Section 1.1Use the Language of Algebra

In algebra, we use a letter of the alphabet to represent a number whose value may change or is unknown. Commonly used symbols are a, b, c, m, n, x, and y. Further discussion of constants and variables appears later in this section.

Find Factors, Prime Factorizations, and Least Common Multiples

The numbers 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 are called multiples of 2. A multiple of 2 can be written as the product of 2 and a counting number.

Similarly, a multiple of 3 would be the product of a counting number and 3.

We could find the multiples of any number by continuing this process.

Another way to say that 15 is a multiple of 3 is to say that 15 is divisible by 3. That means that when we divide 15 by 3, we get a counting number. In fact, \(15÷3\) is 5, so 15 is \(5·3.\)

If we were to look for patterns in the multiples of the numbers 2 through 9, we would discover the following divisibility tests:

In mathematics, there are often several ways to talk about the same ideas. So far, we’ve seen that if m is a multiple of n, we can say that m is divisible by n. For example, since 72 is a multiple of 8, we say 72 is divisible by 8. Since 72 is a multiple of 9, we say 72 is divisible by 9. We can express this still another way.

Since \(8·9=72,\) we say that 8 and 9 are factors of 72. When we write \(72=8·9,\) we say we have factored 72.

Other ways to factor 72 are \(1·72,\,2·36,\,3·24,\,4·18,\) and \(6·12.\) The number 72 has many factors: \(1,2,3,4,6,8,9,12,18,24,36,\) and \(72.\)

Some numbers, such as 72, have many factors. Other numbers have only two factors. A prime number is a counting number greater than 1 whose only factors are 1 and itself.

The counting numbers from 2 to 20 are listed in the table with their factors. Make sure to agree with the “prime” or “composite” label for each!

The prime numbers less than 20 are 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, and 19. Notice that the only even prime number is 2.

A composite number can be written as a unique product of primes. This is called the prime factorization of the number. Finding the prime factorization of a composite number will be useful in many topics in this course.

To find the prime factorization of a composite number, find any two factors of the number and use them to create two branches. If a factor is prime, that branch is complete. Circle that prime. Otherwise it is easy to lose track of the prime numbers.

If the factor is not prime, find two factors of the number and continue the process. Once all the branches have circled primes at the end, the factorization is complete. The composite number can now be written as a product of prime numbers.

Example 2How to Find the Prime Factorization of a Composite Number

Factor 48.

Find any two factors whose product is 48 and start two branches from there.

Show solution

We say \(2·2·2·2·3\) is the prime factorization of 48. We generally write the primes in ascending order. Be sure to multiply the factors to verify your answer.

If we first factored 48 in a different way, for example as \(6·8,\) the result would still be the same. Finish the prime factorization and verify this for yourself.

One of the reasons we look at primes is to use these techniques to find the least common multiple of two numbers. This will be useful when we add and subtract fractions with different denominators.

To find the least common multiple of two numbers we will use the Prime Factors Method. Let’s find the LCM of 12 and 18 using their prime factors.

Example 3How to Find the Least Common Multiple Using the Prime Factors Method

Find the least common multiple (LCM) of 12 and 18 using the prime factors method.

Write both 12 and 18 as products of their prime factors first.

Show solution

Notice that the prime factors of 12 \((2·2·3)\) and the prime factors of 18 \((2·3·3)\) are included in the LCM \((2·2·3·3).\) So 36 is the least common multiple of 12 and 18.

By matching up the common primes, each common prime factor is used only once. This way you are sure that 36 is the least common multiple.

Use Variables and Algebraic Symbols

In algebra, we use a letter of the alphabet to represent a number whose value may change. We call this a variable and letters commonly used for variables are \(x,y,a,b,c.\)

A number whose value always remains the same is called a constant.

To write algebraically, we need some operation symbols as well as numbers and variables. There are several types of symbols we will be using. There are four basic arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. We’ll list the symbols used to indicate these operations below.

When two quantities have the same value, we say they are equal and connect them with an equal sign.

On the number line, the numbers get larger as they go from left to right. The number line can be used to explain the symbols “<” and “>”.

Inequality

The expressions \(a<b\) or \(a>b\) can be read from left to right or right to left, though in English we usually read from left to right. In general,

\[\begin{array}{l}a<b\,\text{is equivalent to}\,b>a.\,\text{For example,}\,7<11\,\text{is equivalent to}\,11>7. \\ a>b\,\text{is equivalent to}\,b<a.\,\text{For example,}\,17>4\,\text{is equivalent to}\,4<17.\end{array}\]

Grouping symbols in algebra are much like the commas, colons, and other punctuation marks in English. They help identify an expression, which can be made up of number, a variable, or a combination of numbers and variables using operation symbols. We will introduce three types of grouping symbols now.

Here are some examples of expressions that include grouping symbols. We will simplify expressions like these later in this section.

\[8(14-8)\,21-3[2+4(9-8)]\,24÷\{13-2[1(6-5)+4]\}\]

What is the difference in English between a phrase and a sentence? A phrase expresses a single thought that is incomplete by itself, but a sentence makes a complete statement. A sentence has a subject and a verb. In algebra, we have expressions and equations.

\[\begin{array}{lllllllllll}\text{Expression} & & & & & \text{Words} & & & & & \text{English Phrase} \\ 3+5 & & & & & \text{3 plus 5} & & & & & \text{the sum of three and five} \\ n-1 & & & & & n\,\text{minus one} & & & & & \text{the difference of}\,n\,\text{and one} \\ 6·7 & & & & & \text{6 times 7} & & & & & \text{the product of six and seven} \\ \frac{x}{y} & & & & & x\,\text{divided by}\,y & & & & & \text{the quotient of}\,x\,\text{and}\,y\end{array}\]

Notice that the English phrases do not form a complete sentence because the phrase does not have a verb.

An equation is two expressions linked by an equal sign. When you read the words the symbols represent in an equation, you have a complete sentence in English. The equal sign gives the verb.

\[\begin{array}{llllll}\text{Equation} & & & & & \text{English Sentence} \\ 3+5=8 & & & & & \text{The sum of three and five is equal to eight.} \\ n-1=14 & & & & & n\,\text{minus one equals fourteen.} \\ 6·7=42 & & & & & \text{The product of six and seven is equal to forty-two.} \\ x=53 & & & & & x\,\text{is equal to fifty-three.} \\ y+9=2y-3 & & & & & y\,\text{plus nine is equal to two}\,y\,\text{minus three.}\end{array}\]

Suppose we need to multiply 2 nine times. We could write this as \(2·2·2·2·2·2·2·2·2.\) This is tedious and it can be hard to keep track of all those 2s, so we use exponents. We write \(2·2·2\) as \({2}^{3}\) and \(2·2·2·2·2·2·2·2·2\) as \({2}^{9}.\) In expressions such as \({2}^{3},\) the 2 is called the base and the 3 is called the exponent. The exponent tells us how many times we need to multiply the base.

Exponential Notation

We say \({2}^{3}\) is in exponential notation and \(2·2·2\) is in expanded notation.

\({a}^{n}\) means multiply a by itself, n times.

The expression \({a}^{n}\) is read a to the \({n}^{th}\) power.

While we read \({a}^{n}\) as \(\text{“}a\) to the \({n}^{th}\) power”, we usually read:

\[\begin{array}{llllll}{a}^{2} & & & & & \text{“}a\,\text{squared”} \\ {a}^{3} & & & & & \text{“}a\,\text{cubed”}\end{array}\]

We’ll see later why \({a}^{2}\) and \({a}^{3}\) have special names.

Table 8 shows how we read some expressions with exponents.

Simplify Expressions Using the Order of Operations

To simplify an expression means to do all the math possible. For example, to simplify \(4·2+1\) we would first multiply \(4·2\) to get 8 and then add the 1 to get 9. A good habit to develop is to work down the page, writing each step of the process below the previous step. The example just described would look like this:

\[\begin{array}{l}4·2+1 \\ 8+1 \\ 9\end{array}\]

By not using an equal sign when you simplify an expression, you may avoid confusing expressions with equations.

We’ve introduced most of the symbols and notation used in algebra, but now we need to clarify the order of operations. Otherwise, expressions may have different meanings, and they may result in different values.

For example, consider the expression \(4+3·7.\) Some students simplify this getting 49, by adding \(4+3\) and then multiplying that result by 7. Others get 25, by multiplying \(3·7\) first and then adding 4.

The same expression should give the same result. So mathematicians established some guidelines that are called the order of operations.

Students often ask, “How will I remember the order?” Here is a way to help you remember: Take the first letter of each key word and substitute the silly phrase “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally”.

\[\begin{array}{llll}\text{P}\text{arentheses} & & & \,\text{P}\text{lease} \\ \text{E}\text{xponents} & & & \,\text{E}\text{xcuse} \\ \text{M}\text{ultiplication}\,\text{D}\text{ivision} & & & \,\text{M}\text{y}\,\text{D}\text{ear} \\ \text{A}\text{ddition}\,\text{S}\text{ubtraction} & & & \,\text{A}\text{unt}\,\text{S}\text{ally}\end{array}\]

It’s good that “My Dear” goes together, as this reminds us that multiplication and division have equal priority. We do not always do multiplication before division or always do division before multiplication. We do them in order from left to right.

Similarly, “Aunt Sally” goes together and so reminds us that addition and subtraction also have equal priority and we do them in order from left to right.

Example 4

Simplify: \(18÷6+4(5-2).\)

Simplify inside the parentheses before doing any division or multiplication.

Show solution

Table 9

Parentheses? Yes, subtract first.
Exponents? No.
Multiplication or division? Yes.
Divide first because we multiply and divide left to right.
Any other multiplication or division? Yes.
Multiply.
Any other multiplication of division? No.
Any addition or subtraction? Yes.
Add.

When there are multiple grouping symbols, we simplify the innermost parentheses first and work outward.

Example 5

Simplify: \(5+{2}^{3}+3[6-3(4-2)].\)

Work the innermost parentheses first, then the brackets, before handling the exponent.

Show solution

Table 10

Are there any parentheses (or other grouping symbols)? Yes.
Focus on the parentheses that are inside the brackets. Subtract.
Continue inside the brackets and multiply.
Continue inside the brackets and subtract.
The expression inside the brackets requires no further simplification.
Are there any exponents? Yes. Simplify exponents.
Is there any multiplication or division? Yes.
Multiply.
Is there any addition of subtraction? Yes.
Add.
Add.

Evaluate an Expression

In the last few examples, we simplified expressions using the order of operations. Now we’ll evaluate some expressions—again following the order of operations. To evaluate an expression means to find the value of the expression when the variable is replaced by a given number.

To evaluate an expression, substitute that number for the variable in the expression and then simplify the expression.

Example 6

Evaluate when \(x=4:\) ⓐ \({x}^{2}\) ⓑ \({3}^{x}\) ⓒ \(2{x}^{2}+3x+8.\)

Substitute 4 for x in each expression before simplifying.

Show solution

ⓐ

ⓑ

ⓒ

Table 11

Use definition of exponent.
Simplify.

Table 12

Use definition of exponent.
Simplify.

Table 13

Follow the order of operations.

Identify and Combine Like Terms

Algebraic expressions are made up of terms. A term is a constant, or the product of a constant and one or more variables.

Examples of terms are \(7,y,5{x}^{2},9a,\) and \({b}^{5}.\)

The constant that multiplies the variable is called the coefficient.

Think of the coefficient as the number in front of the variable. The coefficient of the term \(3x\) is 3. When we write \(x,\) the coefficient is 1, since \(x=1·x.\)

Some terms share common traits. When two terms are constants or have the same variable and exponent, we say they are like terms.

Look at the following 6 terms. Which ones seem to have traits in common?

\[5x\,7\,{n}^{2}\,4\,3x\,9{n}^{2}\]

We say,

\(\,7\) and \(4\) are like terms.

\(\,5x\) and \(3x\) are like terms.

\(\,{n}^{2}\) and \(9{n}^{2}\) are like terms.

If there are like terms in an expression, you can simplify the expression by combining the like terms. We add the coefficients and keep the same variable.

\[\begin{array}{llll}\text{Simplify.} & & & \,4x+7x+x \\ \text{Add the coefficients.} & & & \,12x\end{array}\]

Example 7How To Combine Like Terms

Simplify: \(2{x}^{2}+3x+7+{x}^{2}+4x+5.\)

Identify the like terms first, then rearrange so they're grouped together.

Show solution

Translate an English Phrase to an Algebraic Expression

We listed many operation symbols that are used in algebra. Now, we will use them to translate English phrases into algebraic expressions. The symbols and variables we’ve talked about will help us do that. Table 14 summarizes them.

Look closely at these phrases using the four operations:

Each phrase tells us to operate on two numbers. Look for the words of and and to find the numbers.

Example 8

Translate each English phrase into an algebraic expression:

ⓐ the difference of \(14x\) and 9 ⓑ the quotient of \(8{y}^{2}\) and 3 ⓒ twelve more than \(y\) ⓓ seven less than \(49{x}^{2}\)

Find the key operation word in each phrase, then use "of" and "and" to identify the two numbers.

Show solution

ⓐ The key word is difference, which tells us the operation is subtraction. Look for the words of and and to find the numbers to subtract.

ⓑ The key word is quotient, which tells us the operation is division.

ⓒ The key words are more than. They tell us the operation is addition. More than means “added to.”

\[\begin{array}{l}\text{twelve more than}\,y \\ \text{twelve added to}\,y \\ y+12\end{array}\]

ⓓ The key words are less than. They tell us to subtract. Less than means “subtracted from.”

\[\begin{array}{l}\text{seven less than}\,49{x}^{2} \\ \text{seven subtracted from}\,49{x}^{2} \\ 49{x}^{2}-7\end{array}\]

We look carefully at the words to help us distinguish between multiplying a sum and adding a product.

Example 9

Translate the English phrase into an algebraic expression:

ⓐ eight times the sum of x and y ⓑ the sum of eight times x and y

Decide whether "times" or "sum" is the outer operation to know where parentheses go.

Show solution

There are two operation words—times tells us to multiply and sum tells us to add.

ⓐ Because we are multiplying 8 times the sum, we need parentheses around the sum of x and y, \((x+y).\) This forces us to determine the sum first. (Remember the order of operations.)

\[\begin{array}{l}\text{eight times the sum of}\,x\,\text{and}\,y \\ 8(x+y)\end{array}\]

ⓑ To take a sum, we look for the words of and and to see what is being added. Here we are taking the sum of eight times x and y.

Later in this course, we’ll apply our skills in algebra to solving applications. The first step will be to translate an English phrase to an algebraic expression. We’ll see how to do this in the next two examples.

The expressions in the next example will be used in the typical coin mixture problems we will see soon.

Key Concepts

• Divisibility Tests
  A number is divisible by:
  2 if the last digit is 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8.
  3 if the sum of the digits is divisible by 3.
  5 if the last digit is 5 or 0.
  6 if it is divisible by both 2 and 3.
  10 if it ends with 0. (See Example 1.)
• How to find the prime factorization of a composite number.
  
  • Find two factors whose product is the given number, and use these numbers to create two branches.
  • If a factor is prime, that branch is complete. Circle the prime, like a bud on the tree.
  • If a factor is not prime, write it as the product of two factors and continue the process.
  • Write the composite number as the product of all the circled primes. (See Example 2.)
• How To Find the least common multiple using the prime factors method.
  
  • Write each number as a product of primes.
  • List the primes of each number. Match primes vertically when possible.
  • Bring down the columns.
  • Multiply the factors. (See Example 3.)
• Equality Symbol
  \(a=b\) is read “a is equal to b.”
  The symbol “=” is called the equal sign.
• Inequality
  
• Inequality Symbols
  

  Table 17

  Inequality Symbols	Words
  \(a\ne b\)	a is not equal to b.
  \(a<b\)	a is less than b.
  \(a\le b\)	a is less than or equal to b.
  \(a>b\)	a is greater than b.
  \(a\ge b\)	a is greater than or equal to b.

• Grouping Symbols
  \(\begin{array}{llllll}\text{Parentheses} & & & & & (\,) \\ \text{Brackets} & & & & & [\,] \\ \text{Braces} & & & & & \{\,\}\end{array}\)
• Exponential Notation
  \({a}^{n}\) means multiply a by itself, n times.
  The expression \({a}^{n}\) is read a to the \({n}^{th}\) power.
• Simplify an Expression
  To simplify an expression, do all operations in the expression.
• How to use the order of operations.
  
  • Parentheses and Other Grouping Symbols
    • Simplify all expressions inside the parentheses or other grouping symbols, working on the innermost parentheses first.
  • Exponents
    • Simplify all expressions with exponents.
  • Multiplication and Division
    • Perform all multiplication and division in order from left to right. These operations have equal priority.
  • Addition and Subtraction
    • Perform all addition and subtraction in order from left to right. These operations have equal priority.
  (See Example 4 and Example 5.)
• How to combine like terms.
  
  • Identify like terms.
  • Rearrange the expression so like terms are together.
  • Add or subtract the coefficients and keep the same variable for each group of like terms. (See Example 7.)

  (See Example 8, Example 9, Example 10, and Example 11 for translating phrases like these into expressions.)

  Table 18

  Operation	Phrase	Expression
  Addition	a plus b the sum of \(a\) and b a increased by b b more than a the total of a and b b added to a	\(a+b\)
  Subtraction	a minus \(b\) the difference of a and b a decreased by b b less than a b subtracted from a	\(a-b\)
  Multiplication	a times b the product of \(a\) and \(b\) twice a	\(a·b,ab,a(b),(a)(b)\) \(2a\)
  Division	a divided by b the quotient of a and b the ratio of a and b b divided into a	\(a÷b,a\text{/}b,\frac{a}{b},ba\)

Section Exercises

Practice Makes Perfect

Identify Multiples and Factors

In the following exercises, use the divisibility tests to determine whether each number is divisible by 2, by 3, by 5, by 6, and by 10.

1

84

Show answer

Divisible by 2, 3, 6

2

96

3

896

Show answer

Divisible by 2

4

942

5

22,335

Show answer

Divisible by 3, 5

6

39,075

Find Prime Factorizations and Least Common Multiples

In the following exercises, find the prime factorization.

7

86

Show answer

\(2·43\)

8

78

9

455

Show answer

\(5·7·13\)

10

400

11

432

Show answer

\(2·2·2·2·3·3·3\)

12

627

In the following exercises, find the least common multiple of each pair of numbers using the prime factors method.

13

8, 12

Show answer

24

14

12, 16

15

28, 40

Show answer

280

16

84, 90

17

55, 88

Show answer

440

18

60, 72

Simplify Expressions Using the Order of Operations

In the following exercises, simplify each expression.

19

\({2}^{3}-12÷(9-5)\)

Show answer

5

20

\({3}^{2}-18÷(11-5)\)

21

\(2+8(6+1)\)

Show answer

58

22

\(4+6(3+6)\)

23

\(20÷4+6(5-1)\)

Show answer

29

24

\(33÷3+4(7-2)\)

25

\(3(1+9·6)-{4}^{2}\)

Show answer

149

26

\(5(2+8·4)-{7}^{2}\)

27

\(2[1+3(10-2)]\)

Show answer

50

28

\(5[2+4(3-2)]\)

29

\(8+2[7-2(5-3)]-{3}^{2}\)

Show answer

5

30

\(10+3[6-2(4-2)]-{2}^{4}\)

Evaluate an Expression

In the following exercises, evaluate the following expressions.

31

When \(x=2,\)
ⓐ \({x}^{6}\)
ⓑ \({4}^{x}\)
ⓒ \(2{x}^{2}+3x-7\)

Show answer

ⓐ 64 ⓑ 16 ⓒ 7

32

When \(x=3,\)
ⓐ \({x}^{5}\)
ⓑ \({5}^{x}\)
ⓒ \(3{x}^{2}-4x-8\)

33

When \(x=4,y=1\)
\({x}^{2}+3xy-7{y}^{2}\)

Show answer

21

34

When \(x=3,y=2\)
\(6{x}^{2}+3xy-9{y}^{2}\)

35

When \(x=10,y=7\)
\({(x-y)}^{2}\)

Show answer

9

36

When \(a=3,b=8\)
\({a}^{2}+{b}^{2}\)

Simplify Expressions by Combining Like Terms

In the following exercises, simplify the following expressions by combining like terms.

37

\(7x+2+3x+4\)

Show answer

\(10x+6\)

38

\(8y+5+2y-4\)

39

\(10a+7+5a-2+7a-4\)

Show answer

\(22a+1\)

40

\(7c+4+6c-3+9c-1\)

41

\(3{x}^{2}+12x+11+14{x}^{2}+8x+5\)

Show answer

\(17{x}^{2}+20x+16\)

42

\(5{b}^{2}+9b+10+2{b}^{2}+3b-4\)

Translate an English Phrase to an Algebraic Expression

In the following exercises, translate the phrases into algebraic expressions.

43

ⓐ the difference of \(5{x}^{2}\) and \(6xy\)
ⓑ the quotient of \(6{y}^{2}\) and \(5x\)
ⓒ Twenty-one more than \({y}^{2}\)
ⓓ \(6x\) less than \(81{x}^{2}\)

Show answer

ⓐ \(5{x}^{2}-6xy\) ⓑ \(\frac{6{y}^{2}}{5x}\)
ⓒ \({y}^{2}+21\) ⓓ \(81{x}^{2}-6x\)

44

ⓐ the difference of \(17{x}^{2}\) and \(5xy\)
ⓑ the quotient of \(8{y}^{3}\) and \(3x\)
ⓒ Eighteen more than \({a}^{2}\) ;
ⓓ \(11b\) less than \(100{b}^{2}\)

45

ⓐ the sum of \(4a{b}^{2}\) and \(3{a}^{2}b\)
ⓑ the product of \(4{y}^{2}\) and \(5x\)
ⓒ Fifteen more than \(m\)
ⓓ \(9x\) less than \(121{x}^{2}\)

Show answer

ⓐ \(4a{b}^{2}+3{a}^{2}b\) ⓑ \(20x{y}^{2}\)
ⓒ \(m+15\) ⓓ \(121{x}^{2}-9x\)

46

ⓐ the sum of \(3{x}^{2}y\) and \(7x{y}^{2}\)
ⓑ the product of \(6x{y}^{2}\) and \(4z\)
ⓒ Twelve more than \(3{x}^{2}\)
ⓓ \(7{x}^{2}\) less than \(63{x}^{3}\)

47

ⓐ eight times the difference of \(y\) and nine
ⓑ the difference of eight times \(y\) and 9

Show answer

ⓐ \(8(y-9)\) ⓑ \(8y-9\)

48

ⓐ seven times the difference of \(y\) and one
ⓑ the difference of seven times \(y\) and 1

49

ⓐ five times the sum of \(3x\) and \(y\)
ⓑ the sum of five times \(3x\) and \(y\)

Show answer

ⓐ \(5(3x+y)\) ⓑ \(15x+y\)

50

ⓐ eleven times the sum of \(4{x}^{2}\) and \(5x\)
ⓑ the sum of eleven times \(4{x}^{2}\) and \(5x\)

51

Eric has rock and country songs on his playlist. The number of rock songs is 14 more than twice the number of country songs. Let c represent the number of country songs. Write an expression for the number of rock songs.

Show answer

\(2c+14\)

52

The number of women in a Statistics class is 8 more than twice the number of men. Let \(m\) represent the number of men. Write an expression for the number of women.

53

Greg has nickels and pennies in his pocket. The number of pennies is seven less than three times the number of nickels. Let n represent the number of nickels. Write an expression for the number of pennies.

Show answer

\(3n-7\)

54

Jeannette has \(\text{\$}5\) and \(\text{\$}10\) bills in her wallet. The number of fives is three more than six times the number of tens. Let \(t\) represent the number of tens. Write an expression for the number of fives.

Writing Exercises

55

Explain in your own words how to find the prime factorization of a composite number.

Show answer

Answers will vary.

56

Why is it important to use the order of operations to simplify an expression?

57

Explain how you identify the like terms in the expression \(8{a}^{2}+4a+9-{a}^{2}-1.\)

Show answer

Answers will vary.

58

Explain the difference between the phrases “4 times the sum of x and y” and “the sum of 4 times x and y”.

Self Check

ⓐ Use this checklist to evaluate your mastery of the objectives of this section.

ⓑ If most of your checks were:

…confidently. Congratulations! You have achieved the objectives in this section. Reflect on the study skills you used so that you can continue to use them. What did you do to become confident of your ability to do these things? Be specific.

…with some help. This must be addressed quickly because topics you do not master become potholes in your road to success. In math every topic builds upon previous work. It is important to make sure you have a strong foundation before you move on. Whom can you ask for help?Your fellow classmates and instructor are good resources. Is there a place on campus where math tutors are available? Can your study skills be improved?

…no - I don’t get it! This is a warning sign and you must not ignore it. You should get help right away or you will quickly be overwhelmed. See your instructor as soon as you can to discuss your situation. Together you can come up with a plan to get you the help you need.

Glossary

coefficient

The coefficient of a term is the constant that multiplies the variable in a term.

composite number

A composite number is a counting number that is not prime. It has factors other than 1 and the number itself.

constant

A constant is a number whose value always stays the same.

divisible by a number

If a number m is a multiple of n, then m is divisible by n.

equation

An equation is two expressions connected by an equal sign.

evaluate an expression

To evaluate an expression means to find the value of the expression when the variables are replaced by given numbers.

expression

An expression is a number, a variable, or a combination of numbers and variables using operation symbols.

factors

If \(a·b=m,\) then a and b are factors of m.

least common multiple

The least common multiple (LCM) of two numbers is the smallest number that is a multiple of both numbers.

like terms

Terms that are either constants or have the same variables raised to the same powers are called like terms.

multiple of a number

A number is a multiple of n if it is the product of a counting number and n.

order of operations

The order of operations are established guidelines for simplifying an expression.

prime factorization

The prime factorization of a number is the product of prime numbers that equals the number.

prime number

A prime number is a counting number greater than 1 whose only factors are 1 and the number itself.

simplify an expression

To simplify an expression means to do all the math possible.

term

A term is a constant, or the product of a constant and one or more variables.

variable

A variable is a letter that represents a number whose value may change.