Algebraic Notation Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

What does $3y$ mean?

$3 \times y$, which is the same as $y + y + y$.

What does $a^2$ mean?

$a \times a$.

What are the steps to simplify a product of numbers and letters?

e.g. simplify $3 \times w \times 5 \times t$

1. Multiply the numbers together: $3 \times 5 = 15$
2. Write the letters after the number, usually alphabetically: $tw$
3. Write it with no $\times$ signs: $15tw$

True or false? $e + e + e + e$ simplifies to $e^4$.

False. It is $4e$; $e^4$ means $e \times e \times e \times e$.

True or false? $ab$ and $ba$ mean the same thing.

True. Multiplication can be done in any order, so $a \times b = b \times a$.

True or false? $\frac{x}{2}$ and $\frac{1}{2}x$ mean the same thing.

True. Both mean $x$ divided by $2$, i.e. half of $x$.