| Putting it Together |
| Home | Basics | Adding/Subtracting | Multiplying | Dividing | Putting it Together |
*This page should be view after the DIVIDING page*
On the following page, we’ll
put everything you have learned together. A common mistake that is made by many
students is blending concepts from adding, subtracting, multiplying and
dividing variables.
The table below summarizes the
important characteristics of each type of operation. Take a few moments to
study the differences in each operation.
|
Basics:
|
|
|
Add/Subtract: 5xy2 + 5y – 2xy2 + 7x + 2y – 2x – 3y Answer: 3xy2 + 4y + 5x |
-Like terms have the same variables and same exponents -Combine like terms by adding/subtracting the coefficients |
|
Multiply: (7x5)(2x3) Answer: 14x8 |
-Multiply the coefficients in each term first -Multiply the variables by adding their exponents |
|
Divide: 24y9 / 8y4 Answer: 3y5 |
-Divide the coefficients in each term first -Divide the variables by subtracting their exponents |
On separate piece of paper,
without looking at the table above, write the words “Basics”,
“Adding/Subtracting”, “Multiplying”, and “Dividing”. Write everything that you
can remember about each word. Following this, complete the problems below. If
needed, you can reference back to the table above.
Complete the following problems
on a separate piece of paper:
A)
2y +
2x2y + 5x – 3x + 7y + 9x2y – 3y
B)
(3x7)(5x3)
C)
12y8 /
4y4
If you have completed these problems correctly and you feel comfortable with adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing variables, then you’re finished!
Congratulations!
Additional Resources:
The following links may be useful in learning more about adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing variables:
- Algebra - Basic Definition (www.mathisfun.com)
- Combining Like Terms (www.algebrahelp.com)
- How to Multiply Variables (www.dummies.com)
- How to Divide Variables (www.math.wonderhowto.com)