How do you simplify algebra expressions?

Hi,

I don't think that I can give you rules for what a simplified algebraic expression is. I can however show you an example and suggest some steps that you should try.

Suppose that you have the expression

3 x3 - x2 -4 x - 2 x3 + 2 x The first step is to collect like powers of x. Thus 3 x3 - x2 -4 x - 2 x3 + 2 x
= (3 x3 - 2 x3) - x2 + (-4 x + 2 x)
= (3-2) x3 - x2 + (-4 + 2) x
= x3 - x2 -2 x

Next look for common factors. In this expression x is a common factor in each term so you can write

3 x3 - x2 -4 x - 2 x3 + 2 x
= x3 - x2 -2 x
= x(x2 - x - 2) This expression can be simplified further since x2 - x - 2 factors. That is 3 x3 - x2 -4 x - 2 x3 + 2 x
= x(x2 - x - 2)
= x(x - 2)(x + 1)

I hope this helps,
Penny
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