Lesson 4: Simplifying Algebraic Expression

Understand that like terms have the same variables and exponents, and can be combined using addition and subtraction.

Recognize when to use the distributive property, which is multiplication over addition or subtraction.

Rewrite expressions without parentheses.

Interpret expressions that represent a quantity in terms of its context.
A.SSE.1a
Interpret parts of an expression, such as terms, factors, and coefficients.
A.SSE.2
Use the structure of an expression to identify ways to rewrite it

Lesson Description: In this lesson, students learn the standard multi-step procedure for reducing any algebraic expression to its simplest form. The curriculum focuses on a hierarchical approach:
Step 1: Distribute to remove all parentheses (clearing the grouping symbols).
Step 2: Identify all like terms within the resulting expression.
Step 3: Combine constants with constants and variable terms with their matching variable counterparts.
Special Cases: Handling "nested" expressions or expressions with multiple sets of parentheses (e.g., 2[3x - (x + 4)] + 10).
Purpose: The purpose of this section is to develop procedural fluency and mathematical discipline. In MAT095, students often struggle not with the concepts, but with the "bookkeeping" of algebra—losing a negative sign or forgetting to distribute to the second term. By teaching a consistent, repeatable process for simplification, we provide students with the cognitive "scaffolding" they need to tackle the complex equations in Unit 3 without feeling overwhelmed by the number of terms.
DOK Level: 2 & 3
DOK 2 (Skill/Concept): Students must follow a multi-step routine to simplify standard expressions. They are applying rules to reach a single "correct" simplified state.
DOK 3 (Strategic Thinking): At this stage, students begin to encounter non-routine problems where they must determine the most efficient path to simplification or explain why two seemingly different expressions are mathematically equivalent. They must monitor their own work for logical consistency across multiple steps.

Class and online work

Section 2.4 - You Try Page 62
Problems a and b

Practice Problems

Textbook with guided class notes and videos