Simplify

Pronunciation: /ˈsɪm.pləˌfaɪ/ Explain

To simplify is to convert to a simpler form. When simplifying an expression, we change it or convert it to a simpler form. The table in figure 1 shows an example of simplification.

Expression Rule Being Used 3( x + 2 ) - ( 3x - 3 ) + ( 4 - x ) Equation to simplify. 3x + 6 - ( 3x - 3 ) + ( 4 - x ) Distributive property of multiplication over addition and subtraction. 3x + 6 - 3x + 3 + ( 4 - x ) Distributive property of multiplication over addition and subtraction. 3x + 6 - 3x + 3 + 4 - x Distributive property of multiplication over addition and subtraction. 3x - 3x + 6 + 3 + 4 - x Commutative property of addition. 3x - 3x + 6 + 3 - x + 4 Commutative property of addition. 3x - 3x + 6 - x + 3 + 4 Commutative property of addition. 3x - 3x - x + 6 + 3 + 4 Commutative property of addition. -x + 13 Combining like terms. Figure 1: Table showing simplification of 3 ( x + 2 ) - ( 3x - 3 ) + ( 4 - x ).

References

1. McAdams, David E.. All Math Words Dictionary, simplify. 2nd Classroom edition 20150108-4799968. pg 165. Life is a Story Problem LLC. January 8, 2015. Buy the book
2. Bettinger, Alvin K. and Englund, John A.. Algebra and Trigonometry. pg 17-21. www.archive.org. International Textbook Company. January 1963. Last Accessed 12/13/2018. http://www.archive.org/stream/algebraandtrigon033520mbp#page/n18/mode/1up. Buy the book

Cite this article as:

McAdams, David E. Simplify. 5/7/2019. All Math Words Encyclopedia. Life is a Story Problem LLC. http://www.allmathwords.org/en/s/simplify.html.

Revision History

5/7/2019: Changed equations and expressions to new format. (McAdams, David E.)
12/21/2018: Reviewed and corrected IPA pronunication. (McAdams, David E.)
12/6/2018: Removed broken links, updated license, implemented new markup. (McAdams, David E.)
9/14/2008: Added 'More Information'. (McAdams, David E.)
7/12/2007: Initial version. (McAdams, David E.)