Chapter 3: Expressions and Equations
Lesson 3.1 Algebraic Expressions
What are expressions?
You may want to express your frustration because you do not understand the term "expression." Take a deep breath and watch this Virtual Nerd video.
What's a coefficient?
Is the language of mathematician giving you "problems"? Check out this Virtual Nerd video to learn how to efficiently use the term coefficient.
What's a variable?
Now that you better understand the coefficient, let's check out a great Virtual Nerd video that explains a variable.
Like Terms Explained
You've learned how to simplify fractions, putting them in their lowest terms. Now you need to know how to simplify expressions. Remember, a simplified expressions equals a happy math teacher. Check out this Virtual Nerd video if you need to review simplifying expressions.
More Simplifying Expressions
Maybe Mr. Matt Richards has some insight for you. Check out his video on simplifying expressions. Please forgive his sloppy penmanship.
Subtracting Like Terms
How do you subtract like terms? Let this Virtual Nerd video show you the steps.
Distributive Property Explained
You've probably heard your teacher say "Distribute the numbers." What does this really mean? Let Virtual Nerd explain it to you.
Using the Distributive Property
What does it mean when you see 3(x+2)? If you're still confused about this, check out this Virtual Nerd video.
Lesson 3.2 Adding and Subtracting Linear Expressions
Addition in Linear Expressions
Adding linear expressions to combine like terms will make your mathematical world much better. Mr. Richards will show you how to use addition in linear expressions in this video.
Subtraction in Linear Expressions
Still a little unsure about subtracting linear expressions. Check out this video.
Check out this Virtual Nerd video. The distributive property in reverse allows you to find the greatest common factor and factor an expression. In other words: 24x - 18 = 6(4x-3).
If you're still confused, check out Mr. Richard's video explanation.
Lesson 3.3 Solving Equations Using Addition or Subtraction
Algebra & Algebra Tiles
Illuminations, from the National Councils of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) offers this great site for interactive algebra tiles. NCTM has a video to show with a demonstration on how to use the interactive site.
Virtual Algebra Tiles provide a great way to see algebra in action. This site includes basics to advanced skills, so there's something for everyone.
Solving Equations with Algebra Tiles
This video will show you how to do the algebra and then show you how to discover the same answer with algebra tiles.
Adding Linear Equations
The Video MTutor will show you the algebraic process of adding one-step equations.
Using Subtraction to Solve a Linear Equation
Virtual Nerd will show you how to use subtraction to solve equations.
Lesson 3.4 Solving Equations Using Multiplication or Division
Using Multiplication to Solve Equations
For some equations, you will need to use multiplication. Yet another great Virtual Nerd video shows you how to get the job done.
Multiplying Fractions to Solve Equations
For some equations you get to multiply fractions. Yes, it's fun to multiply with fractions. Virtual Nerd will let you see how easy it is to do.
Using Division to Solve Equations
Some things get put together; others get divided. How do you use division to solve an equation? Let Virtual Nerd show you the steps.