ALGEBRA: Mathematical Operations with Algebraic Terms

LESSON 5

ALGEBRA: Use of Letters in Mathematics

MATHEMATICAL OPERATIONS WITH ALGEBRAIC TERMS

Mathematical operations are the basic operations carried out in mathematics. Examples are multiplication (x), division (÷), addition (+), subtraction (-) e.t.c.

We are going to discuss the multiplication of algebraic terms in this lesson. Let’s go!

MULTIPLICATION OF ALGEBRAIC TERMS

Multiplication of algebraic terms is done by first multiplying all the numbers and then the letters. Let’s look at some examples.

EXAMPLE 1

Simplify 6a X 3

SOLUTION

6a X 3 = 3 X 6 X a          NOTE: the numbers are arranged and multiplied first.

           = 18 X a

           = 18a

EXAMPLE 2

Simplify 2 X 3y

SOLUTION

2 X 3y = 2 X 3 X y

           = 6 X y

           = 6y

EXAMPLE 3

Simplify 5b X 4c

SOLUTION

5b X 4c = 5 X 4 X b X c

             = 20 X b X c

             = 20 X bc

             = 20bc

EXAMPLE 4

Simplify 7a X 3a

SOLUTION

7a X 3a = 7 X 3 X a X a

             = 21 X a X a

             = 21 X a²

             = 21a²

NOTE:        a + a = 2a    but     a X a = a²

EXAMPLE 5

Simplify 6b X 4bc

SOLUTION

6b X 4bc = 6 X 4 X b X b X c

               = 24 X b X b X c

               = 24 X b² X c

               = 24 X b²c

               = 24b²c

PUSH IT IN!

Go over the examples again. Write the questions down in your note pad and attempt solving them without looking at the examples.

 Did you get them? 

Yes? Good! Now go to the activity.

No? Good. There are some little misunderstandings here. Let’s solve it together. Send me a COMMENT!

ACTIVITY

Simplify the following

1. 4p X 7
2. 3y² X 4
3. P X 2q
4. 5n X 7n
5. 14pq X p

Post the solution as a COMMENT to this lesson. Include your name or nickname and email because every COMMENTS will be replied. I’m expecting your COMMENT.

Congratulation! You've completed this lesson. Now let's go to LESSON 6: MATHEMATICAL OPERATIONS WITH ALGEBRAIC TERMS – DIVISION