Page 6 - Algebra

Distributive Property in Algebraic Expression
The distributive property is p(q + r) = pq + pr
Using the distributive property, you can multiply a common factor to the terms of the algebraic expression.
For example,
6 (2x + 3)
Use the distributive property to multiply the common factor 6. 6(2x) + 6 (3)
12x + 18
Worked Example
Use the distributive property to write an algebraic expression.
8(–2x – 1)
Solution:
Use the distributive property to multiply the common factor 6. 8(–2x) + 8 (–1)
–16x – 8
Types of Algebraic Expression
• Monomial expression
A monomial expression is comprised of a single term. For example, 3x2, 4x, etc.
• Binomial expression
A binomial expression comprised of two unlike terms. For example, 5xy + 4, xy – 3
• Polynomial expression
An algebraic expression with more than one term with a non-negative integral exponent is called a polynomial expression.
For example, 5x2 + 3x – 1
Polynomial of various degrees
• Linear polynomial
A polynomial of degree one is called a linear polynomial, and the equation is called a linear equation.
2x – 1 is a linear polynomial in x
3z is a linear polynomial in z
Page 5 of 177
Algebra I & II