Conducting Operations on Algebraic Expressions

Addition and Subtraction

When adding, and subtracting algebraic expressions follow the steps below:

Step 1: Group like terms (like terms are those with the same variables). Only like terms can be added and subtracted.

Step 2: Add or subtract the coefficients of the grouped like terms.

Examples

Multiplication and Division

The rules for the multiplication and division of positive and negative numbers:

When multiplying algebraic expressions, follow the steps below:

Step 1: List the coefficients and variables of each term separately.

Step 2: Multiply the coefficients and constants.

Step 3: Multiply the variables.

Note when multiplying variables:

Examples

When dividing algebraic expressions, follow the steps below:

Step 1: List the coefficients and variables of each term separately.

Step 2: Divide the product of the coefficients and constants in the numerator, by the product of the coefficients and constants in the denominator.

Step 3: Cancel the like variables in the numerator, by those in the denominator.

Examples