Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

1.4 Algebraic Expressions and Formulas

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Identify the parts of an algebraic expression.

2. Apply the distributive property.
3. Evaluate algebraic expressions.
4. Use formulas that model common applications.

Algebraic Expressions and the Distributive Property

In algebra, letters called variables are used to represent numbers. Combinations of

variables and numbers along with mathematical operations form algebraic
expressions87, or just expressions. The following are some examples of expressions
with one variable, x :

1 x ⎯⎯
2x + 3 x 2 − 9 x + x+2
3√x + x

Terms88 in an algebraic expression are separated by addition operators and

87. Combinations of variables and
factors89 are separated by multiplication operators. The numerical factor of a term
numbers along with is called the coefficient90. For example, the algebraic expression x 2 y 2 + 6xy − 3
mathematical operations used can be thought of as x 2 y 2 + 6xy + (−3) and has three terms. The first term,
to generalize specific
arithmetic operations. x 2 y 2 , represents the quantity 1x 2 y 2 = 1 ⋅ x ⋅ x ⋅ y ⋅ y where 1 is the coefficient
and x and y are the variables. All of the variable factors with their exponents form
88. Components of an algebraic the variable part of a term91. If a term is written without a variable factor, then it
expression separated by
addition operators. is called a constant term92. Consider the components of x 2 y 2 + 6xy − 3 ,

89. Components of a term

separated by multiplication
operators.

90. The numerical factor of a term.

91. All the variable factors with

their exponents.

92. A term written without a

variable factor.

95
Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

Terms Coefficient Variable Part

x 2 y2 1 x 2 y2

6xy 6 xy

−3 −3

The third term in this expression, −3, is called a constant term because it is written
without a variable factor. While a variable represents an unknown quantity and
may change, the constant term does not change.

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Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

Example 1

List all coefficients and variable parts of each term: 10a2 − 5ab − b2 .

Solution:

We want to think of the third term in this example −b2 as − 1b2 .

Terms Coefficient Variable Part

10a2 10 a2

−5ab −5 ab

−b2 −1 b2

Answer: Coefficients: {−5, − 1, 10}; Variable parts: {a2 , ab, b2 }

In our study of algebra, we will encounter a wide variety of algebraic expressions.

Typically, expressions use the two most common variables, x and y. However,
expressions may use any letter (or symbol) for a variable, even Greek letters, such
as alpha (α) and beta (β). Some letters and symbols are reserved for constants, such
as π ≈ 3.14159 and e ≈ 2.71828. Since there is only a limited number of letters,
you will also use subscripts, x 1 , x 2 , x 3 , x 4 , …, to indicate different variables.

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Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

The properties of real numbers are important in our study of algebra because a
variable is simply a letter that represents a real number. In particular, the
distributive property93 states that if given any real numbers a, b and c, then,

a (b + c) = ab + ac

This property is one that we apply often when simplifying algebraic expressions. To
demonstrate how it will be used, we simplify 2(5 − 3) in two ways, and observe the
same correct result.

Working parenthesis first. Using the distributive property.

2 (5 − 3) = 2 ⋅ 5 − 2 ⋅ 3
2 (5 − 3) = 2 (2)
= 10 − 6
=4
=4

Certainly, if the contents of the parentheses can be simplified we should do that

first. On the other hand, when the contents of parentheses cannot be simplified any
further, we multiply every term within it by the factor outside of it using the
distributive property. Applying the distributive property allows us to multiply and
remove the parentheses.

and c, a (b + c) = ab + ac
93. Given any real numbers a, b,

or (b + c) a = ba + ca.

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Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

Example 2

Simplify: 5 (−2a + 5b) − 2c.

Solution:

Multiply only the terms grouped within the parentheses for which we are
applying the distributive property.

= 5 ⋅ (−2a) + 5 ⋅ 5b − 2c
= −10a + 25b − 2c

Answer: −10a + 25b − 2c

distributive property in the following manner, (b + c) a = ba + ca.

Recall that multiplication is commutative and therefore we can write the

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Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

Example 3

Simplify: (3x − 4y + 1) ⋅ 3.

Solution:

Multiply all terms within the parenthesis by 3.

(3x − 4y + 1) ⋅ 3 = 3x ⋅ 3 − 4y ⋅ 3 + 1 ⋅ 3
= 9x − 12y + 3

Answer: 9x − 12y + 3

Terms whose variable parts have the same variables with the same exponents are
called like terms94, or similar terms95. Furthermore, constant terms are
considered to be like terms. If an algebraic expression contains like terms, apply the
distributive property as follows:

5x + 7x = (5 + 7)x = 12x
4x 2 + 5x 2 − 7x 2 = (4 + 5 − 7)x 2 = 2x 2

94. Constant terms or terms whose

variable parts have the same In other words, if the variable parts of terms are exactly the same, then we can add or
variables with the same
exponents.
subtract the coefficients to obtain the coefficient of a single term with the same
variable part. This process is called combining like terms96. For example,
95. Used when referring to like
terms.

96. Adding or subtracting like

terms within an algebraic
expression to obtain a single 12x 2 y 3 + 3x 2 y 3 = 15x 2 y 3
term with the same variable
part.

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Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

Notice that the variable factors and their exponents do not change. Combining like
terms in this manner, so that the expression contains no other similar terms, is
called simplifying the expression97. Use this idea to simplify algebraic expressions
with multiple like terms.

Example 4

Simplify: x 2 − 10x + 8 + 5x 2 − 6x − 1.

Solution:

Identify the like terms and add the corresponding coefficients.

1x 2 − 10x + 8 + 5x 2 − 6x − 1 Combine like terms.

– –– –– – –– ––
– –
2
= 6x − 16x + 7

Answer: 6x 2 − 16x + 7

97. The process of combining like

terms until the expression
contains no more similar
terms.

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Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

Example 5

Simplify: a2 b2 − ab − 2 (2a2 b2 − 5ab + 1) .

Solution:

Distribute −2 and then combine like terms.

a2 b2 − ab − 2 (2a2 b2 − 5ab + 1) = a2 b2 − ab − 4a2 b2 + 10ab − 2

= −3a2 b2 + 9ab − 2

Answer: −3a2 b2 + 9ab − 2

Evaluating Algebraic Expressions

An algebraic expression can be thought of as a generalization of particular

arithmetic operations. Performing these operations after substituting given values
for variables is called evaluating98. In algebra, a variable represents an unknown
value. However, if the problem specifically assigns a value to a variable, then you
can replace that letter with the given number and evaluate using the order of
operations.

98. The process of performing the

operations of an algebraic
expression for given values of
the variables.

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Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

Example 6

Evaluate:

a. 5x − 2 where x = 23
b. y 2 − y − 6 where y = −4

Solution:

To avoid common errors, it is a best practice to first replace all variables with
parentheses, and then replace, or substitute99, the appropriate given value.

a.

5x − 2 = 5 ( ) − 2

(3)
2
=5 −2

10 2 3
= − ⋅
3 1 3
10 − 6
=
3
4
=
3

b.

99. The act of replacing a variable

with an equivalent quantity.

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Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

y2 − y − 6 = ( ) − ( ) − 6
2

= (−4)2 − (−4) − 6
= 16 + 4 − 6
= 14

Answer:

a. 43
b. 14

Often algebraic expressions will involve more than one variable.

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Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

Example 7

Evaluate a3 − 8b3 where a = −1 and b = 12 .

Solution:

After substituting in the appropriate values, we must take care to simplify

using the correct order of operations.

a3 − 8b3 = ( ) − 8( )
3 3
Replace variables with parentheses.

(2)
3
1
= (−1)3 − 8 Substitute in the appropriate values.

(8)
1
= −1 − 8 Simplif y.

= −1 − 1
= −2

Answer: −2

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Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

Example 8

x 2 −y 2
Evaluate 2x−1 where x = − 32 and y = −3.

Solution:

x 2 − y2 ( ) − ( )
2 2

2( ) − 1
=
2x − 1

(− 2 ) − (−3)
3 2 2

2 (− 32 ) − 1
=

9
4
−9
=
−3 − 1

At this point we have a complex fraction. Simplify the numerator and then
multiply by the reciprocal of the denominator.

9 9 4
4
− 1
⋅ 4
=
−4
−27
4
= −4
1

( 4)
−27 1
= −
4
27
=
16

Answer: 27
16

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Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

The answer to the previous example can be written as a mixed number, 27 16

= 1 1116
.
Unless the original problem has mixed numbers in it, or it is an answer to a real-
world application, solutions will be expressed as reduced improper fractions.

Example 9
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Evaluate √b2 − 4ac where a = −1, b = −7, and c = 14 .

Solution:

Substitute in the appropriate values and then simplify.

√b2 − 4ac= √( ) − 4 ( ) ( )
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
2
⎯

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

√ (4)
1
= (−7)2 − 4 (−1)

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

√ (4)
1
= 49 + 4

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
= √49 + 1
⎯⎯⎯⎯
= √50
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
= √25 ⋅ 2
⎯⎯
= 5√2

⎯⎯
Answer: 5√2

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 Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

√3πVh
Try this! Evaluate πh
where V = 25π and h = 3.

Answer: 5

(click to see video)

Using Formulas

The main difference between algebra and arithmetic is the organized use of
variables. This idea leads to reusable formulas100, which are mathematical models
using algebraic expressions to describe common applications. For example, the
volume of a right circular cone depends on its radius r and height h and is modeled
by the formula:

1 2
V= πr h
3

In this equation, variables and constants are used to describe the relationship
between volume and the length of the base and height. If the radius of the base
measures 3 meters and the height measures 5 meters, then the volume can be
calculated using the formula as follows:

100. A reusable mathematical model

using algebraic expressions to
describe a common
application.

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Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

1 2
V= πr h
3
= π (3 m) (5 m)
1 2
3
3
1
= π ⋅ 9 ⋅ 5 m3
3
= 15π m3
Using π ≈ 3.14, we can approximate the volume: V ≈ 15 (3.14) = 47.1 cubic
meters.

A list of formulas that describe the area and perimeter of common plane figures
follows. The letter P represents perimeter and is measured in linear units. The letter
A represents area and is measured in square units.

A list of formulas that describe the surface area and volume of common figures
follows. Here SA represents surface area and is measured in square units. The letter
V represents volume and is measured in cubic units.

1.4 Algebraic Expressions and Formulas 109

Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

1.4 Algebraic Expressions and Formulas 110

 Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

Example 10

The diameter of a spherical balloon is 10 inches. Determine the volume rounded

off to the nearest hundredth.

Solution:

The formula for the volume of a sphere is

4 3
V= πr
3

This formula gives the volume in terms of the radius, r. Therefore, divide the
diameter by 2 and then substitute into the formula. Here, r = 102
= 5inches
and we have

4 3
V= πr
3
= π (5 in)
4 3
3
4
= π ⋅ 125 in3
3
500π 3
= in ≈ 523.60 in3
3

Answer: The volume of the balloon is approximately 523.60 cubic inches.

101. The distance D after traveling Formulas can be found in a multitude of subjects. For example, uniform motion101
at an average rate r for some is modeled by the formula D = rt, which expresses distance D, in terms of the
time t can be calculated using
the formula D = rt.

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 Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

average rate, or speed, r and the time traveled at that rate, t. This formula, D = rt,
is used often and is read, “distance equals rate times time.”

Example 11

Jim’s road trip took 2 12 hours at an average speed of 66 miles per hour. How far
did he travel?

Solution:

Substitute the appropriate values into the formula and then simplify.

D=r ⋅ t

( hr ) ( 2 )
mi 1
= 66 ⋅ 2 hr

66 5
= ⋅ mi
1 2
= 33 ⋅ 5 mi
= 165 mi

Answer: Jim traveled 165 miles.

Simple interest102 I is given by the formula I = prt, where p represents the

principal amount invested at an annual interest rate r for t years.

102. Modeled by the formula

I = prt, where p represents
the principal amount invested
at an annual interest rate r for
t years.

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Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

Example 12

Calculate the simple interest earned on a 2-year investment of $1,250 at an

annual interest rate of 3 34 %.

Solution:

Convert 3 34 %to a decimal number before using it in the formula.

3
r=3 % = 3.75% = 0.0375
4

Use this and the fact that p = $1,250 and t = 2 years to calculate the simple
interest.

I = prt
= (1, 250) (0.0375) (2)
= 93.75

Answer: The simple interest earned is $93.75.

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Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Think of algebraic expressions as generalizations of common arithmetic

operations that are formed by combining numbers, variables, and

• The distributive property a (b + c) = ab + ac, is used when

mathematical operations.

multiplying grouped algebraic expressions. Applying the distributive

property allows us to remove parentheses.
• Combine like terms, or terms whose variable parts have the same
variables with the same exponents, by adding or subtracting the
coefficients to obtain the coefficient of a single term with the same
variable part. Remember that the variable factors and their exponents
do not change.
• To avoid common errors when evaluating, it is a best practice to replace
all variables with parentheses and then substitute the appropriate
values.
• The use of algebraic expressions allows us to create useful and reusable
formulas that model common applications.

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Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

TOPIC EXERCISES

PART A: ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS AND THE

DISTRIBUTIVE PROPERTY

List all of the coefficients and variable parts of each term.

1. −5x 2 + x − 1
2. y 2 − 9y + 3
3. 5x 2 − 3xy + y 2
4. a2 b 2 + 2ab − 4
5. x 2 y + xy 2 − 3xy + 9
6. x4 − x3 + x2 − x + 2

Multiply.

7. 5 (3x − 5)
8. 3 (4x − 1)
9. −2 (2x 2 − 5x + 1)
10. −5 (6x 2 − 3x − 1)

( 9y 2 + 12y − 3)
2
11.

( 8y 2 + 20y + 4)
3
3
12. −
4

(3 12 )
1 2 5 7
13. 12 a − a+
6

(9 )
1 2 5
14. −9 a − a+1
3
15. 9 (a2 − 2b 2 )

16. −5 (3x 2 − y 2 )

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Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

(5a − 3ab + b ) ⋅ 6
2 2
17.

(a b − 9ab − 3) ⋅ 7
2 2
18.

19. − (5x 2 − xy + y 2 )
20. − (x 2 y 2 − 6xy − 1)

Combine like terms.

21. 18x − 5x + 3x
22. 30x − 50x + 10x
23. 3y − 4 + 2y − 12
24. 12y + 7 − 15y − 6
25. 2x 2 − 3x + 2 + 5x 2 − 6x + 1
26. 9x 2 + 7x − 5 − 10x 2 − 8x + 6
3 2 1 1 4
27. a − + a2 +
5 2 3 5
1 2 2 4 1
28. a + − a2 −
6 3 3 9
1 2 2 3 2 1 7
29. y + y−3+ y + y−
2 3 5 3 3
5 2 1 1 2 3 4
30. x + x−1− x + x−
6 8 2 4 5
31. a2 b 2 + 5ab − 2 + 7a2 b 2 − 6ab + 12
32. a2 − 12ab + 4b 2 − 6a2 + 10ab − 5b 2
33. 3x 2 y + 12xy − 5xy 2 + 5xy − 8x 2 y + 2xy 2
34. 10x 2 y + 2xy − 4xy 2 + 2x 2 y − 8xy + 5xy 2
35. 7m 2 n − 9mn + mn 2 − 6m 2 n + mn − 2mn 2
36. m 2 n − 5mn + 5mn 2 − 3m 2 n + 5mn + 2mn 2
37. x 2n − 3x n + 5 + 2x 2n − 4x n − 3
38. 5y 2n − 3y n + 1 − 3y 2n − 2y n − 1

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Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

Simplify.

39. 5 − 2 (4x + 8)
40. 8 − 6 (2x − 1)
41. 2 (x 2 − 7x + 1) + 3x − 7
42. −5 (x 2 + 4x − 1) + 8x 2 − 5
43. 5ab − 4 (ab + 5)
44. 5 (7 − ab) + 2ab
45. 2 − a2 + 3 (a2 + 4)
46. 7 − 3y + 2 (y 2 − 3y − 2)
47. 8x 2 − 3x − 5 (x 2 + 4x − 1)
48. 2 − 5y − 6 (y 2 − y + 2)

49. a2 b 2 − 5 + 3 (a2 b 2 − 3ab + 2)

50. a2 − 3ab − 2 (a2 − ab + 1)

51. 10y 2 + 6 − (3y 2 + 2y + 4)
52. 4m 2 − 3mn − (m 2 − 3mn + n 2 )
53. x 2n − 3x n + 5 (x 2n − x n + 1)
54. −3 (y 2n − 2y n + 1) + 4y 2n − 5

PART B: EVALUATING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Evaluate.

55. −2x + 3 where x = −2

56. 8x − 5 where x = −1
57. x2 − x + 5 where x = −5

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Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

58. 2x 2 − 8x + 1 where x=3

x 2 −x+2 1
59.
2x−1
where x=− 2

9x 2 +x−2 2
60.
3x−4
where x=− 3

(3y − 2) (y + 5)
2
61. where y=

(3x + 2) (5x + 1)
3
1
62. where x=−

(3x − 1) (x − 8)
5

63. where x = −1
64. (7y + 5) (y + 1) where y = −2
65. y 6 − y 3 + 2 where y = −1
66. y 5 + y 3 − 3 where y = −2
67. a2 − 5b 2 where a = −2 and b = −1
68. a3 − 2b 3 where a = −3 and b = 2
69. (x − 2y) (x + 2y) where x=2 and y = −5
70. (4x − 3y) (x − y) where x = −4 and y = −3
71. a2 − ab + b 2 where a = −1 and b = −2
72. x 2 y 2 − xy + 2 where x = −3 and y = −2
73. a4 − b 4 where a = −2 and b = −3
74. a6 − 2a3 b 3 − b 6 where a = 2 and b = −1
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
2
⎯
Evaluate √ b − 4ac given the following values.
75. a = 6, b = 1 and c = −1
76. a = 15, b = 4 and c = −4
3
77. a= 4
,b = −2 and c = −4
1
78. a= 2
,b = −2 and c = −30

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Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

79. a = 1, b = 2 and c = −1
80. a = 1, b = −4 and c = −50
1
81. a = 1, b = −1 and c = − 16
1
82. a = −2, b = − 3
and c =1

PART C: USING FORMULAS

Convert the following temperatures to degrees Celsius given

5
C= 9
(F − 32), where F represents degrees Fahrenheit.
83. 95°F

84. 86°F

85. 32°F

86. −40°F

87. Calculate the perimeter and area of a rectangle with dimensions 12 feet by 5
feet.

88. Calculate the perimeter and area of a rectangle with dimensions 5 meters by 1
meter.

89. Calculate the surface area and volume of a sphere with radius 6 centimeters.

90. The radius of the base of a right circular cylinder measures 4 inches and the
height measures 10 inches. Calculate the surface area and volume.

91. Calculate the volume of a sphere with a diameter of 18 centimeters.

92. The diameter of the base of a right circular cone measures 6 inches. If the
1
height is 1 feet, then calculate its volume.
2
93. Given that the height of a right circular cylinder is equal to the radius of the
base, derive a formula for the surface area in terms of the radius of the base.

94. Given that the area of the base of a right circular cylinder is 25π square
inches, find the volume if the height is 1 foot.

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Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

95. Jose was able to drive from Tucson to Phoenix in 2 hours at an average speed of
58 mph. How far is Phoenix from Tucson?
3
96. If a bullet train can average 152 mph, then how far can it travel in of an
4
hour?
3
97. Margaret traveled for 1 hour at an average speed of 68 miles per hour. How
4
far did she travel?
1
98. The trip from Flagstaff, AZ to the Grand Canyon national park took 1 hours
2
at an average speed of 54 mph. How far is the Grand Canyon national park
from Flagstaff?

99. Calculate the simple interest earned on a 3-year investment of $2,500 at an

1
annual interest rate of 5 %.
4
100. Calculate the simple interest earned on a 1-year investment of $5,750 at an
5
annual interest rate of 2 %.
8

101. What is the simple interest earned on a 5-year investment of $20,000 at an

annual interest rate of 6%?

102. What is the simple interest earned on a 1-year investment of $50,000 at an

annual interest rate of 4.5%?

√s
103. The time t in seconds an object is in free fall is given by the formula t = ,
4
where s represents the distance in feet the object has fallen. How long does it
take an object to fall 32 feet? (Give the exact answer and the approximate
answer to the nearest hundredth.)

= √ RP , where
⎯⎯⎯⎯
104. The current I measured in amperes, is given by the formula I
P is the power usage measured in watts, and R is the resistance measured in
ohms. If a light bulb uses 60 watts of power and has 240 ohms of resistance,
then how many amperes of current are required?

PART D: DISCUSSION BOARD

105. Find and post a useful mathematical model. Demonstrate its use with some
values.

106. Research and discuss the history of the variable. What can we use if we run out
of letters?

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Chapter 1 Algebra Fundamentals

107. Find and post a link to a useful resource describing the Greek alphabet.

108. Given the algebraic expression 5 − 3 (9x − 1) , explain why we do not

subtract 5 and 3 first.

example, a (b + c + d) = ab + ac + ad.Explain.
109. Do we need a separate distributive property for more than two terms? For

110. How can we check to see if we have simplified an expression correctly?

1.4 Algebraic Expressions and Formulas 121