Coefficient of the algebraic expression

Dear Felix and Wei An,

Good to know that you have think critically about the following questions.

For 3p+2q-5

Coefficient of p = 3
Coefficient of q = 2
Constant = -5

We will need to look at the sign of the number too.

For 6p - 8q - 2

Coefficient of p = 6
Coefficient of q = -8
Constant = -2

Reply to Justin

Dear Justin,

Welcome : P

In your earlier post :

a(x+y)is expanded to ax+ay or ax+ay is the expanded form of a(x+y).I tot the ans should be still this:a(x+y)?

Expansion here refers to the opposite of factorisation. We can see that the factor a is taken out. Therefore it is a(x+y).

Using law of distribution to do expansion we will have the following,

Discussion on Algebraic Manipulation

Hi all,

make use of the blog here to post your views on the following questions:

1) Write an algebraic expression that has 3 terms involving the variables p and q.

Look forward to your active participation in this blog : D

Video links - factorisation by grouping in algebra

Dear all,

take some time to look at the videos to find out more about factorisation in algebra.

1) Factoring by grouping using algebra tiles
http://www.mathvids.com/lesson/mathhelp/17-factoring-by-grouping

2) Factoring by grouping 4 terms - Part 2
http://www.mathvids.com/lesson/mathhelp/464-factoring-by-grouping-part-2

3) Factoring by grouping - Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LitM6ERl88A

Place your comments and questions regarding the examples from the videos here.

Enjoy! : D

Reply to Franky

Hi Franky,

welcome to the blog! Regarding the question you mentioned in the earlier post:

....the factorisation thing like (3m-4n)(x+y) -(2m-3n)(x+y) so, the x+y is merged and become 1 x+y right.

You are moving ahead of lesson! Good!

Well, in factorisation, our objective is to identify common factors and take them out. In your example the expression (x + y) is common and we will take out this factor out. Then, we will group the rest of the terms together.

(3m-4n) (x+y) -(2m-3n) (x+y)
= ( x+ y ) [ (3m-4n) - (2m-3n) ]
= ( x + y ) ( 3m - 4n - 2m + 3n )
= (x + y) ( m - n )

In case you are wondering why -( 2m - 3n) becomes -2m + 3n, refer to the explanation below.

- ( 2m - 3n )

= (-1) (2m - 3n)
= (-1)(2m) - (-1)(3n) by distributive property
= - 2m + 3n

Reply to Adrian

Hi Adrian,

I'm happy to see your posting here. Regarding the question you mention:

.... is xy the same as yx?

I would say that they are the same term because by Commutative Property we see the example 2 x 4 = 8 and 4 x 2 = 8 is true.

Therefore, we can say that xy and yx are the same. However, we would like to display in our presentation as xy according to alphabetical order.

Feel free to comment on other topics and I hope to hear from you soon.

Other students may also add on to my examples here.

Questions and Discussions

Make use of the blog to post your questions and discuss math related topics with your classmates.