasoning.
• It would be absolutely correct to write 7y 9x
  instead of 9x 7y.
• The Commutative Property Addition allows us to
  add in any order.
• For Example 3 2 2 3

8
Practice

• Now try some practice with your team.
• Directions
• Read each expression carefully.
• Use your Algebra Tiles to create a representation
  of the expression.
• Draw your representation with Algebra Tiles.
• Organize your tiles so that you combine like
  terms in the expression.
• Write your simplified expression.