A. Definitions
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numerical expression - consists of numbers, operations and grouping symbols.
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base - a number or variable having an exponent.
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exponent - it tells how many times to multiply the base by itself such as 25 means 2·2·2·2·2.
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algebraic expression - a numerical expression with variables.
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terms - a number and/or variables connected by multiplication and/or division and are separated by addition and subtraction such as the three terms 2x2 + 5x - 7.
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coefficient - the number in front of a variable term such as the 7 in 7x, the 4 in 4x2, or the 2 in 2xy3
B. Order of Operations
- Do operations within grouping symbols.
- Evaluate powers.
- Do multiplication and division from left to right.
- Do addition and subtraction from left to right.
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C. Evaluating Algebraic Expressions
- Substitute the values for the variables.
- Follow order of operations.
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D. Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
- Perform the distributive property.
- Combine like terms by combining the coefficients.
- Put terms in alphabetical order OR descending order by exponents.
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