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Simplify algebraic expression

Simplify an algebraic expression with different variables to brackets times brackets

This math skill teaches how to simplify an algebraic expression containing different variables into a product of two bracketed terms. Each bracket contains one of the variables, and the arrangement of coefficients ensures the expansion of these brackets replicates the original expression.

Learn simplify algebraic expression

Teaching Transcript

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Let's simplify this expression to a pair of bracketed terms that each have one of the variables

Looking at the first term, and noticing that there is no coefficient, or number that multiplies it, and that the other terms have just an 'X', just a 'Y', or neither, we know that we'll have 'X' and 'Y' solo in our brackets

Now if we look at the last term, the constant 54. We know that negative 9 and negative 6, the coefficients of the other terms multiply to positive 54

We can see that we need a negative 9 'Y', so we need to put the minus 9 in the other bracket so it's multiplied by 'Y'

Likewise, we need a negative 6 'X', so we put the minus 6 in the other bracket

And we have our answer. If we multiply the terms in the brackets, you can see we get our original expression back.

Skill Practice

Simplify an algebraic expression with different variables to brackets times brackets

Test your understanding of simplify algebraic expression by practicing it! Work through the below exercises to use it in practice.