Expressions and Equations

An expression is a combination of numbers, variables, and operations that represents a value. When you need to simplify expressions, combine like terms and follow the order of operations (PEMDAS).

Equations show that two expressions are equal to each other. To solve them, isolate the variable on one side by applying inverse operations to both sides. Remember, whatever you do to one side of the equation, you must do to the other side to maintain equality.

When evaluating an expression, substitute specific values for the variables and simplify following the order of operations. This skill is essential for checking your work and solving word problems.

Pro Tip: Think of solving equations like balancing a scale - whatever you do to one side, you must do to the other to keep things balanced!

Inequalities and Linear Functions

Inequalities show relationships between expressions using symbols like < (less than), > (greater than), ≤ (less than or equal to), and ≥ (greater than or equal to). Solve them similar to equations, but remember to flip the inequality sign when multiplying or dividing by a negative number.

Linear functions create straight lines when graphed. The equation form y = mx + b shows two important parts: the slope (m) tells how steep the line is, and the y-intercept (b) shows where the line crosses the y-axis.

Understanding linear functions helps you model real-world relationships like distance over time or cost versus quantity. You'll use these concepts constantly in future math classes!

Remember: When you multiply or divide an inequality by a negative number, you must reverse the inequality symbol (< becomes > and vice versa).

Systems of Equations and Exponents

A system of equations contains two or more equations with common solutions. You can solve these systems by graphing (finding where lines intersect), substitution (replacing variables), or elimination (combining equations to cancel variables).

Exponents represent repeated multiplication. For example, a² means a multiplied by itself. Negative exponents indicate reciprocals - a⁻³ equals 1/a³. This concept becomes very useful when working with fractions and decimals.

Scientific notation helps express very large or very small numbers using powers of 10. For instance, 4,500,000 becomes 4.5 × 10⁶. This notation is especially helpful in science classes when working with extremely large or small measurements.

Quick Tip: When solving systems by graphing, the solution is the point where the lines intersect. If they never intersect, the system has no solution!

Polynomials and Important Vocabulary

A polynomial is an expression with one or more terms, where each term has a coefficient and a variable raised to a power. You can add, subtract, multiply, and divide polynomials using specific techniques for each operation.

Like terms have the same variables raised to the same powers $like 5x² and -3x²$. You can combine them by adding or subtracting their coefficients.

The order of operations (PEMDAS) reminds you to solve math problems in this sequence: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), then Addition and Subtraction (left to right).

Inverse operations undo each other, like addition/subtraction or multiplication/division. When solving equations, you'll use these pairs to isolate variables.

Challenge Yourself: Try factoring polynomials to break them into simpler expressions. This skill will be crucial when you study quadratic equations next year!