Combining Like Terms (Part 1)

Warmup

Activity #1

 Simplify Algebraic Expressions.

• Click on the drop-down arrow in the applet below and choose the correct answer from the choices.
• Click . If it is correct, click . It is recommended to try again before you you check your answer if you did not have it right.
• Keep on practicing as much as time allows you.

Activity #2

 Create Equivalent Expressions.

• Start by checking the boxes in the applet below.
• Complete the expressions in Set A that will make the left side of the equation equivalent to the right side.
• Check your results and make any corrections if required.
• Move on to Set B.

Activity #3

 Explain Equivalent Expressions.

• Read the steps below and explain why an expression is equivalent to another.

Diego and Jada are both trying to write an expression with fewer terms that is equivalent to 

• Jada thinks  is equivalent to the original expression.
• Diego thinks  is equivalent to the original expression.

We can show expressions are equivalent by writing out all the variables. 

(1.) Explain why the expression on each row (after the first row) is equivalent to the expression on the row before it.

Here is another way we can rewrite the expressions.

(2.) Explain why the expression on each row (after the first row) is equivalent to the expression on the row before it.

Challenge #1

Challenge #2

Follow the instructions for a number puzzle:

• Take the number formed by the first 3 digits of your phone number and multiply it by 40
• Add 1 to the result
• Multiply by 500
• Add the number formed by the last 4 digits of your phone number, and then add it again
• Subtract 500
• Multiply by .

(1.) What is the final number?

(2.) How does this number puzzle work?

(3.) Can you invent a new number puzzle that gives a surprising result?

Challenge #3