NOTES: ALGEBRA

Do not combine numbers and algebra terms together.

Example:
4y + 3y + 2 = 9y (Wrong)
4y + 3y + 2 = 7y + 2 (Correct)

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Final answers can have “+” and “–”, but should not have “x” and “÷” signs.

• 6 x a to be written as 6a
• y ÷ 2 to be written as Y/2

“–” sign to be taken into consideration when combining numbers/algebra terms.

• y + y – 2 + 5 = 2y – 7 (Wrong)
• y + y – 2 + 5 = 2y + 3 (Correct) OR rearrange to become: y + y + 5 – 2 = 2y + 3
• y + y – 4 – 2 = 2y – 2 (Wrong)
• y + y – 4 – 2 = 2y – 6 (Correct)

A different unit of measurement in word problems – conversion of units to be done so that all terms have the same units.

E.g. A pen costs $p, and a stapler costs (5 + p) cents. What is their total cost?

Solution:
p + (5 + p) (Wrong)
100p + (5 + p) (Correct)

Note: $1 = 100 cents
$p = 100p cents
• Final answer must indicate unit of measurements