1-1 Variables and Expressions

1-2 Order of Operations

1-3 Open Sentences
1-4 Identity and Equality Properties
1-5 The Distributive Property
1-6 Commutative and Associative Properties
















Expressions
and Equationnss
You can use algebraic
expressions and
equations to model
and analyze real-world
situations. In this unit,
you will learn about
expressions, equations,
and graphs.

Chapter 1
The Language of Algebra

Chapter 2
Real Numbers

Chapter 3
Solving Linear Equations

2 Unit 1 Expressions and Equations

 The Language of
Algebra
• Lesson 1-1 Write algebraic expressions.
Key Vocabulary
• Lessons 1-2 and 1-3 Evaluate expressions and • variable (p. 6)
solve open sentences. • order of operations (p. 11)
• Lessons 1-4 through 1-6 Use algebraic • identity (p. 21)
properties of identity and equality. • like terms (p. 28)

• counterexample (p. 38)

In every state and in every country, you find unique
and inspiring architecture. Architects can use algebraic
expressions to describe the volume of the structures
they design. A few of the shapes these buildings can
resemble are a rectangle, a pentagon, or even a
pyramid. You will find the amount of space occupied by a
pyramid in Lesson 1-2.

























Variables and Expressions

• Write mathematical expressions for verbal expressions.

• Write verbal expressions for mathematical expressions.

Vocabulary expression can be used to find the

• variables perimeter of a baseball diamond? s ft
• algebraic expression
• factors A baseball infield is a square with a base at each
• product corner. Each base lies the same distance from the
• power next one. Suppose s represents the length of
• base each side of the square. Since the infield is a
• exponent square, you can use the expression 4 times s, or
• evaluate 4s to find the perimeter of the square

WRITE MATHEMATICAL EXPRESSIONS In the algebraic expression 4s,

the letter s is called a variable. In algebra, variables are symbols used to represent
unspecified numbers or values. Any letter may be used as a variable. The letter s
was used above because it is the first letter of the word side.

An algebraic expression consists of one or more numbers and variables along
with one or more arithmetic operations. Here are some examples of algebraic
expressions.
p
5x 3x — 7 4 + —q— m × 5n 3ab ÷ 5cd

In algebraic expressions, a raised dot or parentheses are often used to indicate

multiplication as the symbol × can be easily mistaken for the letter x. Here are
several ways to represent the product of x and y.

xy x·y x(y) (x)y (x)(y)

In each expression, the quantities being multiplied are called factors, and the result
is called the product.

It is often necessary to translate verbal expressions into algebraic expressions.

Write Algebraic Expressions

Write an algebraic expression for each verbal expression.

a. eight more than a number n

The words more than suggest addition.

eight more than a number n

8 + n

Thus, the algebraic expression is 8 + n.

 b. the difference of 7 and 4 times a number x
Difference implies subtract, and times implies multiply. So the expression can
be written as 7 — 4x.
c. one third of the size of the original area a
The word of implies multipl , so ession can as a or .
3 3



An expression like xn is called a power and is read “x to the nth power.” The

variable x is called the base , and n is called the exponent. The exponent indicates

the number of times the base is used as a factor.


Symbols Words Meaning

31 3 to the first power 3
Study Tip 32 3 to the second power or 3 squared 3·3
33 3 to the third power or 3 cubed 3·3·3
34
When no exponent is 3 to the fourth power 3·3·3·3
shown, it is understood 2b 6 2 times b to the sixth power 2·b·b·b·b·b·b
to be 1. For example,

xn x to the nth power x · x · x ·…· x
a = a1.
n factors
0
By definition, for any nonzero number x, x = 1.

Example Write Algebraic Expressions with Powers
Write each expression algebraically.
a. the product of 7 and m b. the difference of 4 and
to the fifth power x squared
7m5 4 — x2


To evaluate an expression means to find its value.

Example
Evaluate each expression.
a. 26


b. 43

WRITE VERBAL EXPRESSIONS Another important skill is translating

algebraic expressions into verbal expressions.

Write Verbal Expressions

Write a verbal expression for each algebraic expression.

a. 4m3
the product of 4 and m to the third power
b. c2 + 21d
the sum of c squared and 21 times d



Translating from English to Algebra

You learned in Lesson 1-1 that it is often necessary to translate words into algebraic
expressions. Generally, there are “clue” words such as more than, times, less than, and
so on, which indicate the operation to use. These words also help to connect
numerical data. The table shows a few examples.

Words Algebraic Expression

four times x plus y 4x + y
four times the sum of x and y 4(x + y)
four times the quantity x plus y 4(x + y)

Notice that all three expressions are worded differently, but the first expression is
the only one that is different algebraically. In the second expression, parentheses
indicate that the sum, x + y, is multiplied by four. In algebraic expressions, terms
grouped by parentheses are treated as one quantity. So, 4(x + y) can also be read
as four times the quantity x plus y.

Words that may indicate parentheses are sum, difference, product, and quantity.

Reading to Learn
Read each verbal expression aloud. Then match it with the correct
algebraic expression.
1. nine divided by 2 plus n
2. four divided by the difference of n and six —
3. n plus five squared
4. three times the quantity eight plus n
—
5. nine divided by the quantity 2 plus n
6. three times eight plus n
7. the quantity n plus five squared
8. four divided by n minus six

Write each algebraic expression in words.

9. 5x + 1 10. 5(x + 1)
11. 3 + 7x 12. (3 + x) · 7
13. (6 + b) ÷ y 14. 6 + (b ÷ y)


Order of Operations

• Evaluate numerical expressions by using the order of operations.

• Evaluate algebraic expressions by using the order of operations.

Vocabulary is the monthly cost of internet service determined?

• order of operations
Nicole is signing up with a new
internet service provider. The
service costs $4.95 a month, which
includes 100 hours of access. If she
@home.net
is online for more than 100 hours, $4.95 per month*
she must pay an additional $0.99 accessible anywhere**
per hour. Suppose Nicole is online
for 117 hours the first month. The *0.99 per hour after 100 hours
**Requires v.95 net modem
expression 4.95 + 0.99(117 — 100)
represents what Nicole must pay
for the month.

EVALUATE RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS Numerical expressions often contain

more than one operation. A rule is needed to let you know which operation to
perform first. This rule is called the order of operations.

Example Evaluate Expressions

Evaluate each expression.
a. 3 + 2 · 3 + 5

b. 15 ÷ 3 · 5 — 42

 Grouping symbols such as parentheses ( ), brackets [ ], and braces { } are used to
clarify or change the order of operations. They indicate that the expression within
the grouping symbol is to be evaluated first.

Study Tip
Grouping
Example
Symbols Evaluate each expression.
When more than one
a. 2(5) + 3(4 + 3)
grouping symbol is used,
start evaluating within the
innermost grouping

symbols.

b. 2[5 + (30 ÷ 6)2]

A fraction bar is another type of grouping symbol. It indicates that the numerator
and denominator should each be treated as a single value.

Example Fraction Bar

Evaluate .

3·4

·4 3 ·4

32 · 4

9·4
or
36 18

EVALUATE ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS Like numerical expressions,

algebraic expressions often contain more than one operation. Algebraic expressions
can be evaluated when the values of the variables are known. First, replace the
variables with their values. Then, find the value of the numerical expression using
the order of operations.

Example Evaluate an Algebraic Expression

Evaluate a2 — (b3 — 4c) if a = 7, b = 3, and c = 5.

Open Sentences

• Solve open sentence equations.

• Solve open sentence inequalities.

Vocabulary can you use open sentences to stay within a budget?

• open sentence The Daily News sells garage sale kits. Garage sale kit
includes:
• solving an open sentence The Spring Creek Homeowners • Weekend ad
• solution Association is planning a community • Signs
• equation garage sale, and their budget for • Announcements
• Balloons
• replacement set advertising is $135. The expression • Price stickers

• set 15.50 + 5n can be used to represent the • Sales sheet

• element cost of purchasing n + 1 kits. The open COMPLETE

sentence 15.50 + 5n S 135 can be used PACKAGE
• solution set $15.50
to ensure that the budget is met.
• inequality
Additional kits
available for
$5.00 each

SOLVE EQUATIONS A mathematical statement with one or more variables

is called an open sentence. An open sentence is neither true nor false until the
variables have been replaced by specific values. The process of finding a value
for a variable that results in a true sentence is called solving the open sentence.
This replacement value is called a solution of the open sentence. A sentence
that contains an equals sign, =, is called an equation.

A set of numbers from which replacements for a variable may be chosen is called
a replacement set. A set is a collection of objects or numbers. It is often shown
using braces, { }, and is usually named by a capital letter. Each object or number in
the set is called an element, or member. The solution set of an open sentence is the
set of elements from the replacement set that make an open sentence true.

Use a Replacement Set to Solve an Equation

Find the solution set for each equation if the replacement set is {3, 4, 5, 6, 7}.
a. 6n + 7 = 37
Replace n in 6n + 7 = 37 with each value in the replacement set.

n 6n + 7 = 37 True or False?
3 6(3) + 7 ffi 37 → 25 G 37 false
4 6(4) + 7 ffi 37 → 31 G 37 false
5 6(5) + 7 ffi 37 → 37 = 37 true {
6 6(6) + 7 ffi 37 → 43 G 37 false
7 6(7) + 7 ffi 37 → 49 G 37 false

Since n = 5 makes the equation true, the solution of 6n + 7 = 37 is 5.

The solution set is {5}.
 b. 5(x + 2) = 40


x 5(x + 2) = 40 True or False?
3 5(3 + 2) ffi 40 → 25 G 40 false
4 5(4 + 2) ffi 40 → 30 G 40 false
5 5(5 + 2) ffi 40 → 35 G 40 false
6 5(6 + 2) ffi 40 → 40 = 40 true {
7 5(7 + 2) ffi 40 → 45 G 40 false



You can often solve an equation by applying the order of operations.

Example
13 + 2(4)
Solve = q.

Study Tip The solution is 7.

Inequality symbols are SOLVE INEQUALITIES An open sentence that contains the symbol <, S, >, or
read as follows. S is called an inequality. Inequalities can be solved in the same way as equations.
< is less than
S is less than or equal to
> is greater than
S is greater than or
equal to Find the solution set for 18 — y € 10 if the replacement set is {7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12}.
Replace y in 18 — y 10 with each value in the replacement set.

y 18 — y € 10 True or False?
7 18 — 7 ? 10 → 11 ¢ 10 false
<
8 18 — 8 ? 10 → 10 ¢ 10 false
<
9 18 — 9 ? 10 → 9 < 10 true {
<
10 18 — 10 ? 10 → 8 < 10 true {
<
11 18 — 11 ? 10 → 7 < 10 true {
<
12 18 — 12 ? 10 → 6 < 10 true {
<

The solution set for 18 — y 10 is {9, 10, 11, 12}.



Identity and Equality

Properties
• Recognize the properties of identity and equality.
• Use the properties of identity and equality.

Vocabulary are identity and equality properties used to compare data?

• additive identity
During the college
• multiplicative identity football season, teams Dec. 4 Dec. 11
• multiplicative inverses are ranked weekly. The
• reciprocal table shows the last
three rankings of the
top five teams for the
2000 football season.
The open sentence
below represents the
change in rank of Oregon
State from December 11
to the final rank.
Rank on increase final rank for

December 11, 2000 plus in rank equals 2000 season.

4 + r = 4

The solution of this equation is 0. Oregon State’s rank changed by 0 from

December 11 to the final rank. In other words, 4 + 0 = 4.

IDENTITY AND EQUALITY PROPERTIES The sum of any number and 0 is

equal to the number. Thus, 0 is called the additive identity.

Additive Identity
• Words For any number a, the sum of a and 0 is a.
• Symbols

There are also special properties associated with multiplication. Consider the
following equations.

7 · n =7 9·m=0
The solution of the equation is 1. Since The solution of the equation is 0. The
the product of any number and 1 is product of any number and 0 is equal
equal to the number, 1 is called the to 0. This is called the Multiplicative
multiplicative identity. Property of Zero.

1
—— · 3 = 1

Two numbers whose product is 1 are called multiplicative inverses or reciprocals.

Zero has no reciprocal because any number times 0 is 0.


Multiplication Properties
Property Words Symbols Examples
Multiplicative For any number a, the a · 1 = 1 · a = a 12 · 1 = 12,
Identity product of a and 1 is a. 1 · 12 = 12
Multiplicative For any number a, the a · 0 = 0 · a = 0 8 · 0 = 0,
Property of Zero product of a and 0 is 0. 0 · 8 = 0
a a b b a
For every number — —, —— · —— = —— · — — = 1 —2— · —3— = —6— = 1,
b b a a b
where a, b G 0, there is
Multiplicative b 3 2 6
exactly one number — — · — — = — — = 1
Inverse —— 2 3 6
a
such that the product of
a b
— and is 1.
— ——
b a

Example Identify Properties

Name the property used in each equation. Then find the value of n.
a. 42 · n = 42
Multiplicative Identity Property

b. n + 0 = 15
Additive Identity Property

c. n · 9 = 1
Multiplicative Inverse Property
, since ·9 1.

There are several properties of equality that apply to addition and multiplication.
These are summarized below.

Properties of Equality
Property Words Symbols Examples
Any quantity is equal For any number 7 = 7,
Reflexive
to itself. a, a = a. 2 + 3 = 2 + 3
If one quantity equals a For any numbers If 9 = 6 + 3,
second quantity, then a and b, if a = b, then 6 + 3 = 9.
Symmetric
the second quantity then b = a.
equals the first.
If one quantity equals For any numbers If 5 + 7 = 8 + 4
a second quantity and a, b, and c, if and 8 + 4 = 12,
the second quantity a = b and b = c, then 5 + 7 = 12.
Transitive
equals a third quantity, then a = c.
then the first quantity
equals the third quantity.
A quantity may be If a = b, then a If n = 15, then
substituted for its equal may be replaced 3n = 3 · 15.
Substitution
in any expression. by b in any
expression.

The Distributive Property

• Use the Distributive Property to evaluate expressions.

• Use the Distributive Property to simplify expressions.

Vocabulary can the Distributive Property be used to calculate quickly?

• term
Instant Replay Video Games
• like terms sells new and used games.
• equivalent expressions During a Saturday morning $9.95
• simplest form sale, the first 8 customers $14.95
• coefficient each bought a bargain game
$24.95
and a new release. To
calculate the total sales for $34.95
these customers, you can use
the Distributive Property.

EVALUATE EXPRESSIONS There are two methods you could use to calculate
the video game sales.

Method 1 Method 2
sales of sales of number of each customer’s

bargain games plus new releases
customers times purchase price

8(14.95) + 8(34.95) 8 × (14.95 + 34.95)

= 119.60 + 279.60 = 8(49.90)

= 399.20 = 399.20

Either method gives total sales of $399.20 because the following is true.
8(14.95) + 8(34.95) = 8(14.95 + 34.95)

This is an example of the Distributive Property.

• Symbols For any numbers a, b, and c,
a(b + c) = ab + ac and (b + c)a = ba + ca and
a(b — c) = ab — ac and (b — c)a = ba — ca.
• Examples 3(2 + 5) = 3 · 2 + 3 · 5 4(9 — 7) = 4 · 9 — 4 · 7
3(7) = 6 + 15 4(2) = 36 — 28
21 = 21 { 8 = 8 {

Notice that it does not matter whether a is placed on the right or the left of the
expression in the parentheses.

The Symmetric Property of Equality allows the Distributive Property to be written

as follows.
If a(b + c) = ab + ac, then ab + ac = a(b + c).
 Distribute Over Addition
Rewrite 8(10 + 4) using the Distributive Property. Then evaluate.

Log on for: Distribute Over Subtraction

Rewrite (12 — 3)6 using the Distributive Property. Then evaluate.

Use the Distributive Property

• Updated data CARS The Morris family owns
• More activities two cars. In 1998, they drove the USA TODAY Snapshots®
on the Distributive first car 18,000 miles and the
Property second car 16,000 miles. Use the
www.algebra1.com/ graph to find the total cost of
usa_today
operating both cars.

Use the Distributive Property to
write and evaluate an expression.
0.46(18,000 + 16,000) Distributive Prop.
= 8280 + 7360 Multiply.

= 15,640 Add.

It cost the Morris family $15,640

to operate their cars.

The Distributive Property can be used to simplify mental calculations.

Use the Distributive Property to find each product.
a. 15 · 99

b. 35 2

35 2

 SIMPLIFY EXPRESSIONS You can use algebra tiles to investigate how the
Distributive Property relates to algebraic expressions.

The Distributive Property

Consider the product 3(x + 2). Use a product mat and algebra tiles to model
3(x + 2) as the area of a rectangle whose dimensions are 3 and (x + 2).
Step 1 Use algebra tiles to mark the dimensions C01-018C
11
of the rectangle on a product mat.





Step 2 Using the marks as a guide, make the
x +2
rectangle with the algebra tiles. The
rectangle has 3 x-tiles and 6 1-tiles. C01-019C
x 1 1
The area of the rectangle is x 1 1
x + 1 + 1 + x + 1 + 1 + x + 1 + 1 or x 1 1
3x + 6. Therefore, 3(x + 2) = 3x + 6.
Model and Analyze
Find each product by using algebra tiles.
1. 2(x + 1) 2. 5(x + 2) 3. 2(2x + 1)
Tell whether each statement is true or false. Justify your answer with
algebra tiles and a drawing.
4. 3(x + 3) = 3x + 3 5. x(3 + 2) = 3x + 2x
Make a Conjecture
6. Rachel says that 3(x + 4) = 3x + 12, but José says that 3(x + 4) = 3x + 4.
Use words and models to explain who is correct and why.

You can apply the Distributive Property to algebraic expressions.

Study Tip Algebraic Expressions

Rewrite each product using the Distributive Property. Then simplify.
The expression 5( g — 9) is
a. 5( g — 9)
read 5 times the quantity
g minus 9 or 5 times the
difference of g and 9. Multiply.

b. —3(2x2 + 4x — 1)





A term is a number, a variable, or a product or quotient of numbers and variables.
For example, y, p3, 4a, and 5g2h are all terms. Like terms are terms that contain the
same variables, with corresponding variables having the same power.
2x2 + 6x + 5 3a2 + 5a2 + 2a

three terms like terms unlike terms

 The Distributive Property and the properties of equality can be used to show that
5n + 7n = 12n. In this expression, 5n and 7n are like terms.

5n + 7n = (5 + 7)n Distributive Property

= 12n Substitution

The expressions 5n + 7n and 12n are called equivalent expressions because they
denote the same number. An expression is in simplest form when it is replaced by
an equivalent expression having no like terms or parentheses.

Combine Like Terms

Simplify each expression.
a. 15x + 18x

b. 10n + 3n2 + 9n2

The coefficient of a term is the numerical factor. For example, in 17xy, the
Like terms may be
defined as terms that are 3y2 3
coefficient is 17, and in , the coefficient is . In the term m, the
the same or vary only by
the coefficient. coefficient is 1 since 1 · m = m by the Multiplicative Identity Property.


Commutative and
Associative Properties
• Recognize the Commutative and Associative
Properties.

• Use the Commutative and Associative Properties
to simplify expressions.
0.4 mi
S1 Garnett
can properties help you
S2 West End
determine distances? 1.5 mi
S3 Oakland City

The South Line of the Atlanta subway leaves

Five Points and heads for Garnett, 0.4 mile away.
From Garnett, West End is 1.5 miles. The distance S5 East Point
from Five Points to West End can be found by
evaluating the expression 0.4 + 1.5. Likewise,
the distance from West End to Five Points can be
found by evaluating the expression 1.5 + 0.4. South

COMMUTATIVE AND ASSOCIATIVE PROPERTIES In the situation

above, the distance from Five Points to West End is the same as the distance from
West End to Five Points. This distance can be represented by the following equation.
The distance from Five the distance from West

Points to West End equals

End to Five Points.

0.4 + 1.5 = 1.5 + 0.4

This is an example of the Commutative Property.

•

•
•

An easy way to find the sum or product of numbers is to group, or associate, the
numbers using the Associative Property.

• Words The way you group three or more numbers when adding or
multiplying does not change their sum or product.
• Symbols For any numbers a, b, and c,
(a + b) + c = a + (b + c) and (ab)c = a(bc).
• Examples (2 + 4) + 6 = 2 + (4 + 6), (3 · 5) · 4 = 3 · (5 · 4)


 Example Multiplication Properties
Evaluate 8 · 2 · 3 · 5.

Use Addition Properties

TRANSPORTATION Refer to the application at the beginning of the lesson. Find

the distance between Five Points and Lakewood/Ft. McPherson.

Five Points Garnett to West End to Oakland City to

to Garnett West End Oakland City Lakewood/Ft. McPherson

0.4 + 1.5 + 1.5 + 1.1

0.4 + 1.5 + 1.5 + 1.1 = 0.4 + 1.1 + 1.5 + 1.5 Commutative (+)
= (0.4 + 1.1) + (1.5 + 1.5) Associative (+)
= 1.5 + 3.0 Add.
= 4.5 Add.
Lakewood/Ft. McPherson is 4.5 miles from Five Points.

Transportation SIMPLIFY EXPRESSIONS The Commutative and Associative Properties can

New York City has the be used with other properties when evaluating and simplifying expressions.
most extensive subway
system, covering 842 miles
of track and serving about
4.3 million passengers
per day.
Source: The Guinness Book of
Records

Example Simplify an Expression