Example 1: Simplify: 5(7y+2) 5 ( 7 y + 2 ) . Solution: Multiply 5 times each term inside the parentheses. Example 2: Simplify: −3(2x2+5x+1) − 3 ( 2 x 2 + 5 x + 1 ) . Solution: Multiply −3 times each of the coefficients of the terms inside the parentheses. Each term in an algebraic expression is separated by a + sign or J sign. In , the terms are: 5x, 3y, and 8. When a term is made up of a constant multiplied by a variable or variables, that constant is called a coefficient.
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To simplify any algebraic expression, the following are the basic rules and steps:
Remove any grouping symbol such as brackets and parentheses by multiplying factors.
Use the exponent rule to remove grouping if the terms are containing exponents.
Combine the like terms by addition or subtraction.
