Oer Commons: Simplifying Numerical Expressions

Practice writing algebraic expressions from written phrases. The objective is to consider two seemingly similar phrases, write them as algebraic expressions, and then simplify using the order of operations. Learners are challenged to...

To add or subtract ... how do you make the decision? The video instructor explains the process of writing a numerical expression from a verbal expression. While writing the expressions, he provides explanations for his decisions.

At times, polynomial expressions can be very long. Watch this video to see how Sal simplifies them by combining like terms. He explains his process and uses various colors to demonstrate why like terms are alike and why they can be...

Show your students this presentation to help them understand how to add fractions with like denominators. Sal adds 3/15 to 7/15 and then simplifies his answer. He uses drawings and multiple colors to show the actual process.

Teach your class how to add two algebraic fractions with different denominators. The instructor in the video describes how to find the common denominator and demonstrates how to simplify the expression. A straightforward video, this...

Find out how to solve a word problem by constructing a numerical expression. [1:21]

Explore a basic pattern to practice writing expressions. In collaborative groups, learners examine a contextual pattern and write an expression to model it. The task encourages groups to describe the pattern in multiple ways.

Students review the properties of addition and write an example for each. Then they apply the properties to simplify numerical expressions.

This exponential expression resource has each of the class members determine the value of given exponential expressions. They use their calculator to find the values and identify patterns. Besides writing the numbers exponentially, they...

Rational expressions that are in the form of fractions. Yuk! The teacher demonstrates how to subtract one rational expression from the other when the expressions have a common denominator. Combine like terms and write it in simplest form.