Simplifying linear expressions (8th grade math/algebra 1)

We look at linear expressions that have parentheses, focusing on those where a quantity is multiplied by a negative number, or just has a negative sign in front, such as: 14x − 9(3x − 5) or 7s + 2 − (−10 − 6s).

You just have to be careful with the signs, when using the distributive property with these.

When there is just a minus sign, you can imagine a one in front of the quantity in parentheses. As a shortcut, the sign of each term inside parentheses changes to the opposite, in that situation. As an example, 7s + 2 − (−10 − 6s) simplifies first to 7s + 2 + 10 + 6s.

Then we also solve an equation where this new skill is useful.

See also

Word problems — video lesson

Math Mammoth Grade 8 curriculum

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