𝒙𝒙.

act
PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS
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Grade 8
𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 − 𝟐𝟐 = 𝟐𝟐 
 +  = 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 − 𝟐𝟐 = 𝟐𝟐 
𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 + 𝟐𝟐 = 𝟑𝟑𝟐𝟐 
 +  = −𝒙𝒙
𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 + 𝟐𝟐 = 𝟑𝟑𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 
  = What is the same?
𝟕𝟕𝒚𝒚𝟐𝟐 What is different?
2cm + 3cm = 5cm

2𝒙𝒙 + 3𝒙𝒙 = 5𝒙𝒙

𝒙𝒙.act: Practice in simplifying algebraic expressions
These materials were produced by the Wits Maths Connect Secondary (WMCS) project at the University of
the Witwatersrand.
Visit us at www.witsmathsconnectsecondary.co.za

Team members:
Craig Pournara (Project leader)
Micky Lavery, Wanda Masondo, Vasantha Moodley, Yvonne Sanders and Fatou Sey, with thanks to Danell
Herbst, Sheldon Naidoo and Shikha Takker

Version 1.0: Jan 2021

The work of the WMCS project is supported financially by the FirstRand Foundation, the Department of
Science and Innovation and the National Research Foundation.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

The Creative Commons license means this booklet is freely available to anyone who wishes to use it. It may
not be sold on (via a website or other channel) or used for profit-making of any kind.
To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/
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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS
VERSION 1.0

About this booklet

The 31 worksheets in this booklet provide practice in simplifying algebraic expressions – a critical skill in
introductory algebra at Grade 8 level. The worksheets also include answers for each question.

The pack is called 𝒙𝒙.act for two reasons: algebra requires you to act and algebra requires you to be exact.
To become good at algebra, you have to make sense of operating on letters, to show determination in
getting used to new symbols, and to practise regularly. You also need to pay attention to the structure of
algebraic expressions. In this pack we pay attention to all these issues.
We assume learners have been taught the content of introductory algebra so that they can use these
worksheets to practise algebraic simplification. We provide a 7-page summary of the basics of simplifying
algebraic expressions where we explain important concepts, terminology, notation and procedures with
illustrative examples. We also include some discussion on what makes algebra confusing and what must be
done to overcome these difficulties. We have written this summary in simple language for Grade 8 learners.
Our research in South African schools shows that learners have particular difficulty when algebraic
expressions involve subtraction and negatives. They also struggle when expressions contain brackets. We
developed the worksheets with these issues in mind. Some worksheets focus first on addition and positives
before extending to negatives and subtraction. We also draw specific attention to the meaning of brackets
in expressions. We encourage learners to look carefully at expressions before they rush to simplify them.
This encourages them to pay attention to the structure of expressions – to notice what operations are being
performed between terms, and to see the impact of minor variations between examples. Here is one such
task:

In which expressions: 5𝑥𝑥(6 + 𝑥𝑥)

a) can you simplify terms outside the bracket before 5 + 𝑥𝑥 + (1 − 𝑥𝑥)
5 + 𝑥𝑥(1 − 𝑥𝑥)
you deal with the bracket?
𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥(6 + 𝑥𝑥)
b) are the brackets unnecessary?
𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥 + (6 + 𝑥𝑥) 1
c) are you required to apply the distributive law?
+ 5 − 6(1 + 𝑥𝑥)

The worksheets are arranged in 4 sections as outlined below. Almost all worksheets were designed in pairs
so that learners can work on 2 very similar worksheets, covering the same content and with very similar
question types.

Section #Wksts Content

Distinguishing like and unlike terms, simplifying simple algebraic expressions, matching verbal
1 8 and algebraic expressions, and using substitution to test whether expressions have been
simplified correctly.
Evaluating simple algebraic expressions to emphasise that a letter can stand for a single number,
2 3 and sometimes it can stand for many numbers.
3 10 Applying the distributive law, with particular attention to multiplying monomials by binomials.
Sets of mixed examples with several terms, different uses of brackets and more difficult
4 10 examples that include the distributive law.
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NOTES ON INTRODUCTORY ALGEBRA

In these notes we explain important concepts, terminology and notation in introductory algebra. We also
provide examples to illustrate these. We have written these notes in simple language for Grade 8 learners.
After the notes we discuss some instances where algebraic notation can be confusing.

1) Using variables in algebra

In algebra we use letters and numbers to represent quantities. We combine these with other symbols to
represent the relationships between these quantities. For example, say we have 2 packets of sweets and we
know that altogether there are 53 sweets.

+ = 53
𝑚𝑚 sweets 𝑛𝑛 sweets

If we say the number of sweets in the small packet is 𝑚𝑚 and the number of sweets in the large packet is 𝑛𝑛,
then the relationship can be expressed in algebra as 𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛 = 53. We say 𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛 is an algebraic
expression and we say that 𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛 = 53 is an algebraic equation. We can also refer to 𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛 = 53 as an
algebraic statement.

In primary school we use a place holder, , or a “space”, , to represent an unknown value, e.g.
 + 6 = 15 and − 5 = 2. In high school we use letters, e.g. 𝑥𝑥 + 6 = 15 and 𝑎𝑎 − 5 = 4. We can even
have two letters in a statement, e.g. 𝑎𝑎 − 5 = 𝑏𝑏.

Sometimes the letter has only one value that will make the statement true. In 𝑥𝑥 + 6 = 15, the
statement will only be true if 𝑥𝑥 = 9. Sometimes the variable can have more than one value. In 𝑎𝑎 − 5 = 𝑏𝑏,
the value of 𝑎𝑎 affects the value of 𝑏𝑏. So, once we know the value of 𝑎𝑎, we can work out a value of 𝑏𝑏. Here
are some possible combinations of 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑏𝑏: 𝑎𝑎 = 12 and 𝑏𝑏 = 7; 𝑎𝑎 = 6 and 𝑏𝑏 = 1; 𝑎𝑎 = 5 and 𝑏𝑏 = 0; 𝑎𝑎 = 4
and
𝑏𝑏 = −1; 𝑎𝑎 = 6 1 and 𝑏𝑏 = 1 1. As you can see, the 𝑏𝑏-values can be worked out using substitution, e.g. if
2 2
𝑎𝑎 = 12 then 𝑏𝑏 = 12 − 5 = 7. If we know the 𝑏𝑏-value, then we can calculate the 𝑎𝑎-value, e.g. if 𝑏𝑏 = 3, then
𝑎𝑎 = 8; if 𝑏𝑏 = 7, then 𝑎𝑎 = 12. In all these examples we have shown that letters stand for numbers.

In the example with the sweets we have the algebraic equation (or statement): 𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛 = 53. If there
are 20 sweets in the small packet then there must be 33 sweets in the large packet. This means 𝑚𝑚 = 20
and
𝑛𝑛 = 33. If there are 15 sweets in the small packet, how many sweets will there be in the large packet:
𝑚𝑚 = and = ? As you can imagine, 𝑚𝑚 and 𝑛𝑛 can have many different values but, in this case, they will
always be whole numbers because we don’t talk about a negative number of sweets or a fraction of a
sweet.

2) Naming the components of an algebraic expression

Algebraic expressions are made up of terms. Each term contains letters or numbers or both. Terms are
separated by the operations of addition or subtraction. Consider the algebraic expression 3𝑝𝑝 + 4𝑘𝑘 + 5. It
consists of 3 terms which can be listed as 3𝑝𝑝; 4𝑘𝑘; 5.

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The arrows indicate the separate terms.

First term
coefficients

Second term
variables

Third term
constant

𝟑𝟑𝒑𝒑 + 𝟒𝟒𝒌𝒌 + 𝟓𝟓
 The letters are called variables because their values can change. In the example, variables are 𝑝𝑝 and 𝑘𝑘.
See colour coding in the diagram.
 Numbers that are multiplied by variables are called coefficients. In the example, the coefficient of 𝑝𝑝 is
3 and the coefficient of 𝑘𝑘 is 4. Mathematicians write the numbers before the letters, like 3𝑝𝑝 and 4𝑘𝑘. It is
not wrong to write 𝑝𝑝3 but the convention is to write the numbers first. If the coefficient of a variable is
+1 or −1, we don’t write the 1 (see example below).
 Numbers without a variable are called constants because their value does not change. In the example,
the constant is 5.

Here is another example: −2𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦 − 1

Refer to No. 7a for more details on
This example has 3 terms: −2𝑥𝑥; 𝑦𝑦 and −1 expressions that involve subtraction
The variables are 𝑥𝑥 and 𝑦𝑦 and have negative coefficients and
The coefficient of 𝑥𝑥 is −2, the coefficient of 𝑦𝑦 is +1 constants.

The constant is −1

3) Describing algebraic expressions in words

Algebraic expressions can be described in words. We will call these verbal expressions. For example, if we
have the algebraic expression 3𝑥𝑥 + 5, we can create several verbal expressions that are slightly different.
Here are four examples:
 The product of 3 and a number increased by 5
 The product of 3 and 𝑥𝑥 increased by 5
 The product of 3 and 𝑥𝑥, add 5
 3𝑥𝑥 add 5

We can also start with the verbal expression and then create the algebraic expression. For example, “the
sum of 7 and a number, then multiplied by 2” can be written algebraically as (7 + 𝑛𝑛) × 2. Usually we will
write it as 2(7 + 𝑛𝑛) or 2(𝑛𝑛 + 7). We know that addition is commutative, that is 𝑛𝑛 + 7 is the same as 7 + 𝑛𝑛 so
they are written interchangeably.

Here are 3 more examples of algebraic and their equivalent verbal expressions:
Algebraic expression Examples of verbal expressions
 The product of 3 and 𝑝𝑝, add to the product of 4 and 𝑘𝑘, then add 5
3𝑝𝑝 + 4𝑘𝑘 + 5
 Three 𝑝𝑝 add four 𝑘𝑘 add 5
 The product of 3 and 𝑝𝑝, subtract 6 add negative 2
3𝑝𝑝 − 6 + (−2)
 3𝑝𝑝 subtract 6 add negative 2
 A number squared subtract that number, then add 2
𝑥𝑥 2 − 𝑥𝑥 + 2
 A number squared subtract itself and add 2

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4) The language of operations and signs

In the worksheets we make a clear distinction between operations and signs. We do not use the words plus
and minus because they don’t tell us whether we are referring to a sign or an operation. Pay attention to
this in the following examples:

For operations, we say: add and subtract 5+8 5 add 8

10 − 4 10 subtract 4

For signs, we say: positive and negative −4 − 3 negative 4 subtract 3

−4 − (+3) negative 4 subtract positive 3
4 − (−3) 4 subtract negative 3
4 + (−3) 4 add negative 3

Sometimes we talk about the plus symbol (+) and the minus symbol (−). When we do this, we are referring
only to the symbol. We are not referring to its meaning as a sign or an operation. For example, in 4 + (−3)
the plus symbol (+) tells us to add and the minus symbol (−) tells us that 3 is negative. Refer to No. 7a for
more details on expressions that involve subtraction and negatives.

5) Like and unlike terms

In algebra there are two interesting words: like and unlike. Both words are familiar on social
media but they have different meanings in maths to their use on social media!!
In maths we use them when we refer to terms. We speak of like terms and unlike terms.

Like terms have the same (i.e. like) variables with the same (i.e. like) exponents for the variables.
Unlike terms have different variables or different exponents even if they have the same variables.

Like terms Notes Unlike terms Notes

𝑘𝑘 + 3𝑘𝑘 Same variable 𝑘𝑘, same exponent 1 3 + 3𝑘𝑘 Term with variable and term with constant
5𝑎𝑎 − Same variable 𝑎𝑎, same exponent 1 5𝑎𝑎 − 7𝑏𝑏 Two different variables
7𝑎�� Same variable 𝑥𝑥, same exponent 1 3𝑥𝑥 + 7𝑥𝑥 2 Same variable but different exponents
3𝑥𝑥 + 7𝑥𝑥 𝑘𝑘 3 − 𝑥𝑥 3
Same variable 𝑥𝑥, same exponent 2 Same exponents but different variables
𝑥𝑥 2 − 2𝑥𝑥 2 7𝑘𝑘 − 7𝑥𝑥
Same variables and exponents – it Two different variables (does not matter that
5𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 +
2𝑏𝑏𝑎�� does not matter that the order of the coefficients are the same)
5𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 + 2𝑏𝑏 + 7𝑎𝑎
variables is different because 3 terms don’t have same combination of variables
multiplication is commutative

6) Operating on like and unlike terms

a) Adding and subtracting terms
We can add and subtract like terms. We cannot add and subtract unlike terms. We speak of collecting like
terms which means we add or subtract the like terms to get a simpler answer.

Expressions can be simplified by adding or Expressions cannot be simplified by adding or Expressions can be partly simplified
subtracting because they contain like terms subtracting because there are no like terms because they have some like terms
2𝑎𝑎 + 3𝑎𝑎 = 5𝑎𝑎 2𝑎𝑎 + 3𝑏𝑏 2𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 + 7𝑏𝑏 = 2𝑎𝑎 + 8𝑏𝑏
2𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎 = 3𝑎𝑎 2𝑎𝑎 − 2𝑏𝑏 2𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑏𝑏 − 2𝑎𝑎 + 3𝑏𝑏 = 5𝑏𝑏
5𝑘𝑘 − 3𝑘𝑘 = 2𝑘𝑘 2𝑎𝑎 − 2 2𝑎𝑎 − 2 − 𝑎𝑎 = 𝑎𝑎 − 2
𝑝𝑝 + 𝑝𝑝 = 𝑎𝑎 + 4 𝑎𝑎 + 4 + 𝑎𝑎 − 3 = 2𝑎𝑎 + 1 3𝑎𝑎2
2𝑝��2𝑝𝑝 − 𝑝𝑝 3𝑎𝑎2 − 3𝑎𝑎 − 3 − 𝑎𝑎2 − 3 = 2𝑎𝑎2 − 3
= 𝑝𝑝 5𝑎𝑎 − 2𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 + 𝑏𝑏𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎2 𝑏𝑏 = 2𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 + 𝑎𝑎2 𝑏𝑏
4𝑎𝑎2 + 6𝑎𝑎2 = 10𝑎𝑎2
𝑚𝑚 − 5𝑚𝑚 = −4𝑚𝑚

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b) Multiplying terms
 We can multiply like and unlike terms
 When we multiply letters, we use the addition law of exponents:
When we multiply powers with the same base, then we add the exponents
 Here are some examples:
5𝑝𝑝 × 4 = 20𝑝𝑝 5𝑝𝑝3 × 4𝑝𝑝 = 20𝑝𝑝3+1 = 20𝑝𝑝4
5𝑝𝑝 × (−4) = −20𝑝𝑝 5𝑎𝑎 × 4𝑏𝑏 = 20𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏
𝑝𝑝 × 𝑝𝑝 = 𝑝𝑝1+1 = 𝑝𝑝2 5𝑎𝑎 × 4𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 = 20𝑎𝑎2 𝑏𝑏

c) Dividing terms
 We can divide like and unlike terms
 When we divide terms with variables, we use the subtraction law of exponents:
When we divide powers with the same base, then we subtract the exponents
 Here are some examples (assume the denominators are not zero):
12𝑝𝑝3
12𝑝𝑝
4 = 3𝑝𝑝 = 4𝑝𝑝3−1 = 4𝑝𝑝2
12𝑝𝑝2 3𝑝𝑝
= −3𝑝𝑝2 6𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
−4
2𝑎𝑎 = 3𝑎𝑎

d) Distributive law
We apply the distributive law when we multiply a monomial by an expression containing two or more
unlike terms. A monomial consists of one term, e.g. 7𝑎𝑎; 2𝑎𝑎2; 6𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏; 12. In Grades 8 and 9 you will often
encounter binomials (e.g. 𝑥𝑥 + 3 and 2𝑚𝑚 − 5) and trinomials (e.g. 2𝑎𝑎 + 3𝑏𝑏 − 4𝑐𝑐).

We need to use brackets to show that the monomial is multiplied by all terms in the binomial or trinomial.
For example, 2(𝑥𝑥 + 3) means the 2 must be multiplied by each term in the bracket. However, the example
could also be written as: (𝑥𝑥 − 3)2. In both cases the 2 is multiplied by the binomial. We illustrate the
distributive law with three examples.

Example 1 Example 2 Example 3

2(𝑥𝑥 + 3) (2𝑚𝑚 − 5)4𝑚𝑚 −3(2𝑎𝑎 + 3𝑏𝑏 − 4𝑐𝑐)
= 2(𝑥𝑥 ) + 2(3) = 4𝑚𝑚(2𝑚𝑚) + 4𝑚𝑚(−5) or 4𝑚𝑚(2𝑚𝑚) = (−3)(2𝑎𝑎) + (−3)(3𝑏𝑏) + (−3)(−4𝑐𝑐)
= 2𝑥𝑥 + 6 − 4𝑚𝑚(5) or (−3)(2𝑎𝑎) + (−3)(3𝑏𝑏) − (−3)(4𝑐𝑐)
= 8𝑚𝑚2 − 20𝑚𝑚 = −6𝑎𝑎 − 9𝑏𝑏 + 12𝑐𝑐

e) Working with brackets

Brackets can have several different uses in algebra. For example:
i. We use brackets when we substitute numbers into expressions
ii. We use brackets to separate signs and operations
iii. We can use brackets instead of the multiplication sign (×) as we did with the distributive law
iv. We use brackets to group terms
v. Sometimes we need to use brackets to make our meaning clear

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Brackets for substitution Brackets to separate signs and operations Brackets to show multiplication
Calculate the value of 4 subtract positive 3: 4 − (+3) 2(5) is the same as 2 × 5 which is the same as
)i 𝑎𝑎 − 𝑏𝑏 4 subtract negative 3: 4 − (−3) 5 + 5.
ii) 2𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 In the same way:
if 𝑎𝑎 = 3 and 𝑏𝑏 = 4. 4𝑥𝑥 subtract positive 3: 4𝑥𝑥 − (+3) 4𝑥𝑥 2(3𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦) is the same as 2 × (3𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦) which is
subtract negative 3𝑥𝑥: 4𝑥𝑥 − (−3𝑥𝑥) the same as (3𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦) + (3𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦)
i) 𝑎𝑎 − 𝑏𝑏
= (3) − (4) = −1 Using the distributive law:
2(3𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦)
ii) 2𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 = 2(3𝑥𝑥 ) + 2(𝑦𝑦)
= 2(3) + (4) = 6𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑦𝑦
= 6 + 4 = 10

Brackets to group terms Using brackets to make the meaning clear

Compare the following examples: When we write −32 does it mean (−1) × 3 × 3 or (−3) × (−3)?
1) 7 − 5 + 1 = 3 Based on mathematical conventions, we take −32 to mean (−1) × 3 × 3 = −9
2) (7 − 5) + 1 = 2 + 1 = 3 If we want to represent “negative 3 squared”, we must use brackets: (−3)2 = 9
3) 7 − (5 + 1) = 7 − 6 = 1
A similar problem arises with the distributive law:
In example 2, the brackets do not affect the These two expressions are the same 2(𝑥𝑥 + 5) and (𝑥𝑥 + 5)2 because multiplication
answer. However, in example 3 the grouping is commutative.
with brackets means that 5 and 1 are added In both expressions, the 2 must be multiplied by both terms in the bracket.
first and then their sum is subtracted from 7.
BUT if we have negatives, then we need to be careful:
We can also use brackets to emphasise the Say we have the expressions: −2(𝑥𝑥 + 5) and (𝑥𝑥 + 5) − 2
structure of an expression: These two expressions are different.
1) (𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏) + (𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏)
2) 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 + 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 −2(𝑥𝑥 + 5) means that both terms in the bracket are multiplied by −2
BUT (𝑥𝑥 + 5) − 2 does not represent multiplication. It represents: “𝑥𝑥 add 5
The brackets make it easy to see that we are subtract 2” and 𝑥𝑥 + 5 − 2 = 𝑥𝑥 + 3
adding the same binomial, i.e. 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏
When we put the −2 on the right of the bracket, the meaning of the minus
symbol changes from “negative” to “subtract”.
If we want to multiply, then we must put the −2 in brackets: (𝑥𝑥 + 5)(−2)
= −2𝑥𝑥 − 10

7) What makes algebraic notation and terminology confusing?

Here we discuss four cases that illustrate ways in which algebraic notation and terminology can be
confusing.

a) Sometimes a symbol represents a sign, sometimes it represents an operation

We have already noted that the minus symbol can represent a sign or an operation. Here we focus on
the possible confusions with sign and operation in algebraic notation.

Consider the expression: 4 − 3𝑥𝑥

We say “4 subtract 3𝑥𝑥”. This sounds as if the minus symbol does not belong to 3𝑥𝑥. We say the
expression has two terms that are separated by the operation of subtraction. This also suggests that
the minus symbol does not belong to the 3𝑥𝑥. But then we say the terms are 4 and −3𝑥𝑥 (four and
negative three 𝑥𝑥) which means the minus symbol is connected to the 3𝑥𝑥. We also say “the coefficient of
𝑥𝑥 is negative 3”. Once again, this indicates that the minus symbol belongs to the 3.

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This is confusing because sometimes we are separating the minus symbol from the 3 and sometimes
we are attaching it to the 3. Part of learning algebra involves learning when to combine the minus (or
plus) symbol with the letter or number and when to separate it from the letter or number.

Note that if the expression were 4 − 𝑥𝑥, everything we have said above would still apply. The coefficient
of 𝑥𝑥 is −1, and the terms are 4 and – 𝑥𝑥.

b) Different meanings and uses for the word “term”

The way we use the word term can be confusing. We discuss two different situations below.
i) Counting the number of terms in an expression
Consider the terms 3𝑥𝑥 and 5𝑦𝑦. We can represent their sum as 3𝑥𝑥 + 5𝑦𝑦 which is an expression with
two terms. The same applies for subtraction: the expression 3𝑥𝑥 − 5𝑦𝑦 has two terms. In both cases
the terms are separated by addition or subtraction. However, if we multiply the terms, we write
(3𝑥𝑥)(5𝑦𝑦). Then this is only one term because the 3𝑥𝑥 and 5𝑦𝑦 are not separated by addition or
3𝑥𝑥
subtraction. The same applies for division: 5𝑦𝑦 is treated as one term.

Now take 3𝑥𝑥 + 5𝑦𝑦 and multiply the expression by 4. We write this as 4(3𝑥𝑥 + 5𝑦𝑦). This new
expression consists of only one term. Why does this happen? Firstly, (3𝑥𝑥 + 5𝑦𝑦) is considered as
one term when 3𝑥𝑥 and 5𝑦𝑦 are put in brackets, and 4 is a single term. So then we have two single
terms that are multiplied. This is treated as one term because there is no addition or subtraction
separating 4 and (3𝑥𝑥 + 5𝑦𝑦).

But, when we apply the distributive law, we get 4(3𝑥𝑥 + 5𝑦𝑦) = 12𝑥𝑥 + 20𝑦𝑦
Now we have two terms again because 12𝑥𝑥 and 20𝑦𝑦 are separated by the operation of addition.

ii) Referring to terms in brackets

We have just noted that 4(3𝑥𝑥 + 5𝑦𝑦) is one term.
When we look inside the bracket, we refer to 3𝑥𝑥 as the first term in the bracket and 5𝑦𝑦 as the
second term in the bracket. But, if you are asked how many terms in 4(3𝑥𝑥 + 5𝑦𝑦), the correct answer
is one!!! This may seem weird but it’s how we talk about terms in algebra.

c) Seeing the equal sign in two different ways

When you first learned about the equal sign, you treated it as “gives me”, e.g. 4 + 5 = . Here we say
“4 add 5 gives me 9”. But when you have a statement like: 4 + 5 = 3 + , you need to reason as
follows: “4 add 5 is the same as 3 add something”. The left side adds to 9 so the right side must also
add to 9. This means the place holder must have a value of 6. So we have 4 + 5 = 3 + 6 and we say “4
add 5 is the same as 3 add 6”.

Here is another example: 4 + 5 =  − 2.

Once again, we have to see the equal sign as “is the same as”. So we need to say “4 add 5 is the
same as something subtract 2”. If the left side adds to 9, then the right side must also add to 9.
This means the place holder must have a value of 11. We can also write this as an equation in 𝑥𝑥: 4 +
5 = 𝑥𝑥 − 2

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d) Thinking that an answer must consist of one term only

When we operate on numbers, we always expect to get one number as the answer. For example:
15 − 2(1 + 3) = 15 − 2(4) = 15 − 8 = 7. Although we may show several steps, the final answer is 7.
We know we are finished because there are no more operations to perform.

Algebra can be confusing because we seldom get a single term for an answer. For example, if we
simplify the expression 5 + 3𝑥𝑥 + 2 − 𝑥𝑥, we get 3𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥 + 5 + 2 = 2𝑥𝑥 + 7.
The answer 2𝑥𝑥 + 7 may seem unfinished because there is an addition operation in the answer. It is
tempting to write 2𝑥𝑥 + 7 = 9𝑥𝑥 but this is not correct because we cannot add unlike terms. So the final answer
remains as 2𝑥𝑥 + 7.

When we simplify numeric expressions, we are finished a calculation when we have performed all the
operations. When we simplify algebraic expressions, we are finished when we have performed the
operations on the like terms.

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 7

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1

Worksheet 1.1
In this worksheet you will focus on: the difference between like and unlike terms, adding and subtracting 2 like terms, and using
substitution to check answers.

Questions
1) Write in simplest form: (e.g. 3 × 𝑎𝑎 = 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎 = 3𝑎𝑎 and 𝑎𝑎 × 𝑎𝑎 = 𝑎𝑎2 )
a) 2 × 𝑥𝑥 = b) 𝑥𝑥 × 𝑥𝑥 = c) 2 × 𝑥𝑥 × 𝑥𝑥 =

2) Look at each pair of terms. Say whether they are like terms or unlike terms. Give reasons for each
answer.
a) 2𝑥𝑥 and 𝑥𝑥 2 b) 2𝑥𝑥 2 and 3𝑥𝑥 2 c) 2 and 2𝑥𝑥 d) 2𝑥𝑥 2 and 2𝑦𝑦 2

3) Write down the unlike term in each list of terms.

a) 7𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥; 7𝑥𝑥; 7𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 b) 6𝑦𝑦; 10; 10𝑦𝑦 c) 3𝑥𝑥; 2𝑥𝑥 3 ; −3𝑥𝑥

4) Identify the like terms in each list. Then add the like terms in each list.
a) 4𝑥𝑥 2 ; 3; 3𝑥𝑥 2 b) 7𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥; 7𝑥𝑥; 8𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 c) 6; 6𝑦𝑦; 10

5) Say whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE. If the statement is false, change the right side of the
equal sign to make it true.
a) 6𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 = 8𝑎𝑎 d) 6𝑎𝑎 − 2 = 4𝑎𝑎
b) 5𝑘𝑘 2 + 2𝑘𝑘 2 = 7 e) 5𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 6𝑎𝑎 = 11𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
c) 6𝑝𝑝𝑥𝑥 − 𝑝𝑝𝑥𝑥 = 5𝑝𝑝𝑥𝑥 f) 7𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 8𝑎𝑎3𝑎𝑎

6) We are going to use substitution to check 2 statements in Q5:

a) Focus on Q5a: 6𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 = 8𝑎𝑎 b) Focus on Q5d: 6𝑎𝑎 − 2 = 4𝑎𝑎
i) What is the value of 6𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 if 𝑎𝑎 = 3? i) What is the value of 6𝑎𝑎 − 2 if 𝑎𝑎 = 1?
ii) What is the value of 8𝑎𝑎 if 𝑎𝑎 = 3? ii) What is the value of 4𝑎𝑎 if 𝑎𝑎 = 1?

iii) What is the value of 6𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 if 𝑎𝑎 = 5? iii) What is the value of 6𝑎𝑎 − 2 if 𝑎𝑎 = 5?
iv) What is the value of 8𝑎𝑎 if 𝑎𝑎 = 5? iv) What is the value of 4𝑎𝑎 if 𝑎𝑎 = 5?

v) Repeat the checks for the following v) Repeat the checks if 𝑎𝑎 = 3, 𝑎𝑎 = −1 and
values of 𝑎𝑎: 𝑎𝑎 = 1, 𝑎𝑎 = −2 and 𝑎𝑎 = 0. 𝑎𝑎 = 0.

vi) Can you think of any value of 𝑎𝑎 vi) You should have found two values for 𝑎𝑎
where 6𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 will NOT be equal to where 6𝑎𝑎 − 2 is equal to 4𝑎𝑎. Can you find
8𝑎𝑎? Explain. any other values that will make 6𝑎𝑎 − 2
equal to 4𝑎𝑎? Explain your answer using the
ideas of like and unlike terms.

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Worksheet 1.1
Answers
Questions Answers
1) Write in simplest form: 1)
(e.g. 3 × 𝑎𝑎 = 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎 = 3𝑎𝑎 and 𝑎𝑎 × 𝑎𝑎 = 𝑎𝑎2 )

a) 2 × 𝑥𝑥 = b) 𝑥𝑥 × 𝑥𝑥 = c) 2 × 𝑥𝑥 × a) 2𝑥𝑥 b) 𝑥𝑥 2 c) 2𝑥𝑥 2
𝑥𝑥 =

2) Look at each pair of terms. Say whether they are 2)

like terms or unlike terms. Give reasons for each a) 2𝑥𝑥 and 𝑥𝑥 2 are unlike terms. The variable of the 1st term is of
answer. degree one. The variable of the 2nd term is of degree two.
a) 2𝑥𝑥 and 𝑥𝑥 2 b) 2𝑥𝑥 2 and 3𝑥𝑥 2 are like terms. The variables of both terms are of
b) 2𝑥𝑥 2 and 3𝑥𝑥 2 degree two.
c) 2 and 2𝑥𝑥 c) 2 and 2𝑥𝑥 are unlike terms. The 1st term is a constant. The 2nd
d) 2𝑥𝑥 2 and 2𝑦𝑦 2 term has a variable of degree one.
d) 2𝑥𝑥 2 and 2𝑦𝑦 2 are unlike terms. The 1st term has the variable 𝑥𝑥
and the 2nd term has the variable 𝑦𝑦.
3) Write down the unlike term in each list of terms. 3)
a) 7𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥; 7𝑥𝑥; 7𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 b) 6𝑦𝑦; 10; 10𝑦𝑦 c) 3𝑥𝑥; 2𝑥𝑥 3 ; −3𝑥𝑥 a) 7𝑥𝑥 b) 10 c) 2𝑥𝑥 3

4) Identify the like terms in each list. Then add the like terms in each 4)
list.
a) 4𝑥𝑥 2 ; 3; 3𝑥𝑥 2 b) 7𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥; 7𝑥𝑥; 8𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 c) 6; 6𝑦𝑦; 10 a) 4𝑥𝑥 2 + 3𝑥𝑥 2 b) 7𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 8𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 c) 6 + 10
= 7𝑥𝑥 2 = 15𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 = 16

5) Say whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE. 5)

If the statement is false, change the right side of the a) 6𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 = 8𝑎𝑎 TRUE e) 5𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 6𝑎𝑎 = 11𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 FALSE
equal sign to make it true. b) 5𝑘𝑘 2 + 2𝑘𝑘 2 = 7 FALSE 5𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 6𝑎𝑎 = 5𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 6𝑎𝑎
a) 6𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 = 8𝑎𝑎 d) 6𝑎𝑎 − 2 = 4𝑎𝑎 5𝑘𝑘 2 + 2𝑘𝑘 2 = 7𝑘𝑘 2 f) 7𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 8𝑎𝑎3𝑎𝑎 FALSE
b) 5𝑘𝑘 2 + 2𝑘𝑘 2 = 7 e) 5𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 6𝑎𝑎 = 11𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 c) 6𝑝𝑝𝑥𝑥 − 𝑝𝑝𝑥𝑥 = 5𝑝𝑝𝑥𝑥 TRUE 7𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 9𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
c) 6𝑝𝑝𝑥𝑥 − 𝑝𝑝𝑥𝑥 = 5𝑝𝑝𝑥𝑥 f) 7𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 8𝑎𝑎3 d) 6𝑎𝑎 − 2 = 4𝑎𝑎 FALSE
6𝑎𝑎 − 2 = 6𝑎𝑎 − 2

6) Answer to a) 6) Answer to b)
a) Focus on Q5a: 6𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 = 8𝑎𝑎 b) Focus on Q5d: 6𝑎𝑎 − 2 = 4𝑎𝑎
i) 6(3) + 2(3) = 24 i) 6(1) − 2 = 4
ii) 8(3) = 24 ∴ Equal for 𝑎𝑎 = 3 since expressions in ii) 4(1) = 4 ∴ Equal for 𝑎𝑎 = 1
Q6a(i) and Q6a(ii) both equal 24.
iii) 6(5) − 2 = 28
iii) 6(5) + 2(5) = 40 iv) 4(5) = 20 ∴ Not equal for 𝑎𝑎 = 5
iv) 8(5) = 40 ∴ Equal for 𝑎𝑎 = 3 since Q6b(iii) and Q6b(iv) have different
answers
v) v)
(1) For 𝑎𝑎 = 1, 6𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 = 8 and 8𝑎𝑎 = 8 (1) For 𝑎𝑎 = 3, 6𝑎𝑎 − 2 = 16 and 4𝑎𝑎 = 12
(2) For 𝑎𝑎 = −2, 6𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 = −16 and 8𝑎𝑎 = −16 (2) For 𝑎𝑎 = −1, 6𝑎𝑎 − 2 = −8 and
(3) For 𝑎𝑎 = 0, 6𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 = 0 and 8𝑎𝑎 = 0 4𝑎𝑎 = −4
(3) For 𝑎𝑎 = 0, 6𝑎𝑎 − 2 = 0 and 4𝑎𝑎 = 0
vi) No. The statement is always true, no matter what
value of 𝑎𝑎 you choose. 6𝑎𝑎 and 2𝑎𝑎 are like terms, vi) No. The only values that give the same
their sum is 8𝑎𝑎 answers are 𝑎𝑎 = 1 and 𝑎𝑎 = 0.
6𝑎𝑎 and −2 are unlike terms, they cannot be
added.

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 1.2
In this worksheet you will focus on: the difference between like and unlike terms, adding and subtracting 2 like terms, and using
substitution to check answers.

Questions
1) Write in simplest form:
a) 2 × 𝑦𝑦 = b) 𝑦𝑦 × 𝑦𝑦 = c) 4 × 𝑦𝑦 × 𝑦𝑦 =
2) Look at each pair of terms. Say whether they are like terms or unlike terms. Give reasons for each
answer.
a) 2𝑦𝑦 and 𝑦𝑦 2 b) 3𝑥𝑥 2 and 𝑥𝑥 2 c) 3 and 3𝑥𝑥 d) 2𝑚𝑚2 and 2𝑛𝑛2

3) Write down the unlike term in each list.

a) 5𝑥𝑥; 5𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦; 7𝑦𝑦𝑥𝑥 b) 6𝑦𝑦; 6; 10𝑦𝑦 c) 3𝑦𝑦; 2𝑦𝑦 3 ; −3𝑦𝑦

4) Identify the like terms in each list. Then add the like terms in each list.
a) 4𝑦𝑦 2 ; 3; 3𝑦𝑦 2 b) 7𝑚𝑚𝑛𝑛; 7𝑚𝑚; 8𝑚𝑚𝑛𝑛 c) 5; 5𝑦𝑦; 10𝑦𝑦

5) Say whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE.

If the statement is false, change the right side of the equal sign to make the statement true.
a) 8𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 = 10𝑎𝑎 c) 6𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 − 2𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 = 4𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 e) 7𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 6𝑎𝑎 = 13𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
b) 5𝑘𝑘 2 + 5𝑘𝑘 2 = 10 d) 9𝑎𝑎 − 2 = 7𝑎𝑎 f) 11𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 11𝑎𝑎2𝑎𝑎

6) We are going to use substitution to check 2 statements in Q6:

a) Focus on Q6a: 8𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 = 10𝑎𝑎 b) Focus on Q6d: 9𝑎𝑎 − 2 = 7𝑎𝑎

i) What is the value of 8𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 if 𝑎𝑎 = 1? i) What is the value of 9𝑎𝑎 − 2 if 𝑎𝑎 = 1?
ii) What is the value of 10𝑎𝑎 if 𝑎𝑎 = 1? ii) What is the value of 7𝑎𝑎 if 𝑎𝑎 = 1?

iii) What is the value of 8𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 if 𝑎𝑎 = 3? iii) What is the value of 9𝑎𝑎 − 2 if 𝑎𝑎 = 3?
iv) What is the value of 10𝑎𝑎 if 𝑎𝑎 = 3? iv) What is the value of 7𝑎𝑎 if 𝑎𝑎 = 3?

v) Repeat the checks if v) Repeat the checks if 𝑎𝑎 = −3, 𝑎𝑎 = −1 and

𝑎𝑎 = −3, 𝑎𝑎 = −1 and 𝑎𝑎 = 0. 𝑎𝑎 = 0.

vi) Can you think of any value of 𝑎𝑎 vii) You should have found only one value for
where 8𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 will NOT be equal to 𝑎𝑎 where 9𝑎𝑎 − 2 is equal to 7𝑎𝑎. Can you
10𝑎𝑎? Explain your answer using the find any other values that will make
ideas of like and unlike terms. 9𝑎𝑎 − 2 equal to 7𝑎𝑎? Explain your answer
using the ideas of like and unlike terms.

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 1

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS
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Worksheet 1.2
Answers
Questions Answers
1) Write in simplest form: 1)
a) 2 × 𝑦𝑦 = b) 𝑦𝑦 × 𝑦𝑦 = c) 4 × 𝑦𝑦 × 𝑦𝑦 = a) 2𝑦𝑦 b) 𝑦𝑦 2 c) 4𝑦𝑦 2

2) Look at each pair of terms. Say whether they are 2)

like terms or unlike terms. Give reasons for each a) 2𝑦𝑦 and 𝑦𝑦 2 are unlike terms. The variable of the 1st term is of
answer. degree one. The variable of the 2nd term is of degree two.
a) 2𝑦𝑦 and 𝑦𝑦 2 b) 3𝑥𝑥 2 and 𝑥𝑥 2 are like terms. The variables of both terms are of
b) 3𝑥𝑥 2 and 𝑥𝑥 2 degree two.
c) 3 and 3𝑥𝑥 c) 3 and 3𝑥𝑥 are unlike terms. The 1st term is a constant. The 2nd
d) 2𝑚𝑚2 and 2𝑛𝑛2 term has a variable of degree one.
d) 2𝑚𝑚2 and 2𝑛𝑛2 are unlike terms. The variables of the terms
are different.
3) Write down the unlike term in each list of terms. 3)
a) 5𝑥𝑥; 5𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦; 7𝑦𝑦𝑥𝑥 b) 6𝑦𝑦; 6; 10𝑦𝑦 c) 3𝑦𝑦; 2𝑦𝑦 3 ; −3𝑦𝑦 a) 5𝑥𝑥 b) 6 c) 2𝑦𝑦 3

4) Identify the like terms in each list. Then add the like terms in 4)
each list a) 4𝑦𝑦 2 + 3𝑦𝑦 2 b) 7𝑚𝑚𝑛𝑛 + 8𝑚𝑚𝑛𝑛 c) 5 + 10
a) 4𝑦𝑦 2 ; 3; 3𝑦𝑦 b) 7𝑚𝑚𝑛𝑛; 7𝑚𝑚; 8𝑚𝑚𝑛𝑛 c) 5; 5𝑦𝑦; 10𝑦𝑦 = 7𝑦𝑦 2 = 15𝑚𝑚𝑛𝑛 = 15

5) Say whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE. 5)

If the statement is false, change the right side of the a) 8𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 = 10𝑎𝑎 TRUE e) 7𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 6𝑎𝑎 = 13𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
equal sign to make it true. b) 5𝑘𝑘2 + 5𝑘𝑘2 = 10 FALSE
FALSE 7𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 6𝑎𝑎 = 7𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 6𝑎𝑎
5𝑘𝑘 2 + 5𝑘𝑘 2 = 10𝑘𝑘 2 f) 11𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 11𝑎𝑎2𝑎𝑎
a) 8𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 = 10𝑎𝑎 d) 9𝑎𝑎 − 2 = 7𝑎𝑎
b) 5𝑘𝑘 2 + 5𝑘𝑘 2 = 10 e) 7𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 6𝑎𝑎 = 13𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 c) 6𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 − 2𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 = 4𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝
TRUE FALSE
c) 6𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 − 2𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 = 4𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 f) 11𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 11𝑎𝑎2𝑎𝑎 11𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 11𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
d) 9𝑎𝑎 − 2 = 7𝑎𝑎
FALSE
9𝑎𝑎 − 2 = 9𝑎𝑎 − 2

6) Answer to a) 6) Answer to b)
a) Focus on Q6a: 8𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 = 10𝑎𝑎 b) Focus on Q6d: 9𝑎𝑎 − 2 = 7𝑎𝑎
i) 8(1) + 2(1) = 10 i) 9(1) − 2 = 7
ii) 10(1) = 10 ∴ Equal for 𝑎𝑎 = 1 ii) 7(1) = 7 ∴ Equal for 𝑎𝑎 = 1

iii) 8(3) + 2(3) = 30 iii) 9(3) − 2 = 25

iv) 10(3) = 30 ∴ Equal for 𝑎𝑎 = 3 iv) 7(3) = 21 ∴ Not equal for 𝑎𝑎 = 3

v) v)
(1) For 𝑎𝑎 = −3, 8𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 = −30 and 10𝑎𝑎 = −30 (1) For 𝑎𝑎 = −3, 9𝑎𝑎 − 2 = −29 and
(2) For 𝑎𝑎 = −1, 8𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 = −10 and 10𝑎𝑎 = −10 7𝑎𝑎 = −21
(3) For 𝑎𝑎 = 0, 8𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 = 0 and 10𝑎𝑎 = 0 (2) For 𝑎𝑎 = −1, 9𝑎𝑎 − 2 = −11 and
7𝑎𝑎 = −7
vi) No. The statement is always true – you can test any (3) For 𝑎𝑎 = 0, 9𝑎𝑎 − 2 = −2 and 7𝑎𝑎 = 0
value of 𝑎𝑎. 8𝑎𝑎 and 2𝑎𝑎 are like terms, their sum is 10𝑎𝑎
vi) No. The only value that gives the same
answers is 𝑎𝑎 = 1. 9𝑎𝑎 and −2 are unlike
terms, they cannot be added. 7𝑎𝑎 is the result
of adding 9 and−2 (or subtracting 2 from 9).

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 2

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC
1

Worksheet 1.3
In this worksheet you will focus on: working with verbal and algebraic expressions, the difference between like and unlike terms,
adding and subtracting 2 like terms, and using substitution to check answers.

Questions
1) In the table below the letter 𝑔𝑔 represents any number.
e.g. The verbal expression “a number increased by 2” is written as 𝑔𝑔 + 2 but it could also be written as
2 + 𝑔𝑔. Match the columns. There may be more than one correct answer for some options!

Verbal expression Algebraic expression A verbal expression is written in words.

1. 8 add a number A 8 + 𝑔𝑔 e.g. Add 3 to a number.
An algebraic expression uses
2. A number multiplied by 8 B 8𝑔𝑔 symbols for operations (+; −;×;÷) and
3. 8 subtract a number C 𝑔𝑔 + 8 variables to replace “a number”.
4. A number divided by 8 D 𝑔𝑔 − 8 e.g. 𝑥𝑥 + 3
So here we have replaced the words
5. A number decreased by 8 E 𝑔𝑔(8)
“a number” with 𝑥𝑥 and we have used the
F 8 ÷ 𝑔𝑔 symbol + in place of “add”.
G 8 − 𝑔𝑔
H 𝑔𝑔 ÷ 8

2)
a) For each row, shade the like terms in the same colour.
A. 3𝑥𝑥 4𝑥𝑥 2 3 3𝑥𝑥 2
B. 7𝑞𝑞 2 7𝑞𝑞 2 𝑟𝑟 8𝑞𝑞𝑟𝑟 8 −8𝑟𝑟𝑞𝑞
C. 2(3𝑏𝑏) 3𝑏𝑏 2
9𝑏𝑏
D. 5𝑎𝑎2 5𝑎𝑎 2𝑎𝑎3 3𝑎𝑎2 9𝑎𝑎

b) Add the like terms you shaded in Q2a for A, B and C. Solve for each row separately.

3) Say whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE. If the statement is false, change the part on the right of
the equal sign to make the statement true.
a) 5𝑎𝑎 + 7𝑎𝑎 = 12𝑎𝑎2
b) 2𝑚𝑚 − 𝑚𝑚 = 2𝑚𝑚
c) 7 − 3𝑏𝑏 = 4𝑏𝑏
d) 5𝑎𝑎 + 6𝑏𝑏 = 11𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 1

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC
2

Worksheet 1.3 continued

Questions
4) In this question we substitute values to check if expressions are equal.
a) We will focus on the expressions from Q3c: 7 − 3𝑏𝑏 and 4𝑏𝑏
i) What is the value of 7 − 3𝑏𝑏 if 𝑏𝑏 = 2?
ii) What is the value of 4𝑏𝑏 if 𝑏𝑏 = 2?

iii) What is the value of 7 − 3𝑏𝑏 if 𝑏𝑏 = −2?

iv) What is the value of 4𝑏𝑏 if 𝑏𝑏 = −2?

v) Check if 7 − 3𝑏𝑏 = 4𝑏𝑏 is true when 𝑏𝑏 = 1 and then if 𝑏𝑏 = 0.

vi) Can we say that 7 − 3𝑏𝑏 = 4𝑏𝑏? Justify your answer.

b) In Q3d we must compare the expressions 5𝑎𝑎 + 6𝑏𝑏 and 11𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 to see if they are always equal.
i) Show that they are not equal if 𝑎𝑎 = 3 and 𝑏𝑏 = −2.
ii) Show that they are not equal if 𝑎𝑎 = 10 and 𝑏𝑏 = 10.
iii) Are the expressions equal if 𝑎𝑎 = 1 and 𝑏𝑏 = 1?
iv) Choose another set of your own values for 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑏𝑏 and check if the expressions are equal.
v) Can we conclude that the statement 5𝑎𝑎 + 6𝑏𝑏 = 11𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 is true? Why/why not?

5) Fill in the missing spaces to make the algebraic statements true:

a) 2𝑥𝑥 + 4𝑥𝑥 =
b) 2𝑥𝑥 − 4𝑥𝑥 =
c) 2 + 3𝑥𝑥 + 4 = +6
d) 2 + 3𝑥𝑥 − 4𝑥𝑥 = −𝑥𝑥 +
e) −3𝑥𝑥 + 4 + = 2𝑥𝑥 +
f) + − 4 = 5𝑥𝑥 − 4

6) Collect like terms and simplify:

e.g. 2𝑝𝑝 + 4 − 𝑝𝑝 For the answer:
Write the variable term first,
= 2𝑝𝑝 − 𝑝𝑝 + 4 then write the constant term.
= 𝑝𝑝 + 4

a) 2 + 3𝑥𝑥 + 4𝑥𝑥 + 5
b) 2 + 3𝑥𝑥 − 4𝑥𝑥 + 5
c) 2 − 3𝑥𝑥 + 4 − 5𝑥𝑥
d) 2 − 3𝑥𝑥 − 4 + 5𝑥𝑥

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 2

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC
1

Worksheet
1.3
Questions Answers

1) In the table below the letter 𝑔𝑔 represents any number. 1)

e.g. The verbal expression “a number increased by 2” is written as 𝑔𝑔
+ 2 but it could also be written as 2 + 𝑔𝑔. Match the columns. There 1. A; C
may be more than one correct answer for some options! 2. B; E
Verbal expression Algebraic expression 3. G
1. 8 add a number A 8 + 𝑔𝑔 4. H
2. A number multiplied by 8 B 8𝑔𝑔 5. D

3. 8 subtract a number C 𝑔𝑔 + 8
4. A number divided by 8 D 𝑔𝑔 − 8
5. A number decreased by 8 E 𝑔𝑔(8)
F 8 ÷ 𝑔𝑔
G 8 − 𝑔𝑔
H 𝑔𝑔 ÷ 8

2) 2)
a) For each row, shade the like terms in the same colour. a)
A. 3𝑥𝑥 4𝑥𝑥 2
3 3𝑥𝑥 2
A. 3𝑥𝑥 4𝑥𝑥 2 3 3𝑥𝑥 2
B. 7𝑞𝑞 2
7𝑞𝑞 𝑟𝑟
2
8𝑞𝑞𝑟𝑟 8 −8𝑟𝑟𝑞𝑞
B. 7𝑞𝑞 2 7𝑞𝑞 2 𝑟𝑟 8𝑞𝑞𝑟𝑟 8 −8𝑟𝑟𝑞𝑞
C. 2(3𝑏𝑏) 3𝑏𝑏2 9𝑏𝑏
C. 2(3𝑏𝑏) 3𝑏𝑏 2
9𝑏𝑏
D. 5𝑎𝑎2 5𝑎𝑎 2𝑎𝑎3 3𝑎𝑎2 9𝑎𝑎
D. 5𝑎𝑎 2
5𝑎𝑎 2𝑎𝑎3 3𝑎𝑎2 9𝑎𝑎

b) Add the like terms you shaded in Q2a for A, B and C. b)

Solve for each row separately. A. 4𝑥𝑥 2 + 3𝑥𝑥 2 = 7𝑥𝑥 2
B. 8𝑞𝑞𝑟𝑟 + (−8𝑟𝑟𝑞𝑞 ) = 0
C. 2(3𝑏𝑏) + 9𝑏𝑏 = 15𝑏𝑏
3) Say whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE. If the statement is 3)
false, change the part on the right of the equal sign to make the a) False: 5𝑎𝑎 + 7𝑎𝑎 = 12𝑎𝑎
statement true. b) False: 2𝑚𝑚 − 𝑚𝑚 = 𝑚𝑚
a) 5𝑎𝑎 + 7𝑎𝑎 = 12𝑎𝑎2 c) False: 7 − 3𝑏𝑏 = 7 − 3𝑏𝑏
b) 2𝑚𝑚 − 𝑚𝑚 = 2𝑚𝑚 d) False: 5𝑎𝑎 + 6𝑏𝑏 = 5𝑎𝑎 + 6𝑏𝑏
c) 7 − 3𝑏𝑏 = 4𝑏𝑏
d) 5𝑎𝑎 + 6𝑏𝑏 = 11𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 3

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC
1

Worksheet 1.3
Answers
Questions Answers
4) In this question we substitute values to check if expressions are 4)
equal. a)
a) We will focus on the expressions from Q3c: 7 − 3𝑏𝑏 and 4𝑏𝑏 i) 7 − 3(2) = 1
i) What is the value of 7 − 3𝑏𝑏 if 𝑏𝑏 = 2? ii) 4(2) = 8 ∴ Not equal for 𝑏𝑏 = 2
ii) What is the value of 4𝑏𝑏 if 𝑏𝑏 = 2?
iii) 7 − 3(−2) = 13
iii) What is the value of 7 − 3𝑏𝑏 if 𝑏𝑏 = −2? iv) 4(−2) = −8 ∴ Not equal for 𝑏𝑏 = −2
iv) What is the value of 4𝑏𝑏 if 𝑏𝑏 = −2?
v)
v) Check if 7 − 3𝑏𝑏 = 4𝑏𝑏 is true when 𝑏𝑏 = 1 and then if (1) For 𝑏𝑏 = 1, 7 − 3(1) = 4 and
𝑏𝑏 = 0. 4(1) = 4 ∴ True for 𝑏𝑏 = 1
vi) Can we say that 7 − 3𝑏𝑏 = 4𝑏𝑏? Justify your answer. (2) For 𝑏𝑏 = 0, 7 − 3(0) = 7 and
4(0) = 0 ∴ Not true for 𝑏𝑏 = 0
b) In Q3d we must compare the expressions vi) It is true for 𝑏𝑏 = 1. But it is not true for all
65𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 and 11𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 to see if they are always equal. values of 𝑏𝑏.
i) Show that they are not equal if 𝑎𝑎 = 3 and 𝑏𝑏 = −2. b)
ii) Show that they are not equal if 𝑎𝑎 = 10 and 𝑏𝑏 = 10. i) 5(3) + 6(−2) = 3 and
iii) Are the expressions equal if 𝑎𝑎 = 1 and 𝑏𝑏 = 1? 11(3)(−2) = −66 ∴ not equal
iv) Choose another set of your own values for 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑏𝑏 ii) 5(10) + 6(10) = 110 and
and check if the expressions are equal. 11(10)(10) = 1100 ∴ not equal
v) Can we conclude that the statement 5𝑎𝑎 + 6𝑏𝑏 = 11𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 iii) They are equal if 𝑎𝑎 = 1 and 𝑏𝑏 = 1
is true? Why/why not? iv) Many possible solutions: e.g.: For 𝑎𝑎 =
0 and 𝑏𝑏 = 1 then 5(0) + 6(1) = 6 and
11(0)(1) = 0 ∴ not true
v) The statement is only true when 𝑎𝑎 = 1 and
𝑏𝑏 = 1. So we conclude that the statement
is not true (for all values of 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑏𝑏)

5) Fill in the missing spaces to make the algebraic statements true: 5)

a) 2𝑥𝑥 + 4𝑥𝑥 = a) 2 + 4𝑥𝑥 = 𝟔𝟔𝒙𝒙
b) 2𝑥𝑥 − 4𝑥𝑥 = b) 2𝑥𝑥 − 4𝑥𝑥 = −𝟐𝟐𝒙𝒙
c) 2 + 3𝑥𝑥 + 4 = +6 c) 2 + 3𝑥𝑥 + 4 = 𝟑𝟑𝒙𝒙 + 6
d) 2 + 3𝑥𝑥 − 4𝑥𝑥 = −𝑥𝑥 + d) 2 + 3𝑥𝑥 − 4𝑥𝑥 = −𝑥𝑥 + 𝟐𝟐
e) −3𝑥𝑥 + 4 + = 2𝑥𝑥 + e) −3𝑥𝑥 + 4 + 𝟓𝟓𝒙𝒙 = 2𝑥𝑥 + 𝟒𝟒
f) + − 4 = 5𝑥𝑥 − 4 f) Some possibilities to get 5𝑥𝑥.
e.g.: 𝟐𝟐𝒙𝒙 + 𝟑𝟑𝒙𝒙 − 4 = 5𝑥𝑥 − 4 or
𝟔𝟔𝒙𝒙 + (−𝒙𝒙) − 4 = 5𝑥𝑥 − 4
6) Collect like terms and simplify: 6)
.g. e 2𝑝𝑝 + 4 − 𝑝𝑝 a) 3𝑥𝑥 + 4𝑥𝑥 + 2 + 5 = 7𝑥𝑥 + 7
= 2𝑝𝑝 − 𝑝𝑝 + 4 b) 3𝑥𝑥 − 4𝑥𝑥 + 2 + 5 = −𝑥𝑥 + 7
= 𝑝𝑝 + 4 c) −3𝑥𝑥 − 5𝑥𝑥 + 2 + 4 = −8𝑥𝑥 + 6
a) 2 + 3𝑥𝑥 + 4𝑥𝑥 + 5 d) −3𝑥𝑥 + 5𝑥𝑥 + 2 − 4 = 2𝑥𝑥 − 2
b) 2 + 3𝑥𝑥 − 4𝑥𝑥 + 5
c) 2 − 3𝑥𝑥 + 4 − 5𝑥𝑥
d) 2 − 3𝑥𝑥 − 4 + 5𝑥𝑥

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 4

 𝒙𝒙.act
PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC
1

Worksheet 1.4
In this worksheet you will focus on: working with verbal and algebraic expressions, the difference between like and unlike terms, adding
and subtracting 2 like terms, and using substitution to check answers.

Questions

1) In the table below the letter 𝑔𝑔 represents any number.

e.g.: The verbal expression “a number increased by 2” is written as 𝑔𝑔 + 2 but it could also be
written as 2 + 𝑔𝑔. Match the columns. There may be more than one correct answer for some
options!
Verbal expression Algebraic expression
1. A number increased by 6 A 6 + 𝑔𝑔
2. A number multiplied by 6 B 6𝑔𝑔
3. 6 subtract a number C 𝑔𝑔 + 6
4. A number decreased by 6 D 𝑔𝑔 − 6
5. A number divided by 6 E 𝑔𝑔(6)
F 6 ÷ 𝑔𝑔
G 6 − 𝑔𝑔
H 𝑔𝑔 ÷ 6

2)
a) For each row, shade the like terms in the same colour.
A. 7𝑥𝑥 2 2𝑥𝑥 7 2𝑥𝑥 2
B. 4𝑝𝑝2 4𝑝𝑝2 𝑟𝑟 5𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑟 5 −5𝑟𝑟𝑝𝑝
C. 3(5𝑏𝑏) 3𝑏𝑏 2 9𝑏𝑏
D. 6𝑎𝑎 2
4𝑎𝑎 2𝑎𝑎3 2𝑎𝑎2 7𝑎𝑎

b) Add the like terms you shaded in Q2a for A, B and C. Solve for each row separately.

3) Say whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE. If the statement is false, change the part on the right
of the equal sign to make the statement true.
a) 2𝑎𝑎 + 5𝑎𝑎 = 7𝑎𝑎2
b) 2𝑝𝑝 − 𝑝𝑝 = 2𝑝𝑝
c) 10 − 3𝑏𝑏 = 7𝑏𝑏
d) 8𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑏𝑏 = 10𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 1

𝒙𝒙.act
PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC
2

Worksheet 1.4 continued

Questions

4) In this question we substitute values to check if expressions are equal.

a) Focus on the expressions from Q3c: 10 − 3𝑏𝑏 and 7𝑏𝑏
i) What is the value of 10 − 3𝑏𝑏 if 𝑏𝑏 = 1?
ii) What is the value of 7𝑏𝑏 if 𝑏𝑏 = 1?

iii) What is the value of 10 − 3𝑏𝑏 if 𝑏𝑏 = 4?

iv) What is the value of 7𝑏𝑏 if 𝑏𝑏 = 4?

v) Repeat the checks for these 3 values: 𝑏𝑏 = −2, 𝑏𝑏 = −1 and 𝑏𝑏 = 0.

vi) You should have found one value for 𝑏𝑏 where 10 − 3𝑏𝑏 is equal to 7𝑏𝑏. Can you find any other
values of 𝑏𝑏 that will make 10 − 3𝑏𝑏 equal to 7𝑏𝑏? Explain your answer using the idea of like
and unlike terms.

b) In Q3d we must compare the expressions 8𝑎𝑎 + 4𝑏𝑏 and 12𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 to see if they are always equal.
i) Show that they are equal if 𝑎𝑎 = 1 and 𝑏𝑏 = 1.
ii) Show that they are not equal if 𝑎𝑎 = 2 and 𝑏𝑏 = 1.
iii) Will the statements be equal if 𝑎𝑎 = −1 and 𝑏𝑏 = −1?
iv) Find another pair of values where the expressions are not equal.
v) Choose another pair of values for 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑏𝑏 and check if the expressions are equal.
vi) In general, is the statement 8𝑎𝑎 + 4𝑏𝑏 = 12𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 always true? Why/why not?

5) Fill in the missing spaces to make the algebraic statements true:

a) 𝑘𝑘 + 4𝑘𝑘 =
b) 3𝑘𝑘 − 5𝑘𝑘 =
c) 1 + 4𝑘𝑘 + 4 = +5
d) 3𝑘𝑘 − 4𝑘𝑘 + 2 = 2 −
e) −3𝑘𝑘 + 5 + = 4𝑘𝑘 +
f) + − 4 = 3𝑘𝑘 − 4

6) Collect like terms and simplify:

e.g.: 2𝑝𝑝 + 4 − 𝑝𝑝
= 2𝑝𝑝 − 𝑝𝑝 + 4
= 𝑝𝑝 + 4

a) 3 + 2𝑦𝑦 + 5𝑦𝑦 + 6
b) 3 + 2𝑦𝑦 − 5𝑦𝑦 +6
c) 3 − 2𝑦𝑦 + 5 − 6𝑦𝑦
d) 3 − 2𝑦𝑦 − 5 + 6𝑦𝑦

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 2

 𝒙𝒙.act
PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC
1

Worksheet
1.4
Questions Answers
1) In the table below the letter 𝑔𝑔 represents any number. 1)
e.g.: The verbal expression “a number increased by 2” is written as 1. A; C
𝑔𝑔 + 2 but it could also be written as 2 + 𝑔𝑔. Match the 2. B; E
columns. There may be more than one correct answer for 3. G
some options! 4. D
Verbal expression Algebraic expression 5. H
1. A number increased by 6 A 6 + 𝑔𝑔
2. A number multiplied by 6 B 6𝑔𝑔
3. 6 subtract a number C 𝑔𝑔 + 6
4. A number decreased by 6 D 𝑔𝑔 − 6
5. A number divided by 6 E 𝑔𝑔(6)
F 6 ÷ 𝑔𝑔
G 6 − 𝑔𝑔
H 𝑔𝑔 ÷ 6

2) 2) a)
a) For each row, shade the like terms in the same colour.
A. 7𝑥𝑥 2 2𝑥𝑥 7 2𝑥𝑥 2 A. 7𝑥𝑥 2 2𝑥𝑥 7 2𝑥𝑥 2

B. 4𝑝𝑝2 4𝑝𝑝2 𝑟𝑟 5𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑟 5 −5𝑟𝑟𝑝𝑝 B. 4𝑝𝑝2 4𝑝𝑝2 𝑟𝑟 5𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑟 5 −5𝑟𝑟𝑝𝑝

C. 3(5𝑏𝑏) 3𝑏𝑏2 9𝑏𝑏 C. 3(5𝑏𝑏) 3𝑏𝑏2 9𝑏𝑏

D. 6𝑎𝑎2 4𝑎𝑎 2𝑎𝑎3 2𝑎𝑎2 7𝑎𝑎 D. 6𝑎𝑎2 4𝑎𝑎 2𝑎𝑎3 2𝑎𝑎2 9𝑎𝑎

b) Add the like terms you shaded in Q2a for A, B and C. Solve for b)
each row separately. A. 7𝑥𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑥 2 = 9𝑥𝑥 2
B. 5𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑟 + (−5𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑟) = 0
C. 3(5𝑏𝑏) + 9𝑏𝑏 = 24𝑏𝑏

3) Say whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE. If the statement is 3)

false, change the part on the right of the equal sign to make the
statement true.
a) False: 2𝑎𝑎 + 5𝑎𝑎 = 𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕
a) 2𝑎𝑎 + 5𝑎𝑎 = 7𝑎𝑎2
b) 2𝑝𝑝 − 𝑝𝑝 = 2𝑝𝑝 b) False: 2𝑝𝑝 − 𝑝𝑝 = 𝒑𝒑
c) 10 − 3𝑏𝑏 = 7𝑏𝑏 c) False: 10 − 3𝑏𝑏 = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 − 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑
d) 8𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑏𝑏 = 10𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 d) False: 8𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑏𝑏 = 𝟖𝟖𝟕𝟕 + 𝟐𝟐𝟑𝟑

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 3

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC
1

Worksheet
Answers continued
Questions Answers
4) In this question we substitute values to check if expressions are 4) a)
equal. i) 10 − 3(1) = 7
a) Focus on the expressions from Q3c: 10 − 3𝑏𝑏 and 7𝑏𝑏 ii) 7(1) = 7 ∴ Equal for 𝑏𝑏 =
i) What is the value of 10 − 3𝑏𝑏 if 𝑏𝑏 = 1? 1, iii) 10 − 3(4) = −2
ii) What is the value of 7𝑏𝑏 if 𝑏𝑏 = 1? iv) 7(4) = 28 ∴ Not equal
v)
iii) What is the value of 10 − 3𝑏𝑏 if 𝑏𝑏 = 4?
(1) 𝑏𝑏 = −2, 10 − 3(−2) = 16 and
iv) What is the value of 7𝑏𝑏 if 𝑏𝑏 = 4?
7(−2) = −14 ∴ Not equal.
v) Repeat the checks for these 3 values (2) 𝑏𝑏 = −1,10 − 3(−1) = 13 and
𝑏𝑏 = −2, 𝑏𝑏 = −1 and 𝑏𝑏 = 0. 7(−1) = −7 ∴ Not equal.
vi) You should have found one value for 𝑏𝑏 where 10 − (3) 𝑏𝑏 = 0, 10 − 3(0) = 10 and
3𝑏𝑏 is equal to 7𝑏𝑏. Can you find any other values of 𝑏𝑏 7(0) = 0 ∴ Not equal.
that will make 10 − 3𝑏𝑏 equal to 7𝑏𝑏? Explain your vi) No other values of 𝑏𝑏 will make 10 − 3𝑏𝑏
answer using the idea of like and unlike terms. equal to 7𝑏𝑏. 10 and −3𝑏𝑏 are unlike terms
and cannot be subtracted.
b) In Q3d we must compare the expressions 8𝑎𝑎 + 4𝑏𝑏 and 12𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 b)
to see if they are always equal. i) 8(1) + 4(1) = 12 and 12(1)(1) = 12
i) Show that they are equal if 𝑎𝑎 = 1 and 𝑏𝑏 = 1. ∴ Equal
ii) Show that they are not equal if 𝑎𝑎 = 2 and 𝑏𝑏 = 1. ii) 8(2) + 4(1) = 20 and 12(2)(1) = 24
iii) Will the statements be equal if 𝑎𝑎 = −1 and 𝑏𝑏 = −1? ∴ not equal
iv) Find another pair of values where the expressions are iii) 8(−1) + 4(−1) = −12 and
not equal.
12(−1)(−1) = 12. No they won’t be
v) Choose another pair of values for 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑏𝑏 and
equal.
check if the expressions are equal.
vi) In general, is the statement 8𝑎𝑎 + 4𝑏𝑏 = 12𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 always iv) Many possible solutions: e.g. If 𝑎𝑎 = 1 and
true? Why/why not? 𝑏𝑏 = 0 then 8(1) + 4(0) = 8 and
12(1)(0) = 0 ∴ not equal.
v) Many possible solutions: e.g. 𝑎𝑎 = −2 and
𝑏𝑏 = 2, 8(−2) + 4(2) = −8 and
12(−2)(2) = −48 ∴ not equal .
vi) Not always true. It is only true when 𝑎𝑎 =
1 and 𝑏𝑏 = 1. Also 8𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑏𝑏 are unlike terms
so cannot be added; 10𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 is the result of
adding coefficients of 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑏𝑏 getting rid
of the addition operation.

5) Fill in the missing spaces to make the algebraic statements true: 5)

a) 𝑘𝑘 + 4𝑘𝑘 = a) 𝑘𝑘 + 4𝑘𝑘 = 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓
b) 3𝑘𝑘 − 5𝑘𝑘 = b) 3𝑘𝑘 − 5𝑘𝑘 = −𝟐𝟐𝟓𝟓
c) 1 + 4𝑘𝑘 + 4 = +5 c) 1 + 4𝑘𝑘 + 4 = 𝟒𝟒𝟓𝟓 + 5
d) 3𝑘𝑘 − 4𝑘𝑘 + 2 = 2 − d) 3𝑘𝑘 − 4𝑘𝑘 + 2 = 2 − 𝟓𝟓
e) −3𝑘𝑘 + 5 + = 4𝑘𝑘 +
e) −3𝑘𝑘 + 5 + 𝟕𝟕𝟓𝟓 = 4𝑘𝑘 + 𝟓𝟓
f) + − 4 = 3𝑘𝑘 − 4
f) Many possible solutions e.g.: 𝟐𝟐𝟓𝟓 + 𝟓𝟓 − 4 =
3𝑘𝑘 − 4 or 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓 + (−𝟐𝟐𝟓𝟓) − 4 = 3𝑘𝑘 − 4
6) Collect like terms and simplify: 6)
.g.: e 2𝑝𝑝 + 4 − 𝑝𝑝 a) 2𝑦𝑦 + 5𝑦𝑦 + 3 + 6 = 7𝑦𝑦 + 9
= 2𝑝𝑝 − 𝑝𝑝 + 4 b) 2𝑦𝑦 − 5𝑦𝑦 + 3 + 6 = −3𝑦𝑦 + 9
= 𝑝𝑝 + 4 c) −2𝑦𝑦 − 6𝑦𝑦 + 3 + 5 = −8𝑦𝑦 + 8
a) 3 + 2𝑦𝑦 + 5𝑦𝑦 + 6 d) −2𝑦𝑦 + 6𝑦𝑦 + 3 − 5 = 4𝑦𝑦 − 2
b) 3 + 2𝑦𝑦 − 5𝑦𝑦 +6
c) 3 − 2𝑦𝑦 + 5 − 6𝑦𝑦
d) 3 − 2𝑦𝑦 − 5 + 6𝑦𝑦

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 4

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC
2

Worksheet
In this worksheet you will focus on: working with verbal and algebraic expressions, adding and subtracting 3 or 4 like terms, and
using substitution to check answers.

Questions
1) In the table below the letter 𝑚𝑚 represents any number. Match the columns. There may be more than
one correct answer for some options!
Verbal expression Algebraic expression
e.g. The product of a number and 5 is then increased by 2 e.g. 5𝑚𝑚 + 2
1. Add 4 to the product of a number and 5 A 5𝑚𝑚 + 𝑚𝑚
2. Subtract 4 from the product of a number and 5 B −4 + 5𝑚𝑚
3. Add a number to the product of that number and 5 C 5𝑚𝑚 − 4
4. Subtract a number from the product of that number and 5 D 𝑚𝑚 − 5𝑚𝑚
5. Add a number to the product of that number and negative 5 E 5𝑚𝑚 − 𝑚𝑚
F −5𝑚𝑚 + 𝑚𝑚
G 5𝑚𝑚 + 4

2) Write a verbal expression for each of the following:

a) 𝑦𝑦 − 3 b) 𝑦𝑦 + 20 c) 3𝑦𝑦 + 20 d) 20 − 3𝑦𝑦 e) 3𝑦𝑦 − 𝑦𝑦
3) Simplify each expression:
a) 6 + 6𝑦𝑦 + 10 − 5𝑦𝑦 c) 5𝑑𝑑 + 3𝑒𝑒 + 12𝑓𝑓 + 2𝑑𝑑 − 𝑒𝑒 − 2𝑓𝑓 For the answers:
Write the variable term or
b) 9𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 7𝑎𝑎 + 4𝑎𝑎 − 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 d) 𝑐𝑐𝑑𝑑 + 5𝑐𝑐𝑑𝑑 + 𝑐𝑐 − 𝑐𝑐𝑑𝑑
the term with more than one
c) 7𝑥𝑥 2 + 3 − 3𝑥𝑥 2 + 6 e) 𝑘𝑘 − 𝑚𝑚 + 𝑚𝑚 − 𝑘𝑘 + 𝑘𝑘𝑚𝑚
variable first, then write the
constant term. Write the
variables in alphabetical order

4) In this question we will use substitution to check the simplification of 2 expressions in Q3.
a) Focus on Q3a: 6 + 6𝑦𝑦 + 10 − 5𝑦𝑦
i) Determine the value of the unsimplified expression if 𝑦𝑦 = 3
ii) Determine the value of your answer to Q3a if 𝑦𝑦 = 3
iii) Choose another value for 𝑦𝑦 and check if you get the same answers for the
unsimplified question and for your answer to Q3a.

b) Focus on Q3c: 7𝑥𝑥 2 + 3 − 3𝑥𝑥 2 + 6

i) Nikita says: 7𝑥𝑥 2 + 3 − 3𝑥𝑥 2 + 6 = 10𝑥𝑥 2 + 3
Choose 3 values for 𝑥𝑥 to show her that her answer is not correct.
ii) Nikita says that if 𝑥𝑥 = 1 or 𝑥𝑥 = −1 then her answer is correct.
(1) Check by substituting 𝑥𝑥 = 1 and for 𝑥𝑥 = −1.
(2) Does this mean that 10𝑥𝑥 2 + 3 is the correct answer? Explain.

5) Say whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE. If the statement is false, change the expression on the
left of the equal to sign to make the statement true. You can substitute values to
check. a) 6𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 + 3𝑎𝑎 = 11𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 c) 6𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 − 5 + 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 = 6𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 + 5
b) 5𝑘𝑘 − 2𝑘𝑘 + 𝑘𝑘 = 4𝑘𝑘
2 2 2 2
d) 4𝑐𝑐 − 4𝑐𝑐 + 8𝑐𝑐 = 8𝑐𝑐

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 1

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC
2

Worksheet
Answers
Questions Answers
1) In the table below the letter 𝑚𝑚 represents any number. Match the columns. There may be more than 1)
one correct answer for some options!

Algebraic expression
Verbal expression

e.g. The product of a number and 5 is then increased by 2 e.g. 5𝑚𝑚 + 2

1. G
1. Add 4 to the product of a number and 5 A 5𝑚𝑚 + 𝑚𝑚
2. B and
2. Subtract 4 from the product of a number and 5 B −4 + 5𝑚𝑚
C
3. Add a number to the product of that number and 5 C 5𝑚𝑚 − 4
3. A
4. Subtract a number from the product of that number and 5 D 𝑚𝑚 − 5𝑚𝑚
4. E
5. Add a number to the product of that number and negative 5 E 5𝑚𝑚 − 𝑚𝑚
5. F
F −5𝑚𝑚 + 𝑚𝑚
G 5𝑚𝑚 + 4

2) Write a verbal expression for each of the 2) Below are some possible verbal expressions.
following: a) 𝑦𝑦 − 3 a) Subtract 3 from a number
b) 𝑦𝑦 + 20 b) Add 20 to a number
c) 3𝑦𝑦 + 20 c) Add 20 to the product of 3 and a number
d) 20 − 3𝑦𝑦 d) Subtract the product of 3 and a number from 20
e) 3𝑦𝑦 − 𝑦𝑦 e) Subtract a number from the product of 3 and that same
number
3) Simplify each expression: 3)
a) 6 + 6𝑦𝑦 + 10 − 5𝑦𝑦 d) 5𝑑𝑑 + 3𝑒𝑒 + 12𝑓𝑓 + 2𝑑𝑑 − 𝑒𝑒 − 2𝑓𝑓 a) 𝑦𝑦 + 16 d) 7𝑑𝑑 + 2𝑒𝑒 + 10𝑓𝑓
b) 9𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 7𝑎𝑎 + 4𝑎𝑎 − 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 e) 𝑐𝑐𝑑𝑑 + 5𝑐𝑐𝑑𝑑 + 𝑐𝑐 − 𝑐𝑐𝑑𝑑 b) 7𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 11𝑎𝑎 e) 5𝑐𝑐𝑑𝑑 + 𝑐𝑐
c) 7𝑥𝑥 2 + 3 − 3𝑥𝑥 2 + 6 f) 𝑘𝑘 − 𝑚𝑚 + 𝑚𝑚 − 𝑘𝑘 + 𝑘𝑘𝑚𝑚 c) 4𝑥𝑥 2 + 9 f) 𝑘𝑘𝑚𝑚

4) Answer to Q4a and Q4b(i) 4) Answer to Q4b(ii)

a) Focus on Q3a: 6 + 6𝑦𝑦 + 10 − 5𝑦𝑦 b)
i) 6 + 6(3) + 10 − 5(3) = 19 ii)
ii) (3) + 16 = 19 (1) 7(1)2 + 3 − 3(1)2 + 6 = 13 and
iii) Many possible solutions. The answers to the unsimplified 10(1)2 + 3 = 13
and simplified expressions will always be the same. Correct for if 𝑥𝑥 = 1
e.g. if 𝑦𝑦 = 2, then 6 + 6(2) + 10 − 5(2) = 18 and 7(−1)2 + 3 − 3(−1)2 + 6 = 13 and
(2) + 16 = 18. 10(−1)2 + 3 = 13
b) Focus on Q3c: 7𝑥𝑥 2 + 3 − 3𝑥𝑥 2 + 6 Correct for if 𝑥𝑥 = −1
i) Many possibilities to show Nikita is not correct. (2) No. We have used three values to
e.g. If 𝑥𝑥 = 0, 𝑥𝑥 = 2, 𝑥𝑥 = −2 then show that Nikita is incorrect. Since
7(0)2 + 3 − 3(0)2 + 6 = 9 and 10(0)2 + 3 = 3, there are only two values that make
7(2)2 + 3 − 3(2)2 + 6 = 25 and 10(2)2 + 3 = 43, her statement true, it is not true for
7(−2)2 + 3 − 3(−2)2 + 6 = 25 and 10(−2)2 + 3 = 43 all values of 𝑥𝑥. So 10𝑥𝑥 2 + 3 cannot
be the correct answer.

5) TRUE or FALSE. If false, change the expression on the left of the equal 5) Answers a) and d)
sign to make the statement true. a) False. Many possible solutions.
a) 6𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 + 3𝑎𝑎 = 11𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 c) 6𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 − 5 + 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 = 6𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 + 5 e.g. 6𝑎𝑎 × 2𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 11𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 or
b) 5𝑘𝑘2 − 2𝑘𝑘2 + 𝑘𝑘2 = 4𝑘𝑘2 d) 4𝑐𝑐 − 4𝑐𝑐 + 8𝑐𝑐 = 8𝑐𝑐 6𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 3𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 11𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
d) False. Many possible solutions.
Answers Q5b and Q5c b) True c) True e.g. 5𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 + 5 + 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 = 6𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 + 5 or
7𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 + 5 − 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 = 6𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 + 5

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22

PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 1.6
In this worksheet you will focus on: verbal and algebraic expressions, adding and subtracting 3 or 4 like terms and checking
solutions.

Questions
1) In the table below the letter 𝑚𝑚 represents any number. Match the columns. There may be more than
one correct answer for some options!
Algebraic
Verbal expression
expression
e.g. The product of a number and 6 is then increased by 3 e.g. 6𝑚𝑚 + 3
1. Add 2 to the product of a number and 7 A 7𝑚𝑚 +
2. Subtract 2 from the product of a number and 7 𝑚𝑚
3. Add a number to the product of that number and 7 B −2 + 7𝑚𝑚
4. Subtract a number from the product of that number and 7 C 7𝑚𝑚 − 2
5. Add a number to the product of that number and negative 7 D 𝑚𝑚 −
7𝑚𝑚
E 7𝑚𝑚 −
𝑚𝑚
2) Write a verbal expression for each of the following:
a) 𝑝𝑝 − 4 b) 𝑝𝑝 + 15 c) 5𝑝𝑝 + 15 d) 15 − 5𝑦𝑦 e) 5𝑦𝑦 − 𝑦𝑦

3) Simplify each expression:

a) 4 + 4𝑦𝑦 + 11 − 3𝑦𝑦 d) 6𝑎𝑎 + 4𝑏𝑏 + 11𝑐𝑐 + 2𝑎𝑎 − 𝑏𝑏 − 2𝑐𝑐
b) 9𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 + 7𝑝𝑝 + 4𝑝𝑝 − 2𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 e) 7𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 + 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 + 2𝑐𝑐 − 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
c) 8𝑦𝑦 2 + 2 − 2𝑦𝑦 2 − 5 f) 𝑝𝑝 − 𝑠𝑠 + 𝑠𝑠 − 𝑝𝑝 + 𝑠𝑠𝑝𝑝 − 𝑠𝑠𝑝𝑝

4) In this question use substitution to check the simplification of two of examples from Q3.

a) For Q3a, Jabu says: “4 add 4 add 11 subtract 3 gives me 16. So the answer is 16𝑦𝑦”.
i) Substitute 𝑦𝑦 = 3 to show Jabu that his answer is not correct.
ii) Jabu then says to you: “Check for 𝑦𝑦 = 1, it works!” Is Jabu correct?
iii) Show how would you convince Jabu that the correct answer is 15 + 𝑦𝑦.

b) The correct answer for Q3f is zero!

i) Choose any values for 𝑠𝑠 and 𝑝𝑝, and check that 𝑝𝑝 − 𝑠𝑠 + 𝑠𝑠 − 𝑝𝑝 + 𝑠𝑠𝑝𝑝 − 𝑠𝑠𝑝𝑝 = 0
ii) Choose another pair of values and check again.
iii) Thabi and Dumi tried to write the expression by changing the order of some terms. Check
if their expressions are correct:
Thabi: 𝑝𝑝 − 𝑝𝑝 − 𝑠𝑠 + 𝑠𝑠 + 𝑠𝑠𝑝𝑝 − 𝑠𝑠𝑝𝑝
Dumi: 𝑠𝑠𝑝𝑝 − 𝑠𝑠𝑝𝑝 + 𝑝𝑝 − 2𝑠𝑠 − 𝑝𝑝

5) Say whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE. If the statement is false, change the expression on the
left of the equal sign to make the statement true. You can substitute values to
check. a) 7𝑥𝑥 + 3𝑦𝑦 − 3𝑥𝑥 = 7𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦 c) 4𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 − 5 + 𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 = 4𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 − 5
b) 6𝑚𝑚 − 𝑚𝑚 + 4𝑚𝑚 = 9𝑚𝑚
2 2 2 2
d) 3𝑝𝑝 − 3𝑝𝑝 + 7𝑝𝑝 = 7𝑝𝑝

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 1

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC
2

Worksheet 1.6
Answers
Questions Answers
1) In the table below the letter 𝑚𝑚 represents any number. Match the columns. There may be more 1)
than one correct answer for some options!
1. G
Verbal expression Algebraic expression
2. B and C
e.g. The product of a number and 6 is then increased by 3 e.g. 6𝑚𝑚 + 3
3. A
1. Add 2 to the product of a number and 7 A 7𝑚𝑚 + 𝑚𝑚
4. E
2. Subtract 2 from the product of a number and 7 B −2 + 7𝑚𝑚
3. Add a number to the product of that number and 7 C 7𝑚𝑚 − 2 5. F
4. Subtract a number from the product of that number and 7 D 𝑚𝑚 − 7𝑚𝑚
5. Add a number to the product of that number and negative 7 E 7𝑚𝑚 − 𝑚𝑚
F −7𝑚𝑚 + 𝑚𝑚
G 7𝑚𝑚 + 2

2) Write a verbal expression for each of the 2) Possible verbal expressions

following: a) Subtract 4 from a number
a) 𝑝𝑝 − 4 b) Add 15 to a number
b) 𝑝𝑝 + 15 c) Add 15 to the product of 5 and a number
c) 5𝑝𝑝 + 15 d) Subtract the product of 5 and a number from 15
d) 15 − 5𝑦𝑦
e) Subtract a number from the product of 5 and that same
e) 5𝑦𝑦 − 𝑦𝑦
number
3) Simplify each expression: 3)
a) 4 + 4𝑦𝑦 + 11 − 3𝑦𝑦 d) 6𝑎𝑎 + 4𝑏𝑏 + 11𝑐𝑐 + 2𝑎𝑎 − 𝑏𝑏 − 2𝑐𝑐 a) 𝑦𝑦 + 15 d) 8𝑎𝑎 + 3𝑏𝑏 + 9𝑐𝑐
b) 9𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 + 7𝑝𝑝 + 4𝑝𝑝 − 2𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 e) 7𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 + 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 + 2𝑐𝑐 − 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 b) 7𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 + 7𝑝𝑝 + 4𝑝𝑝 e) 7𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 + 2𝑐𝑐
c) 8𝑦𝑦 2 + 2 − 2𝑦𝑦 2 − 5 f) 𝑝𝑝 − 𝑠𝑠 + 𝑠𝑠 − 𝑝𝑝 + 𝑠𝑠𝑝𝑝 − 𝑠𝑠𝑝𝑝 c) 6𝑦𝑦 − 3
2
f) 0

4) Solution to Q4a 4) Solution to 4a(iii) continued and solution to Q4b

a) Q3a: 4 + 4𝑦𝑦 + 11 − 3𝑦𝑦 iii) Continued
i) 4 + 4(3) + 11 − 3(3) = 18 and16(3) = 48, When we substituted into 4 + 4𝑦𝑦 + 11 − 3𝑦𝑦 and
18 ≠ 48 Jabu’s answer of 16𝑦𝑦 is incorrect. 15 + 𝑦𝑦 both expressions gave the same answer each
ii) 4 + 4(1) + 11 − 3(1) = 16 and 16(1) = 16 time BUT when we substituted into 4 + 4𝑦𝑦 + 11 − 3𝑦𝑦
Yes Jabu is correct when 𝑦𝑦 = 1 and 16𝑦𝑦 both expressions gave the same answer only
iii) Convincing Jabu:4 + 4(3) + 11 − 3(3) = 18 once that was when 𝑦𝑦 = 1
and my answer 15 + (3) = 18;
18 = 18 Your answer is 48. 18 ≠ −48
b) Q3f: 𝑝𝑝 − 𝑠𝑠 + 𝑠𝑠 − 𝑝𝑝 + 𝑠𝑠𝑝𝑝 − 𝑠𝑠𝑝𝑝 answer is
If 𝑥𝑥 = −3: My answer is
zero! i) Own choice. e.g. 𝑝𝑝 = 2; 𝑠𝑠 = 1 gives
4 + 4(−3) + 11 − 3(−3) = 12 and
(2) − (1) + (1) − (2) + (1)(2) − (1)(2) = 0
15 + (−3) = 12; 12 = 12
ii) Still get 0 with another set of values
Your answer is 16(−3) = −48; 12 ≠ −48
If 𝑥𝑥 = 0: My answer is iii) Thabi: e.g. using 𝑝𝑝 = 2; 𝑠𝑠 = 1
(2) − (2) − (1) + (1) + (1)(2) − (1)(2) = 0
4 + 4(0) + 11 − 3(0) = 15 and which is correct
15 + (0) = 15; 15 = 15 Dumi: e.g. using 𝑝𝑝 = 2; 𝑠𝑠 = 1
Your answer is 16(0) = 0; 15 ≠ 0 (1)(2) − (1)(2) + (2) − 2(1) − (2) = −2 which
is incorrect
Dumi added −𝑠𝑠 + 𝑠𝑠 incorrectly

5) TRUE or FALSE. If the statement is false, change the expression on the left of the equal 5)
sign to make the statement true. a) False 4𝑥𝑥 + 3𝑦𝑦
a) 7𝑥𝑥 + 3𝑦𝑦 − 3𝑥𝑥 = 7𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦 c) 4𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 − 5 + 𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 = 4𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 − 5 b) True
b) 6𝑚𝑚2 − 𝑚𝑚2 + 4𝑚𝑚2 = 9𝑚𝑚2 d) 3𝑝𝑝 − 3𝑝𝑝 + 7𝑝𝑝 = 7𝑝𝑝 c) False 5𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 − 5
d) True

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 2

 𝒙𝒙.act
PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC
2

Worksheet
In this worksheet you will focus on: verbal and algebraic expressions which include the minus symbol (−); adding and subtracting
3 or more like terms in algebraic expressions.

Questions
1) In the table below the letter 𝑦𝑦 represents any number. Match the columns.
There may be more than one correct answer.

Algebraic
Verbal expression
expression
e.g. A number is multiplied by negative 3 then 2 is subtracted
−3𝑦𝑦 − 2
from the product.
1. A number is subtracted from the product of 8 and 5 A 7𝑦𝑦 − 6
2. A number is subtracted from the product of 8 and that B −7𝑦𝑦 − 6
same number
3. The product of 8 and an unknown number is increased by 2 C −7𝑦𝑦 + 6
4. Six less than 7 times a number D 7𝑦𝑦 + 6
5. Six less than negative 7 times a number E 8𝑘𝑘 − 𝑘𝑘
6. Six more than negative 7 times a number F 8 × 5 − 𝑛𝑛
G 2 + 8𝑥𝑥
H 8𝑝𝑝 + 2

2) Write a verbal expression for each of the following:

a) 3𝑑𝑑 + 6 b) −3𝑑𝑑 − 6 𝑥𝑥−4
c) 2
3) The table contains 6 expressions (some of them have only 1 term).

3𝑥𝑥 2𝑥𝑥 2 4
−3𝑥𝑥 + 4 −𝑥𝑥 + 1 7 + 𝑥𝑥

Choose expressions from the table to add/subtract so that you get the answers below.
e.g. from 3𝑥𝑥; −𝑥𝑥 + 1 and 4, I can get 2𝑥𝑥 + 5
a) 2𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑥𝑥 + 11 b) −4𝑥𝑥 + 1 c) 7𝑥𝑥 + 7

4) Simplify:
Write answers in descending powers of the variable. e.g. −3𝑝𝑝 + 5𝑝𝑝2 + 7
is written 5𝑝𝑝2 − 3𝑝𝑝 + 7 because a power of 2 is bigger than a power of 1

a) 7𝑎𝑎 − 7𝑎𝑎2 − 2𝑎𝑎2 b) 2𝑎𝑎 − 7𝑎𝑎2 + 2𝑎𝑎2 c) −5𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 − 7𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 6𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎

d) 5𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 9𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 − 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 e) 5𝑚𝑚 − 4𝑚𝑚 + 3𝑚𝑚 − 2𝑚𝑚 + 𝑚𝑚 f) −𝑡𝑡 2 − 2𝑡𝑡 2 + 2𝑦𝑦 2 − 3𝑦𝑦 2

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 1

𝒙𝒙.act
PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC
2

Worksheet
Answers
Questions Answers
1) In the table below the letter 𝑦𝑦 represents any number. Match the 1)
columns. There may be more than one correct answer.

Verbal expression Algebraic expression 1. F

e.g. A number is multiplied by negative 3 then 2 2. E
e.g. −3𝑦𝑦 − 2
is subtracted from the product. 3. G and H
1. A number is subtracted from the product A 7𝑦𝑦 − 6 4. A
of 8 and 5
5. B
2. A number is subtracted from the product B −7𝑦𝑦 − 6
6. C
of 8 and that same number
3. The product of 8 and an unknown C −7𝑦𝑦 + 6
number is increased by 2
4. Six less than 7 times a number D 7𝑦𝑦 + 6
5. Six less than negative 7 times a number E 8𝑘𝑘 − 𝑘𝑘
6. Six more than negative 7 times a number F 8 × 5 − 𝑛𝑛
G 2 + 8𝑥𝑥
H 8𝑝𝑝 + 2

2) Write a verbal expression for each of the following: 2) The following are possible verbal expressions
a) 3𝑑𝑑 + 6 a) 6 is added to the product of a number and 3.
b) −3𝑑𝑑 − 6 b) 6 is subtracted from the product of a number and negative 3.
𝑥𝑥−4
c) c) 4 subtracted from a number is then divided by two.
2

3) The table contains 6 expressions (some of them have only 1 term). 3) The expressions can be combined in different
orders by they must produce the correct
3𝑥𝑥 2𝑥𝑥 2 4 expression.
−3𝑥𝑥 + 4 −𝑥𝑥 + 1 7 + 𝑥𝑥 a) (2𝑥𝑥 2 ) + (7 + 𝑥𝑥 ) + (4)
= 2𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑥𝑥 + 11
Choose expressions from the table to add/subtract so that you get the
answers below. e.g. from 3𝑥𝑥; −𝑥𝑥 + 1 and 4, I can get 2𝑥𝑥 + 5 b) (−𝑥𝑥 + 1) − (3𝑥𝑥 ) = −4𝑥𝑥 + 1
a) 2𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑥𝑥 + 11
b) −4𝑥𝑥 + 1 c) (7 + 𝑥𝑥 ) − (−3𝑥𝑥 + 4) + (4) + (3𝑥𝑥 )
c) 7𝑥𝑥 + 7 = 7𝑥𝑥 + 7

4) Simplify. 4) Answers are in descending powers of the variable where applicable

a) 7𝑎𝑎 − 7𝑎𝑎2 − 2𝑎𝑎2 a) −9𝑎𝑎2 + 7𝑎𝑎+
b) 2𝑎𝑎 − 7𝑎𝑎2 + 2𝑎𝑎2 b) −5𝑎𝑎2 + 2𝑎𝑎
c) −5𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 − 7𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 6𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 c) −5𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
d) 5𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 9𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 − 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 d) 11𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
e) 5𝑚𝑚 − 4𝑚𝑚 + 3𝑚𝑚 − 2𝑚𝑚 + 𝑚𝑚 e) 3𝑚𝑚
f) −𝑡𝑡 2 − 2𝑡𝑡 2 + 2𝑦𝑦 2 − 3𝑦𝑦 2 f) −3𝑡𝑡 2 − 𝑦𝑦 2

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 2

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26

PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 1.8
In this worksheet you will focus on: verbal and algebraic expressions which include the minus symbol (−); adding and subtracting 3 or
more like terms in algebraic expressions.

Questions
1) In the table below the letter 𝑛𝑛 represents any number. Match the columns.
There may be more than one correct answer.

Algebraic
Verbal expression
expression
e.g. A number is multiplied by negative 3 then 2 is subtracted
e.g. −3𝑛𝑛 − 2
from the product.
1. A number is subtracted from the product of 3 and 4 A 4 + 5𝑛𝑛
2. A number is subtracted from the product of 5 and that
B −7𝑦𝑦 − 6
same number
3. The product of 5 and a number is decreased by 4 C 4.3 − 𝑛𝑛
4. Four more than 5 times a number D 12 − 𝑛𝑛
5. Four more than negative 5 times a number E 4 − 5𝑛𝑛
6. Four less than negative 5 times a number F 𝑛𝑛 − 5𝑛𝑛
G −5𝑛𝑛 − 4
H 5𝑛𝑛 − 4

2) Write a verbal expression for each of the following:

a) 2𝑚𝑚 + 5
b) −2𝑘𝑘 − 4
𝑧𝑧+3
c) 4

a) The table contains 6 expressions (some of them have only 1 term)

2𝑎𝑎 2𝑎𝑎2 5
−3𝑎𝑎 + 5 4 − 𝑎𝑎2 𝑎𝑎 + 3

Choose expressions from the table to add/subtract so that you get the answers below.
e.g. from 2𝑎𝑎; 𝑎𝑎 + 3, I can get 3𝑎𝑎 + 3
a) 3𝑎𝑎 + 8 b) 3𝑎𝑎2 + 1 c) 2𝑎𝑎2 + 13

4) Simplify.
a) 5𝑎𝑎 − 10𝑎𝑎2 + 5𝑎𝑎 c) 2𝑦𝑦 − 5𝑦𝑦 2 + 2𝑦𝑦 e) −5𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 − 7𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 6𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
b) −𝑎𝑎 2 − 2𝑎𝑎 2 + 2𝑎𝑎 − 3𝑎𝑎 d) 8𝑚𝑚 − 7 + 6𝑚𝑚 − 5𝑚𝑚 f) 6𝑚𝑚𝑛𝑛 − 9𝑛𝑛𝑚𝑚 − 2𝑚𝑚𝑛𝑛 + 𝑛𝑛𝑚𝑚
+ 4𝑚𝑚

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 1

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS
27

Worksheet 1.8
Answers
Questions Answers
1) In the table below the letter 𝑛𝑛 represents any number. Match the 1)
columns. There may be more than one correct answer.
1. C and D
Verbal expression Algebraic expression 2. No match
e.g. A number is multiplied by negative 3 then 2 is subtracted 5𝑛𝑛 − 𝑛𝑛
e.g. −3𝑛𝑛 − 2
from the product. 3. H
1. A number is subtracted from the product of 3 and 4 A 4 + 5𝑛𝑛 4. A
2. A number is subtracted from the product of 5 and that 5. E
B −7𝑦𝑦 − 6
same number 6. G
3. The product of 5 and a number is decreased by 4 C 4.3 − 𝑛𝑛
4. Four more than 5 times a number D 12 − 𝑛𝑛
5. Four more than negative 5 times a number E 4 − 5𝑛𝑛
6. Four less than negative 5 times a number F 𝑛𝑛 − 5𝑛𝑛
G −5𝑛𝑛 − 4
H 5𝑛𝑛 − 4

2) Write a verbal expression for each of the following: 2) Possible verbal expressions
a) 2𝑚𝑚 + 5 a) 5 added to the product of 2 and a number.
b) −2𝑘𝑘 − 4 b) 4 is subtracted from negative 2 and a number.
𝑧𝑧+3
c) c) A number is added to 3 and then the sum is divided by 4.
4

3) The table contains 6 expressions (some of them have only 1 term) 3)

2𝑎𝑎 2𝑎𝑎2 5 a) (2𝑎𝑎) + (𝑎𝑎 + 3) + (5) = 3𝑎𝑎 + 8
b) (2𝑎𝑎2 ) − (4 − 𝑎𝑎2 ) + (5) = 3𝑎𝑎2 + 1
−3𝑎𝑎 + 5 4 − 𝑎𝑎2 𝑎𝑎 + 3
c) (2𝑎𝑎2 ) + (−3𝑎𝑎 + 5) + (𝑎𝑎 + 3) + (2𝑎𝑎) + (5)
Choose expressions from the table to add/subtract so that you get = 2𝑎𝑎 2 + 13
the answers below.
e.g. from 2𝑎𝑎; 𝑎𝑎 + 3, I can get 3𝑎𝑎 + 3
a) 3𝑎𝑎 + 8
b) 3𝑎𝑎2 + 1
c) 2𝑎𝑎2 + 13

4) Simplify. 4) Answers are in descending powers of the variable where applicable

a) 5𝑎𝑎 − 10𝑎𝑎2 + 5𝑎𝑎 a) −10𝑎𝑎2 + 10𝑎𝑎 or 10𝑎𝑎 − 10𝑎𝑎2
b) −𝑎𝑎2 − 2𝑎𝑎2 + 2𝑎𝑎 − 3𝑎𝑎 b) −3𝑎𝑎2 − 𝑎𝑎 or −𝑎𝑎 − 3𝑎𝑎2
c) 2𝑦𝑦 − 5𝑦𝑦 2 + 2𝑦𝑦 c) −5𝑦𝑦 2 + 4𝑦𝑦 or 4𝑦𝑦 − 5𝑦𝑦 2 +
d) 8𝑚𝑚 − 7 + 6𝑚𝑚 − 5𝑚𝑚 + 4𝑚𝑚 d) 13𝑚𝑚 − 7
e) −5𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 − 7𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 6𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 e) −5𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
f) 6𝑚𝑚𝑛𝑛 − 9𝑛𝑛𝑚𝑚 − 2𝑚𝑚𝑛𝑛 + 𝑛𝑛𝑚𝑚 f) −4𝑚𝑚𝑛𝑛

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 2

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 2.1
In this worksheet you will focus on substituting values into familiar formulae, and into different algebraic expressions.

Questions
1) The formula for the area of a rectangle is: Area = length x breadth.
The area is shaded and we will abbreviate this as 𝐴𝐴 = 𝐿𝐿 × 𝐵𝐵
a) If 𝐿𝐿 = 4 cm and 𝐵𝐵 = 3 cm, calculate the area in cm2.
b) If 𝐿𝐿 = 12 cm and 𝐵𝐵 = 8 cm, calculate the area in cm2.
c) If 𝐿𝐿 = 3,5 cm and 𝐵𝐵 = 2 cm, calculate the area in cm2.
d) If 𝐿𝐿 = 7 cm and 𝐴𝐴 = 14 cm2, calculate the breadth in cm.
e) If 𝐵𝐵 = 4 cm and 𝐴𝐴 = 24 cm2, calculate the length in cm.
f) If 𝐿𝐿 = 𝑥𝑥 cm and 𝐵𝐵 = 5 cm, give an expression for the area in terms of 𝑥𝑥.
g) If 𝐿𝐿 = 2𝑎𝑎 cm and 𝐵𝐵 = (𝑎𝑎 + 4)cm, give an expression for area in terms of 𝑎𝑎.

2) The formula for the perimeter of a rectangle is: Perimeter = 2 xlength + 2x breadth
We will abbreviate this as: P = 2L + 2B
a) If 𝐿𝐿 = 4 cm and 𝐵𝐵 = 3 cm, calculate the perimeter in cm.
b) If 𝐿𝐿 = 12 cm and 𝐵𝐵 = 8 cm, calculate the perimeter in cm.
c) If 𝐿𝐿 = 3,5 cm and 𝐵𝐵 = 2 cm, calculate the area in cm2.
d) If 𝐿𝐿 = 7 cm and 𝑃𝑃 = 20 cm2, calculate the breadth in cm.
e) If 𝑃𝑃 = 66 cm and 𝐵𝐵 = 8 cm2, calculate the length in cm.
f) If 𝐿𝐿 = 𝑥𝑥 cm and 𝐵𝐵 = 5 cm, give an expression for the perimeter in terms of 𝑥𝑥.
g) If 𝐿𝐿 = 4𝑎𝑎 cm and 𝐵𝐵 = (𝑎𝑎 + 1) cm , give an expression for the perimeter in terms of 𝑎𝑎.

2)
a) If = 5 and = −2, calculate the value of: b) Give two pairs of values for 𝑚𝑚 and
𝑎𝑎 i) 𝑏𝑏 𝑛𝑛 so that:
ii) 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 i) 𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛 gives an answer of 5
iii) 𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 ii) 𝑚𝑚𝑛𝑛 gives an answer of 5
iv) −𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏
5𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏
3) Given the expression: 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 + 3.
a) Determine the value of 𝑦𝑦 if 𝑥𝑥 = 8.
b) What value must we substitute for 𝑥𝑥 so that 𝑦𝑦 = 8? Try to do this “in your head”.
c) Give 3 values that we can substitute for 𝑥𝑥 so that 𝑦𝑦 will be greater than 8.
d) What value must we substitute for 𝑥𝑥 to make 𝑦𝑦 = 0?

4) Consider the following rule: 𝑳𝑳 = 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 + 𝟑𝟑

Match the 𝟐𝟐-value to the statement about the 𝑳𝑳-value
e.g. If 𝑀𝑀 = 5, then 𝐿𝐿 = 2(5) + 3 = 13, and we can say 𝐿𝐿 is a prime number
𝟐𝟐-value Statement about the 𝑳𝑳-value
a) 4 A. L must be greater than −8 but less than 0
b) −5 B. L must be less than 0 but greater than −4
c) −3 C. L must be a negative multiple of 5
d) −9 D. L must be a prime number

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 1

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Worksheet 2.1
Answers
Questions Answers
1) The formula for the area of a rectangle is: Area = length x breadth. 1)
The area is shaded and we will abbreviate this as 𝐴𝐴 = 𝐿𝐿 × 𝐵𝐵 a) 𝐴𝐴 = 4 × 3 = 12 cm2
b) 𝐴𝐴 = 12 × 8 = 96 cm2
a) If 𝐿𝐿 = 4 cm and 𝐵𝐵 = 3 cm, calculate the area in cm2. c) 𝐴𝐴 = 3,5 × 2 = 7 cm2
b) If 𝐿𝐿 = 12 cm and 𝐵𝐵 = 8 cm, calculate the area in cm2. d) 14 = 7 × 𝐵𝐵 ∴ 𝐵𝐵 = 2 cm
c) If 𝐿𝐿 = 3,5 cm and 𝐵𝐵 = 2 cm, calculate the area in cm2. e) 24 = 𝐿𝐿 × 4 ∴ 𝐿𝐿 = 6 cm
d) If 𝐿𝐿 = 7 cm and 𝐴𝐴 = 14 cm2, calculate the breadth in cm. f) 𝐴𝐴 = 𝑥𝑥 × 5 = 5𝑥𝑥 cm2
e) If 𝐵𝐵 = 4 cm and 𝐴𝐴 = 24 cm2, calculate the length in cm. g) 𝐴𝐴 = 2𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎 + 4)
f) If 𝐿𝐿 = 𝑥𝑥 cm and 𝐵𝐵 = 5 cm, give an expression for the area in terms of 𝑥𝑥. = 2𝑎𝑎2 + 8𝑎𝑎 cm2
g) If 𝐿𝐿 = 2𝑎𝑎 cm and 𝐵𝐵 = (𝑎𝑎 + 4) cm, give an expression for area in terms (learners may not yet be able to
of 𝑎𝑎. produce expanded version)
2) The formula for the perimeter of a rectangle is: 2)
Perimeter = 2 x length + 2 x breadth a) 𝑃𝑃 = 2(4) + 2(3) = 14 cm
We will abbreviate this as: 𝑃𝑃 = 2𝐿𝐿 + 2𝐵𝐵 b) 𝑃𝑃 = 2(12) + 2(8) = 40 cm
a) If 𝐿𝐿 = 4 cm and 𝐵𝐵 = 3 cm, calculate the perimeter in cm. c) 𝑃𝑃 = 2(3,5) + 2(2) = 11 cm
b) If 𝐿𝐿 = 12 cm and 𝐵𝐵 = 8 cm, calculate the perimeter in cm. d) 20 = 2(7) + 2𝐵𝐵 ∴ 𝐵𝐵 = 3 cm
c) If 𝐿𝐿 = 3,5 cm and 𝐵𝐵 = 2 cm, calculate the area in cm2. e) 66 = 2𝐿𝐿 + 2(8) ∴ 𝐿𝐿 = 25 cm
d) If 𝐿𝐿 = 7 cm and 𝑃𝑃 = 20 cm2, calculate the breadth in cm. f) 𝑃𝑃 = 2(𝑥𝑥 ) + 2(5) = 2𝑥𝑥 + 10 cm
2
e) If 𝑃𝑃 = 66 cm and 𝐵𝐵 = 8 cm , calculate the length in cm. g) 𝑃𝑃 = 2(4𝑎𝑎) + 2(𝑎𝑎 + 1)
f) If 𝐿𝐿 = 𝑥𝑥 cm and 𝐵𝐵 = 5 cm, give an expression for the perimeter in = 8𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎 + 2 = 10𝑎𝑎 + 2 cm
terms
of 𝑥𝑥. (may not yet be able to produce
g) If 𝐿𝐿 = 4𝑎𝑎 cm and 𝐵𝐵 = (𝑎𝑎 + 1) cm , give an expression for the expanded version)
perimeter in terms of 𝑎𝑎.
3) 3)
e) If 𝑎𝑎 = 5 and 𝑏𝑏 = −2 determine the value of: a)
v) 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 i) 3
vi) 𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 ii) −10
vii) −𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 iii) 10
viii) 5𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 iv) −50
b) There are many possibilities
f) Give two pairs of values for 𝑚𝑚 and 𝑛𝑛 so that: i) e.g. 𝑚𝑚 = 0 and 𝑛𝑛 = 5; 𝑚𝑚 = −1 and 𝑛𝑛 = 6;
iii) 𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛 gives an answer of 5 𝑚𝑚 = 1 1 and 𝑛𝑛 = 3 1
2 2
iv) 𝑚𝑚𝑛𝑛 gives an answer of 5 ii) e.g. 𝑚𝑚 = 1 and 𝑛𝑛 = 5; 𝑚𝑚 = −1 and 𝑛𝑛 = −5;
𝑚𝑚 = 5 and 𝑛𝑛 = 1; 𝑚𝑚 = 1 and 𝑛𝑛 = 10
2
4) Given the expression: 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 + 3. 4)
c) Determine the value of 𝑦𝑦 if 𝑥𝑥 = 8. a) 𝑦𝑦 = 11
d) What value must we substitute for 𝑥𝑥 so that 𝑦𝑦 = 8? Try to do this “in your head”. b) 𝑥𝑥 = 5
g) Give 3 values that we can substitute for 𝑥𝑥 so that 𝑦𝑦 will be greater than 8. c) Any value where 𝑥𝑥 > 5
h) What value must we substitute for 𝑥𝑥 to make 𝑦𝑦 = 0? d) 𝑥𝑥 = −3

5) Consider the following rule: 𝑳𝑳 = 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 + 𝟑𝟑 5)

Match the 𝟐𝟐-value to the statement about the 𝑳𝑳-value
e.g. If 𝑀𝑀 = 5, then 𝐿𝐿 = 2(5) + 3 = 13, and we can say 𝐿𝐿 is a prime
number
𝟐𝟐-value Statement about the 𝑳𝑳-value 𝟐𝟐 𝑳𝑳 = 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 + 𝟑𝟑 𝑳𝑳
e) 4 A. L must be greater than −8 but less than 0 a) 4 𝐿𝐿 = 2(4) + 3 = 11 D
f) −5 B. L must be less than 0 but greater than −4 b) −5 𝐿𝐿 = 2(−5) + 3 = −7 A
g) −3 C. L must be a negative multiple of 5 c) −3 𝐿𝐿 = 2(−3) + 3 = −3 B
h) −9 D. L must be a prime number d) −9 𝐿𝐿 = 2(−9) + 3 = −15 C

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 2

𝒙𝒙.act
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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 2.2
In this worksheet you will focus on: a variable having a specific value or a variety of values.

Questions

1) The box contains 3 examples of rules for calculating the value of 𝑦𝑦.
A. 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 − 2
B. 𝑦𝑦 = 2 − 𝑥𝑥
C. 𝑦𝑦 = 2𝑥𝑥 − 4

a) For each example, determine by inspection what value of 𝑥𝑥 will make 𝑦𝑦 =

10. e.g. If 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 + 2, then 𝑦𝑦 = 6 when 𝑥𝑥 = 4.
b) For each example, determine the value of 𝑦𝑦 if 𝑥𝑥 = 10.
c) Make up your own rule for 𝑦𝑦 = and find an 𝑥𝑥-value that will make the 𝑦𝑦-value larger than
20.
e.g. Say I choose 𝑦𝑦 = 3 + 𝑥𝑥. If 𝑥𝑥 = 19, then 𝑦𝑦 = 3 + 19 = 22 which is bigger than 20

2) Give 3 possible values for 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑏𝑏 to make the statement true:

1 1
e.g. If 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 = 4, then 𝑎𝑎 = 3, 𝑏𝑏 = 1; OR 𝑎𝑎 = 2, 𝑏𝑏 = 2; OR 𝑎𝑎 = 6, 𝑏𝑏 = −2, OR 𝑎𝑎 = 2 , 𝑏𝑏 = 3 2, etc.
a) 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 = 10
b) 𝑎𝑎 − 𝑏𝑏 = 10
c) 𝑏𝑏 − 𝑎𝑎 = 10

3)
a) If 𝑐𝑐 = −2 and 𝑑𝑑 = 3, determine the value of 𝑐𝑐𝑑𝑑.
b) If 𝑐𝑐 = 2 and 𝑑𝑑 = −3, determine the value of 𝑐𝑐𝑑𝑑.
c) You should get the same answer for Q3a and Q3b. Why does this happen?
d) If 𝑐𝑐 = −2 and 𝑑𝑑 = −3, determine the value of 𝑐𝑐𝑑𝑑.
e) Give two pairs of values for 𝑐𝑐 and 𝑑𝑑 so that the expression 𝑐𝑐 + 𝑑𝑑 gives the same answer as
your answer in Q3d.

4) Here are two rules:

1: 𝐶𝐶 = 𝐷𝐷 + 4
2: 𝐶𝐶 = 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑏𝑏𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝐷𝐷

a) If 𝐷𝐷 = 3, which of the rules will produce a larger value of C?

b) If 𝐷𝐷 = −1, which of the rules with produce a smaller value of C?
c) If 𝐷𝐷 = 4, will either of the rules produce a C-value equal to 8?
d) If 𝐷𝐷 = −3, will either rule produce a C-value that is bigger than −8 but less than 0?

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 1

𝒙𝒙.act
PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS
31

Worksheet 2.2
Answers
Questions Answers

1) The box contains 3 examples of rules for calculating the 1)

value of 𝑦𝑦. a)
A. 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 − 2 A. 𝑥𝑥 = 12
B. 𝑦𝑦 = 2 − 𝑥𝑥 B. 𝑥𝑥 = −8
C. 𝑦𝑦 = 2𝑥𝑥 − 4 C. 𝑥𝑥 = 7
b)
A. 𝑦𝑦 = 8
a) For each example, determine by inspection what
B. 𝑦𝑦 = −8
value of 𝑥𝑥 will make 𝑦𝑦 = 10.
C. 𝑦𝑦 = 16
e.g. If 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 + 2, then 𝑦𝑦 = 6 when 𝑥𝑥 = 4.
b) For each example, determine the value of 𝑦𝑦 if
c) Multiple solutions
𝑥𝑥 = 10. 𝑥𝑥
c) Make up your own rule for 𝑦𝑦 = and find an 𝑥𝑥- e.g. 𝑦𝑦 = 2; if 𝑥𝑥 = 100 then 𝑦𝑦 = 50 which is bigger
value that will make the 𝑦𝑦-value larger than 20. than 20
e.g. Say I choose 𝑦𝑦 = 3 + 𝑥𝑥. If 𝑥𝑥 = 19, then
𝑦𝑦 = 3 + 19 = 22 which is bigger than 20

2) Give 3 possible values for 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑏𝑏 to make the statement 2) Multiple solutions, e.g.:
true: a) 𝑎𝑎 = 2 and 𝑏𝑏 = 8; 𝑎𝑎 = 1 and 𝑏𝑏 = 9 1 ;
2 2
e.g. If 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 = 4, then 𝑎𝑎 = 3, 𝑏𝑏 = 1; OR 𝑎𝑎 = 2, 𝑏𝑏 = 2; OR
𝑎𝑎 = −3 and 𝑏𝑏 = 13
𝑎𝑎 = 6, 𝑏𝑏 = −2, OR 𝑎𝑎 = 1 , 𝑏𝑏 = 3 1, etc. 1 1
2 2
b) 𝑎𝑎 = 15 and 𝑏𝑏 = 5; 𝑎𝑎 = 11 21and 𝑏𝑏 = 2 ;
a) 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 = 10
𝑎𝑎 = −3 and 𝑏𝑏 = −13
b) 𝑎𝑎 − 𝑏𝑏 = 10 1 1
c) 𝑏𝑏 − 𝑎𝑎 = 10 c) 𝑎𝑎 = 6 and 𝑏𝑏 = 16; 𝑎𝑎 = 2 21a2nd 𝑏𝑏 = 2
;
𝑎𝑎 = −6 and 𝑏𝑏 = 4

3) 3)
a) If 𝑐𝑐 = −2 and 𝑑𝑑 = 3, determine the value of 𝑐𝑐𝑑𝑑. a) −6
b) If 𝑐𝑐 = 2 and 𝑑𝑑 = −3, determine the value of 𝑐𝑐𝑑𝑑. b) −6
c) You should get the same answer for Q3a and Q3b. c) Because in Q3a we multiply a negative by a positive
Why does this happen? and in Q3b we multiply a positive by a negative and
d) If 𝑐𝑐 = −2 and 𝑑𝑑 = −3, determine the value of 𝑐𝑐𝑑𝑑. both result in a negative number. Since the numerals
e) Give two pairs of values for 𝑐𝑐 and 𝑑𝑑 so that are both 2 and 3 we get -6 in both cases.
the expression 𝑐𝑐 + 𝑑𝑑 gives the same answer as d) 6
your answer in Q3d.
e) Multiple solutions, e.g.: 𝑐𝑐 = −3 and 𝑑𝑑 = 9;
𝑐𝑐 = 1 and 𝑑𝑑 = 5; 𝑐𝑐 = 1 and 𝑑𝑑 = 5 3
4 4
4) Here are two rules: 4)
1: 𝐶𝐶 = 𝐷𝐷 + 4 a) 𝐶𝐶 = (3) + 4 = 7
2: 𝐶𝐶 = 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑏𝑏𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝐷𝐷 𝐶𝐶 = 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑏𝑏𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝐷𝐷 = 2(3) = 6
Rule 1
a) If 𝐷𝐷 = 3, which of the rules will produce a larger value of C? b) 𝐶𝐶 = (−1) + 4 = 5
b) If 𝐷𝐷 = −1, which of the rules with produce a smaller value of C? 𝐶𝐶 = 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑏𝑏𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝐷𝐷 = 2(−1) = −2
c) If 𝐷𝐷 = 4, will either of the rules produce a C-value equal to 8? Rule 2
d) If 𝐷𝐷 = −3, will either rule produce a C-value that is bigger than c) 𝐶𝐶 = (4) + 4 = 8
−8 but less than 0? 𝐶𝐶 = 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑏𝑏𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝐷𝐷 = 2(4) = 8
Yes, both rules
d) 𝐶𝐶 = (−3) + 4 = 1
𝐶𝐶 = 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑏𝑏𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝐷𝐷 = 2(−3) = −6
Yes, Rule 2

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 2

𝒙𝒙.act
32

PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 2.3
In this worksheet you will focus on: a variable having a specific value or a variety of values.

Questions

1) The box contains 4 examples of rules for calculating the value of 𝑦𝑦.
A. 𝑦𝑦 = 2𝑥𝑥 + 10
B. 2𝑥𝑥 − 10 = 𝑦𝑦
C. 𝑦𝑦 = 12 − 𝑥𝑥
D. 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 − 12

a) For each example, determine what value of 𝑥𝑥 will make 𝑦𝑦 = 10.

e.g. If 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 + 2, then 𝑦𝑦 = 6 when 𝑥𝑥 = 4
b) Which example will give a 𝑦𝑦-value less than 4 when 𝑥𝑥 = 6?

2) Give 3 possible values for each letter to make the statement true:
1 1
e.g. If 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 = 4, then 𝑎𝑎 = 3, 𝑏𝑏 = 1; OR 𝑎𝑎 = 2, 𝑏𝑏 = 2; OR 𝑎𝑎 = 6, 𝑏𝑏 = −2, OR 𝑎𝑎 = 2 , 𝑏𝑏 = 3 2, etc.
a) 𝑏𝑏 − 𝑎𝑎 = 1
b) 𝑎𝑎 − 2𝑏𝑏 = 0
c) 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 is even and less than 20

3) Here are two rules:

1: T1 = D + 3
2: T 2= double D

a) Give a value for D that will make T1 =20.

b) Give a value for D that will make T2 =20.
c) Give a value for D that will make T1 > T2.
d) Give a value for D that will make T1 = T2.
e) If 𝐷𝐷 = −3, which rule will produce the larger answer?
1
f) If 𝐷𝐷 = − 2, will either rule produce a value that is bigger than −1 but less than 6?

4)
a) If 𝑚𝑚 = 6 and 𝑛𝑛 = 2, determine the value of 𝑚𝑚 − 𝑛𝑛.
b) If 𝑚𝑚 = 6 and 𝑛𝑛 = −2, determine the value of 𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛.
c) You should get the same answer for Q4a and Q4b. Why does this happen?

d) You are told that 𝐴𝐴 = 𝑚𝑚𝑛𝑛 − 𝑛𝑛 + 𝑚𝑚

i) If 𝑚𝑚 = −2 and 𝑛𝑛 = −3, determine the value of 𝐴𝐴.
ii) Give two pairs of values for 𝑚𝑚 and 𝑛𝑛 so that the value of 𝐴𝐴 is less than 0.

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 1

𝒙𝒙.act
PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC
2

Worksheet 2.3
Answers
Questions Answers

1) The box contains 4 examples of rules for calculating the value of 𝑦𝑦. 1)
E. 𝑦𝑦 = 2𝑥𝑥 + 10 a)
F. 2𝑥𝑥 − 10 = 𝑦𝑦 A. 𝑥𝑥 = 0
G. 𝑦𝑦 = 12 − 𝑥𝑥 B. 𝑥𝑥 = 10
H. 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 − 12 C. 𝑥𝑥 = 2
D. 𝑥𝑥 = 22
a) For each example, determine what value of 𝑥𝑥 will make 𝑦𝑦 = 10. b) Example D
e.g. If 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 + 2, then 𝑦𝑦 = 6 when 𝑥𝑥 = 4
b) Which example will give a 𝑦𝑦-value less than 4 when 𝑥𝑥 = 6?

2) Give 3 possible values for each letter to make the statement true: 2) Multiple solutions, for example:
e.g. If 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 = 4, then 𝑎𝑎 = 3, 𝑏𝑏 = 1; OR 𝑎𝑎 = 2, 𝑏𝑏 = 2; OR a) 𝑎𝑎 = 2 and 𝑏𝑏 = 3; 𝑎𝑎 = 1 and 𝑏𝑏 = 1 1 ;
2 2
𝑎𝑎 = 6, 𝑏𝑏 = −2, OR 𝑎𝑎 = 1 , 𝑏𝑏 = 3 1, etc. 𝑎𝑎 = −3 and 𝑏𝑏 = −2
2 2
a) 𝑏𝑏 − 𝑎𝑎 = 1 b) 𝑎𝑎 = 10 and 𝑏𝑏 = 5; 𝑎𝑎 = 1 and 𝑏𝑏 = 1 ;
2
b) 𝑎𝑎 − 2𝑏𝑏 = 0
𝑎𝑎 = −6 and 𝑏𝑏 = 3
c) 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 is even and less than 20 1 1
c) 𝑎𝑎 = 10 and 𝑏𝑏 = 2; 𝑎𝑎 = 2 and 𝑏𝑏 = 5 2 ;
𝑎𝑎 = −3 and 𝑏𝑏 = −51
3) Here are two rules: 3)
1: T1 = D + 3 a) D= 7
2: T 2= double D b) D= 0
c) Multiple solutions, for example: D= −1
a) Give a value for D that will make T1 =20. d) D= 3
e) Rule 1
b) Give a value for D that will make T2 =20.
f) Yes, rule 1
c) Give a value for D that will make T1 > T2.
d) Give a value for D that will make T1 = T2.
e) If 𝐷𝐷 = −3, which rule will produce the larger answer?
1
f) If 𝐷𝐷 = − 2, will either rule produce a value that is bigger
than −1
but less than 6?

4) 4)
a) If 𝑚𝑚 = 6 and 𝑛𝑛 = 2, determine the value of 𝑚𝑚 − 𝑛𝑛. a) 4
b) If 𝑚𝑚 = 6 and 𝑛𝑛 = −2, determine the value of 𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛. b) 4
c) You should get the same answer for Q4a and Q4b. Why does this c) Because subtracting a positive is the same
happen?
as adding a negative
d)
d) You are told that 𝐴𝐴 = 𝑚𝑚𝑛𝑛 − 𝑛𝑛 + 𝑚𝑚
i) If 𝑚𝑚 = −2 and 𝑛𝑛 = −3, determine the value of 𝐴𝐴. i) A= 7
ii) Give two pairs of values for 𝑚𝑚 and 𝑛𝑛 so that the value of 𝐴𝐴 is ii) Multiple solutions e.g.
less than 0. 𝑚𝑚 = 5 and 𝑛𝑛 = −10;
𝑚𝑚 = 1 and 𝑛𝑛 = 10
2

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 2

 𝒙𝒙.act
PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC
3

Worksheet
In this worksheet you will focus on: a variable as part of a product, using the distributive law when monomials are positive and
binomials have positive terms.

Questions
1)
a) Expand:
i) 3(𝑝𝑝) = ii) 3(𝑝𝑝2 ) = iii) 3(2𝑝𝑝) = iv) 3(2 + 𝑝𝑝) =
b) In each example what operation is between the 3 and the brackets?
c) Why do you get 2 terms in your answer to Q1a(iv)?

2) Look at examples A to D in the box below:

A. 𝑝𝑝 (𝑝𝑝 + 2) a) Write down the monomial for each example.

B. 3𝑝𝑝 (𝑝𝑝 + 2) b) Write down the binomial for each example.
C. 3𝑝𝑝 (𝑝𝑝2 + 2) c) Which example will NOT have a term with 𝑝𝑝2 after the expression has
D. 3𝑝𝑝2 (𝑝𝑝 + 2) been expanded? Try to do this by inspection.
d) Expand A to D.
e) Look at your answers to C and D. What is the same and what is
different?
3) Look at examples A to D in the box below:

A. 𝑎𝑎 (𝑎𝑎2 + 2) a) What is the same about each example?

B. 𝑎𝑎 (𝑎𝑎2 + 2𝑎𝑎) b) What is the different about each example?
C. 𝑎𝑎 (𝑎𝑎2 + 2𝑎𝑎) c) Which examples will have a term with 𝑎𝑎2 after the expression has been
D. 𝑎𝑎 (𝑎𝑎2 + 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎) expanded? Try to do this by inspection.
d) Will any example have a term with 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 after the expression has
been expanded? Try to do this by inspection.
e) Expand A to D.

4)
a) Expand and write the powers in your answers from smallest to largest
i) 3𝑚𝑚(2 + 𝑚𝑚)
ii) 5𝑟𝑟 2 (2 + 𝑟𝑟)
b) The following expression has 2 variables, 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑎𝑎: 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎 + 3𝑎𝑎)
i) Expand the expression and write your answer so that the powers of 𝑎𝑎 go from smallest
to largest.
ii) Now rewrite your answers so that the powers of 𝑎𝑎 go from largest to smallest.

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3

Worksheet
Answers
Questions Answers
1) 1)
a) Expand: a)
i) 3(𝑝𝑝) = i) 3𝑝𝑝
ii) 3(𝑝𝑝2 ) = ii) 3𝑝𝑝2
iii) 3(2𝑝𝑝) = iii) 6𝑝𝑝
iv) 3(2 + 𝑝𝑝) = iv) 6 + 3𝑝𝑝
b) In each example what operation is between the 3 and the b) Multiplication
brackets? c) Because 2 and 𝑝𝑝 are unlike terms
c) Why do you get 2 terms in your answer to Q1a(iv)?

2) Look at examples A to D in the box below: 2)

A B C D
A. 𝑝𝑝 (𝑝𝑝 + 2) a) 𝑝𝑝 3𝑝𝑝 3𝑝𝑝 3𝑝𝑝2
B. 3𝑝𝑝 (𝑝𝑝 + 2) b) 𝑝𝑝 + 2 𝑝𝑝 + 2 𝑝𝑝 + 2
𝑝𝑝 + 2
2
C. 3𝑝𝑝 (𝑝𝑝2 + 2)
D. 3𝑝𝑝2 (𝑝𝑝 + 2) c) C
d)
a) Write down the monomial for each example. A. 𝑝𝑝2 + 2𝑝𝑝
b) Write down the binomial for each example. B. 3𝑝𝑝2 + 6𝑝𝑝
c) Which example will NOT have a term with 𝑝𝑝2 after the C. 3𝑝𝑝3 + 6𝑝𝑝
expression has been expanded? Try to do this by inspection. D. 3𝑝𝑝3 + 6𝑝𝑝2
d) Expand A to D. e) Same: First term is 3𝑝𝑝3
e) Look at your answers to C and D. What is the same and what is Different: Second terms are 6𝑝𝑝 and
different?
6𝑝𝑝2
3) Look at examples A to D in the box below: 3)
a) Monomial is always 𝑎𝑎; the first term in the
A. 𝑎𝑎 (𝑎𝑎2 + 2) bracket is always 𝑎𝑎2 ; all brackets involve
B. 𝑎𝑎 (𝑎𝑎2 + 2𝑎𝑎) addition and there is a 2 in the second term
C. 𝑎𝑎 (𝑎𝑎2 + 2𝑎𝑎) in each bracket.
D. 𝑎𝑎 (𝑎𝑎2 + 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎) b) The second term in the bracket – constant,
1 letter, 2 letters
a) What is the same about each example? c) B, C
b) What is the different about each example? d) Yes, C
c) Which examples will have a term with 𝑎𝑎2 after the expression e)
has been expanded? Try to do this by inspection. A. 𝑎𝑎3 + 2𝑎𝑎
d) Will any example have a term with 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 after the expression B. 𝑎𝑎3 + 2𝑎𝑎2
has been expanded? Try to do this by inspection. C. 𝑎𝑎3 + 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
e) Expand A to D. D. 𝑎𝑎3 + 2𝑎𝑎2 𝑎𝑎

4) 4)
a) Expand and write the powers in your answers from smallest a)
to largest i) 6𝑚𝑚 + 3𝑚𝑚2
i) 3𝑚𝑚(2 + 𝑚𝑚) ii) 10𝑟𝑟 2 + 5𝑟𝑟 3
ii) 5𝑟𝑟 2 (2 + 𝑟𝑟) b)
i) 3𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎2 + 𝑎𝑎2 𝑎𝑎
b) The following expression has 2 variables, 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑎𝑎: 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎 + 3𝑎𝑎)
ii) 𝑎𝑎2 𝑎𝑎 + 3𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎2
i) Expand the expression and write your answer so that
the powers of 𝑎𝑎 go from smallest to largest.
ii) Now rewrite your answers so that the powers of 𝑎𝑎 go
from largest to smallest.

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 3.2
In this worksheet you will focus on: a variable as part of a product, using the distributive law when monomials are positive and
binomials have positive terms.

Questions
1)
a) Expand:
i) 7(𝑝𝑝) = ii) 7(𝑝𝑝2 ) = iii) 7(3𝑝𝑝) = iv) 7(3 + 𝑝𝑝) =
b) In each example what operation is between the 7 and the brackets?
c) Why do you get two terms in your answer to Q1a(iv)?

2) Look at examples A to D in the box below:

A. 𝑥𝑥 (𝑥𝑥 + 3) a) Write down the monomial for each example.

B. 4𝑥𝑥 (𝑥𝑥 + 3) b) Write down the binomial for each example.
C. 4𝑥𝑥 (𝑥𝑥 2 + 3) c) Which example will NOT have a term with 𝑥𝑥2 after the expression has
D. 4𝑥𝑥 2 (𝑥𝑥 + 3) been expanded?
d) Expand A to D.
e) Look at your answers to C and D. What is the same and what is
different?

3) Look at examples A to D in the box below:

A. 𝑎𝑎 (𝑎𝑎2 + 5) a) What is the same about each example?

B. 𝑎𝑎 (𝑎𝑎2 + 5𝑎𝑎) b) What is the different about each example?
C. 𝑎𝑎 (𝑎𝑎2 + 5𝑎𝑎) c) Which examples will have a term with 𝑎𝑎2 after the expression has been
D. 𝑎𝑎 (𝑎𝑎2 + 5𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎) expanded? Try to do this by inspection.
d) Will any example have a term with 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 after the expression has
been expanded? Try to do this by inspection.
e) Expand A to D.
4)
a) Expand and write the powers in your answers from smallest to largest
i) 6𝑚𝑚(𝑚𝑚 + 2)
ii) 3𝑟𝑟 2 (2 + 𝑟𝑟)
b) The following expression has 2 variables, 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑎𝑎: 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎 + 8𝑎𝑎)
i) Expand the expression and write your answer so that the powers of 𝑎𝑎 go from smallest
to largest.
ii) Now rewrite your answers so that the powers of 𝑎𝑎 go from smallest to largest.

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Worksheet 3.2
Answers
Questions Answers
1) 1)
a) Expand: a)
ii) 7(𝑝𝑝) = i) 7𝑝𝑝
iii) 7(𝑝𝑝2 ) = ii) 7𝑝𝑝2
iv) 7(3𝑝𝑝) = iii) 21𝑝𝑝
v) 7(3 + 𝑝𝑝) = iv) 21 + 7𝑝𝑝
b) In each example what operation is between the 7 and the brackets? b) Multiplication in all 4 cases
c) Why do you get two terms in your answer to Q1a(iv)? c) Because 3 and 𝑝𝑝 are unlike terms

2) Look at examples A to D in the box below: 2)

A. 𝑥𝑥 (𝑥𝑥 + 3) A B C D
B. 4𝑥𝑥 (𝑥𝑥 + 3) a) 𝑥𝑥 4𝑥𝑥 4𝑥𝑥 4𝑥𝑥 2
C. 4𝑥𝑥 (𝑥𝑥 2 + 3) b) 𝑥𝑥 + 3 𝑥𝑥 + 3 𝑥𝑥 + 3
𝑥𝑥 + 3
2
D. 4𝑥𝑥 2 (𝑥𝑥 + 3)
c) C
a) Write down the monomial for each example. d)
b) Write down the binomial for each example. A. 𝑥𝑥 2 + 3𝑥𝑥
c) Which example will NOT have a term with 𝑥𝑥 2 after the expression B. 4𝑥𝑥 2 + 12𝑥𝑥
has been expanded? C. 4𝑥𝑥 3 + 12𝑥𝑥
d) Expand A to D. D. 4𝑥𝑥 3 + 12𝑥𝑥 2
e) Look at your answers to C and D. What is the same and what is e) Same: First term is 4𝑥𝑥 3
different? Different: Second term is 12𝑥𝑥 and 12𝑥𝑥 2
3) Look at examples A to D in the box below: 3)
A. 𝑎𝑎 (𝑎𝑎2 + 5) a) Monomial is always 𝑎𝑎; the first term in
B. 𝑎𝑎 (𝑎𝑎2 + 5𝑎𝑎) the bracket is always 𝑎𝑎2 ; operation in
C. 𝑎𝑎 (𝑎𝑎2 + 5𝑎𝑎) bracket is addition; second term in
D. 𝑎𝑎 (𝑎𝑎2 + 5𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎) bracket contains 5.
b) The second term in the bracket, number
a) What is the same about each example?
of variables in the binomial
b) What is the different about each example? c) B and D
c) Which examples will have a term with 𝑎𝑎2 after the expression has d) Yes, C
been expanded? Try to do this by inspection. e)
d) Will any example have a term with 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 after the expression has A. 𝑎𝑎3 + 5𝑎𝑎
been expanded? Try to do this by inspection. B. 𝑎𝑎3 + 5𝑎𝑎2
e) Expand A to D. C. 𝑎𝑎3 + 5𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
D. 𝑎𝑎3 + 5𝑎𝑎2 𝑎𝑎
4) 4)
a) Expand and write the powers in your answers from smallest to a)
largest i) 12𝑚𝑚 +
i) 6𝑚𝑚(𝑚𝑚 + 2) 6𝑚𝑚2
ii) 3𝑟𝑟 2 (2 + 𝑟𝑟) ii) 6𝑟𝑟 2 + 3𝑟𝑟 3
b)
b) The following expression has 2 variables, 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑎𝑎: 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎 + 8𝑎𝑎) i) 8𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎2 + 𝑎𝑎2 𝑎𝑎
i) Expand the expression and write your answer so that the ii) 𝑎𝑎2 𝑎𝑎 + 8𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎2
powers of 𝑎𝑎 go from smallest to largest.
ii) Now rewrite your answers so that the powers of 𝑎𝑎 go
from smallest to largest.

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 2

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 3.3
This worksheet focuses on using the distributive law working left to right as well as right to left, binomials include positive and
negatives.

Questions

1) Multiply out:
a) 5(𝑚𝑚 + 2) =
b) 2(𝑚𝑚 − 2) =
c) 5𝑚𝑚(𝑚𝑚 − 2) =

2) Insert the missing values () to make the following statements true:
a) 2(𝑥𝑥 − ) = 2𝑥𝑥 − 10
b) 2𝑥𝑥 ( − 5) = 2𝑥𝑥 2 − 10𝑥𝑥
c) 2𝑥𝑥 2 ( − 5) = 2𝑥𝑥 3 − 

3) Say whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE. If the statement is false, change the right side of the
is equal sign to make the statement true.
a) 3(𝑝𝑝 + 2) = 3𝑝𝑝 + 6
b) 2(𝑚𝑚 + 1) = 2𝑚𝑚 + 1
c) −5(𝑎𝑎 + 2) = −5𝑎𝑎 + 10
d) 6(2𝑥𝑥 + 7) = 12𝑥𝑥 + 13

4) Fix the part on the right of the is equal to sign to show the correct way to use the distributive law
a) 9(𝑚𝑚 + 2) = 9(2𝑚𝑚)
b) 49 − 14𝑑𝑑 = 7(7 − 2)

5) Column A contains examples of monomials multiplied by binomials. Column B contains

expanded versions.
a) Match the columns.
b) Some examples don’t have a partner. You will need to produce the matching partner.

Column A Column B
1. 4(𝑥𝑥 − 2) A 2𝑥𝑥 2 − 8𝑥𝑥
2. 2(𝑥𝑥 − 4) B 4𝑥𝑥 − 8
3. 𝑥𝑥(2 − 4𝑥𝑥) C 4𝑥𝑥 − 2
4. 2𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥 − 4) D 8𝑥𝑥 − 2𝑥𝑥 2
5. 2𝑥𝑥(4 − 𝑥𝑥) E 2𝑥𝑥 − 8

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Worksheet 3.3
Answers
Questions Answers
1) Multiply out: 1)
a) 5(𝑚𝑚 + 2) = a) 5𝑚𝑚 + 10
b) 2(𝑚𝑚 − 2) = b) 2𝑚𝑚 − 4
c) 5𝑚𝑚(𝑚𝑚 − 2) = c) 5𝑚𝑚2 − 10𝑚𝑚

2) Insert the missing values () to make the following statements true: 2)
a) 2(𝑥𝑥 − ) = 2𝑥𝑥 − 10 a) 5
b) 2𝑥𝑥 ( − 5) = 2𝑥𝑥 2 − 10𝑥𝑥 b) 𝑥𝑥
c) 2𝑥𝑥 2 ( − 5) = 2𝑥𝑥 3 −  c) 𝑥𝑥; 10𝑥𝑥 2

3) Say whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE. If the statement is false, change the 3)
right side of the is equal sign to make the statement true. a) True
a) 3(𝑝𝑝 + 2) = 3𝑝𝑝 + 6 b) False, 2𝑚𝑚 + 2
b) 2(𝑚𝑚 + 1) = 2𝑚𝑚 + 1 c) False, −5𝑎𝑎 − 10
c) −5(𝑎𝑎 + 2) = −5𝑎𝑎 + 10 d) False, 12𝑥𝑥 + 42
d) 6(2𝑥𝑥 + 7) = 12𝑥𝑥 + 13

4) Fix the part on the right of the is equal to sign to show the correct way to use the 4)
distributive law a) 9𝑚𝑚 + 18
a) 9(𝑚𝑚 + 2) = 9(2𝑚𝑚) b) 7(7 − 2𝑑𝑑)
b) 49 − 14𝑑𝑑 = 7(7 − 2)

5) Column A contains examples of monomials multiplied by binomials. Column B 5)

contains expanded versions. a)
a) Match the columns. 1. B
b) Some examples don’t have a partner. You will need to produce the matching 2. E
partner. 3. No match
4. A
5. D
Column A Column B b)
1. 4(𝑥𝑥 − 2) A 2𝑥𝑥 2 − 8𝑥𝑥 Partner for 3:
2. 2(𝑥𝑥 − 4) B 4𝑥𝑥 − 8 𝑥𝑥 (2 − 4𝑥𝑥 ) = 2𝑥𝑥 − 4𝑥𝑥 2 or
3. 𝑥𝑥(2 − 4𝑥𝑥) C 4𝑥𝑥 − 2 𝑥𝑥 (2 − 4𝑥𝑥 ) = −4𝑥𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑥
4. 2𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥 − 4) D 8𝑥𝑥 − 2𝑥𝑥 2 Partner for C:
5. 2𝑥𝑥(4 − 𝑥𝑥) E 2𝑥𝑥 − 8 4𝑥𝑥 − 2 = 2(2𝑥𝑥 − 1)

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 2

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 3.4
This worksheet focuses on using the distributive law working left to right as well as right to left, binomials include positives and
negatives.

Questions

1) Multiply out:
a) 5(𝑝𝑝 − 3) =
b) 2(−𝑝𝑝 + 3) =
c) 5𝑝𝑝(𝑝𝑝 − 3) =

2) Insert the missing values () to make the following statements true:
a) 3(𝑎𝑎 − ) = 3𝑎𝑎 − 12
b) 3𝑎𝑎( − 5) = 3𝑎𝑎2 − 15𝑎𝑎
c) 3𝑎𝑎( − ) = 10𝑎𝑎2 − 18𝑎𝑎

3) Say whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE. If the statement is false, change the right side of the
equal sign to make the statement true.
a) 5(𝑎𝑎 + 7) = 5𝑎𝑎 + 12
b) 2(𝑚𝑚 − 1) = 2𝑚𝑚 − 1
c) 7(1 − 3𝑏𝑏) = 7 − 3𝑏𝑏
d) 4(𝑦𝑦 − 3𝑥𝑥) = −12𝑥𝑥 + 4𝑦𝑦

4) Fix the part on the right of the equal sign to show the correct use of the distributive law:
a) 6𝑏𝑏 + 10𝑒𝑒 = 3(2𝑏𝑏 + 3𝑒𝑒)
b) 12𝑥𝑥 − 4 = 4(3𝑥𝑥 − 0)

5) Column A contains expressions. Column B contains monomials multiplied by binomials.

a) Match the columns.
b) Some examples don’t have a partner. You will need to produce the matching partner.

Column A Column B
1. 3𝑝𝑝2 − 6𝑝𝑝 A 3(𝑝𝑝 − 1)
2. 2𝑝𝑝 − 10 B 2𝑝𝑝(3 − 𝑝𝑝)
3. 3𝑝𝑝 − 3 C 3𝑝𝑝(2 − 𝑝𝑝)
4. 6𝑝𝑝 − 2𝑝𝑝2 D 3𝑝𝑝(𝑝𝑝 − 2)
5. 3𝑝𝑝 + 9 E 3(𝑝𝑝 + 3)

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 1

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Worksheet 3.4
Answers
Questions Answers
1) Multiply out: 1)
a) 5(𝑝𝑝 − 3) = a) 5𝑝𝑝 − 15
b) 2(−𝑝𝑝 + 3) = b) −2𝑝𝑝 + 6
c) 5𝑝𝑝2 − 15𝑝𝑝
c) 5𝑝𝑝(𝑝𝑝 − 3) =
2) Insert the missing values () to make the following statements true: 2)
a) 3�𝑎𝑎 − � = 3𝑎𝑎 − 12 a) 4
b) 𝑎𝑎
b) 3𝑎𝑎� − 5� = 3𝑎𝑎2 − 15𝑎𝑎 10
c) 𝑎𝑎; 6
c) 3𝑎𝑎� − � = 10𝑎𝑎 − 18𝑎𝑎
2 3

3) Say whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE. If the statement is false, 3)

change the right side of the equal sign to make the statement true. a) False, 5𝑎𝑎 + 35
a) 5(𝑎𝑎 + 7) = 5𝑎𝑎 + 12 b) False, 2𝑚𝑚 − 2
b) 2(𝑚𝑚 − 1) = 2𝑚𝑚 − 1 c) False, 7 − 21𝑏𝑏
c) 7(1 − 3𝑏𝑏) = 7 − 3𝑏𝑏 d) True
d) 4(𝑦𝑦 − 3𝑥𝑥 ) = −12𝑥𝑥 + 4𝑦𝑦
4) Fix the part on the right of the equal sign to show the correct use of the 4)
distributive law: a) 2(3𝑏𝑏 + 𝟓𝟓𝑒𝑒)
a) 6𝑏𝑏 + 10𝑒𝑒 = 3(2𝑏𝑏 + 3𝑒𝑒) b) 4(3𝑥𝑥 − 𝟏𝟏)
b) 12𝑥𝑥 − 4 = 4(3𝑥𝑥 − 0)
5) Column A contains expressions. Column B contains monomials multiplied by 5)
binomials. a)
a) Match the columns. 1. D
b) Some examples don’t have a partner. You will need to produce the 2. No Match
matching partner. 3. A
4. B
5. E
Column A Column B
1. 3𝑝𝑝2 − 6𝑝𝑝 A 3(𝑝𝑝 − 1) b)
2. 2𝑝𝑝 − 10 B 2𝑝𝑝(3 − 𝑝𝑝) Partner for 2: 2𝑝𝑝 − 10 = 2(𝑝𝑝 − 5)
3. 3𝑝𝑝 − 3 C 3𝑝𝑝(2 − 𝑝𝑝) Partner for C: 3𝑝𝑝(2 − 𝑝𝑝) = 6𝑝𝑝 − 3𝑝𝑝2
4. 6𝑝𝑝 − 2𝑝𝑝2 D 3𝑝𝑝(𝑝𝑝 − 2)
5. 3𝑝𝑝 + 9 E 3(𝑝𝑝 + 3)

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 2

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 3.5
In this worksheet you will focus on: using the distributive law when monomials are positive and binomials contain negative
numbers.

Questions
1)
a) Conventions for writing answers involving expressions:
Expand: 3(𝑝𝑝 − 2) 1) Use alphabetical order for terms
b) Expand: 3(2 − 𝑝𝑝) e.g. The expression 5 + 3𝑏𝑏 + 𝑎𝑎 should be written as:
𝑎𝑎 + 3𝑏𝑏 + 5
c) Write down 3 things that are the
 Write the variables in alphabetical order
same in Q1a and Q1b.  Write constants last
d) Write down 2 things that are 2) If there is more than one variable:
e.g. 9𝑐𝑐 + 5𝑎𝑎𝑐𝑐 − 2𝑎𝑎 − 3 is written as 5𝑎𝑎𝑐𝑐 − 2𝑎𝑎 + 9𝑐𝑐 − 3
different in Q1a and Q1b.  Write the term with more than one variable first
e) If 𝑝𝑝 = 5, will you get the same e.g. 2𝑏𝑏 × 4𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 × 𝑏𝑏 is written as 8𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏3
 Write coefficient first
answer for Q1a and Q1b?  Write variables in alphabetical order
3) Write answers in descending powers of the variable
(from largest to smallest) OR in ascending powers
(from smallest to largest)
e.g. 5𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑3 + 7𝑑𝑑2𝑑𝑑2 has been written in descending powers
of 𝑑𝑑 and in ascending powers of 𝑑𝑑.

2) Look at examples A and B in the box below:

a) Substitute 𝑚𝑚 = 1 in A and B. Do you get the same answer?

A. 𝑚𝑚(2 − 𝑚𝑚)
b) Choose another value for 𝑚𝑚 and substitute in A and B. Do you
B. 𝑚𝑚(−𝑚𝑚 + 2)
get the same answer?
c) Multiply out A and B.
d) Are the simplified expressions the same? Explain.
3) In this question we are going to compare 5(4 − 𝑥𝑥) and 5(𝑥𝑥 − 4).
a) Multiply out:
i) 5(4 −
𝑥𝑥 ii)
) 5(𝑥𝑥
− 4)
b) What is the same about the expanded expressions for Q3a(i) and Q3a(ii) and what is different?
c) If 𝑥𝑥 = 2, will you get the same answer for the two expressions?
4) Look at examples A to C in the box below:

A. 3𝑡𝑡(𝑡𝑡 − 2) a) Substitute 𝑡𝑡 = 5 in A, B and C.

B. 3𝑡𝑡(2 − 𝑡𝑡) b) Which examples give the same answer? Why does this happen?
C. (2 − 𝑡𝑡)3𝑡𝑡 c) Expand A, B and C. Write your answers in ascending powers of 𝑡𝑡.
d) Are all the expanded expressions the same? Explain.
5) Expand. Write your answers in ascending powers of 𝑑𝑑.

a) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑑𝑑 2 − 2𝑑𝑑) b) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(−2𝑑𝑑 + 𝑑𝑑 2 ) c) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(−2𝑑𝑑 − 𝑑𝑑 2 ) d) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(−𝑑𝑑 2 − 2𝑑𝑑)

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Worksheet 3.5
Answers
Questions Answers
1) 1)
a) Expand: 3(𝑝𝑝 − 2) a) 3(𝑝𝑝 − 2) = 3𝑝𝑝 − 6
b) Expand: 3(2 − 𝑝𝑝) b) 3(2 − 𝑝𝑝) = 6 − 3𝑝𝑝
c) Write down 3 things that are the c) Same: Monomial is multiplied by a binomial; the monomial is 3 ;
same in Q1a and Q1b. the exponent of 𝑝𝑝 in the answers is 1
d) Write down 2 things that are d) Different: The binomial in Q1a is variable 𝑝𝑝 subtract constant 2
different in Q1a and Q1b. (i.e. 𝑝𝑝 − 2); in Q1b the binomial is constant 2 subtract variable
e) If 𝑝𝑝 = 5, will you get the 𝑝𝑝 (i.e. 2 − 𝑝𝑝); the answers of Q1a and Q1b are different
same answer for Q1a and (i.e. for Q1a is 3𝑝𝑝 − 6, and for Q1b is 6 − 3𝑝𝑝)
Q1b? e) No. If 𝑝𝑝 = 5 in Q1a, the answer is 9. If 𝑝𝑝 = 5 in Q1b, the answer is −9.
2) Look at examples A and B in the box below: 2)
a) A:If 𝑚𝑚 = 1, then 1(2 − 1) = 1, and
A. 𝑚𝑚(2 − 𝑚𝑚) B: if 𝑚𝑚 = 1, then 1(−1 + 2) = 1. Same answer.
B. 𝑚𝑚(−𝑚𝑚 + 2) b) Own choice:
A: If 𝑚𝑚 = 2, then 2(2 − 2) = 0, and
a) Substitute 𝑚𝑚 = 1 in A and B. Do you get the B: If 𝑚𝑚 = 2, then 2(−2 + 2) = 0.
same answer? Same answer.
b) Choose another value for 𝑚𝑚 and substitute in A and c)
B. Do you get the same answer? A. 𝑚𝑚(2 − 𝑚𝑚) = 2𝑚𝑚 − 𝑚𝑚2
c) Multiply out A and B. B. 𝑚𝑚(−𝑚𝑚 + 2) = −𝑚𝑚2 + 2𝑚𝑚
d) Are the multiplied out expressions the same? d) Yes. The monomials are the same. The binomials
Explain. are the same, i.e. 2 − 𝑚𝑚 = −𝑚𝑚 + 2

3) In this question we are going to compare 5(4 − 𝑥𝑥 ) and 3)

5(𝑥𝑥 − 4). a)
a) Multiply out: i) 5(4 − 𝑥𝑥 ) = 20 − 5𝑥𝑥
i) 5(4 − ii) 5(𝑥𝑥 − 4) = 5𝑥𝑥 − 20
𝑥𝑥) b) Same: They are the product of a monomial and a
ii) 5(𝑥𝑥 − 4) binomial. The monomial is 5 in both cases.
b) What is the same about the expanded expressions Different: The binomial in Q3a(i) is 4 − 𝑥𝑥 and
for Q3a(i) and Q3a(ii) and what is different? the binomial in Q3a(𝑥𝑥 − 4𝑥𝑥
c) If 𝑥𝑥 = 2, will you get the same answer for the two c) No. If 𝑥𝑥 = 2, answer to (i) is 10; answer to (ii) is −10.
expressions?
4) Look at examples A to C in the box below: 4)
a) A: 3(5)(5 − 2) = 15(3) = 45
A. 3𝑡𝑡(𝑡𝑡 − 2) B: 3(5)(2 − 5) = 15(−3) = −45
B. 3𝑡𝑡(2 − 𝑡𝑡) C: (2 − 5)3(5) = (−3)15 = −45
C. (2 − 𝑡𝑡)3𝑡𝑡 b) Examples B and C. The monomials are both 15. The
binomials are both −3. Multiplication is commutative:
a) Substitute 𝑡𝑡 = 5 in A, B and C.
15(−3) = (−3)15
b) Which examples give the same answer? Why does c) A: 3𝑡𝑡(𝑡𝑡 − 2) = 3𝑡𝑡 2 − 6𝑡𝑡 = −6𝑡𝑡 + 3𝑡𝑡 2
this happen? B: 3𝑡𝑡(2 − 𝑡𝑡) = 6𝑡𝑡 − 3𝑡𝑡 2
d) Expand A, B and C. Write your answers in ascending C: (2 − 𝑡𝑡)3𝑡𝑡 = 6𝑡𝑡 − 3𝑡𝑡 2
powers of 𝑡𝑡. d) No. Only B and C are the same: multiplication is
c) Are all the expanded expressions the same? Explain. commutative and the monomials and binomials are
the same. In A the terms in the binomial are
swopped around and subtraction is not commutative
i.e.
(𝑡𝑡 − 2) ≠ (2 − 𝑡𝑡).
5) Expand. Write your answers in ascending powers of 𝑑𝑑. 5)
a) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑑𝑑 2 − 2𝑑𝑑) a) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑑𝑑 2 − 2𝑑𝑑 ) = 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 3 − 2𝑑𝑑 2 𝑑𝑑
b) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(−2𝑑𝑑 + 𝑑𝑑 2 ) b) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(−2𝑑𝑑 + 𝑑𝑑 2 ) = 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 3 − 2𝑑𝑑 2 𝑑𝑑
c) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(−2𝑑𝑑 − 𝑑𝑑 2 ) c) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(−2𝑑𝑑 − 𝑑𝑑 2 ) = −𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 3 − 2𝑑𝑑 2 𝑑𝑑
d) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(−𝑑𝑑 2 − 2𝑑𝑑) d) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(−𝑑𝑑 2 − 2𝑑𝑑 ) = −𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 3 − 2𝑑𝑑 2 𝑑𝑑

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 3.6
In this worksheet you will focus on: using the distributive law when monomials are positive and binomials contain negative
numbers.

Questions

1)
a) Expand: 2(𝑝𝑝 − 3)
b) Expand: 2(3 − 𝑝𝑝)
c) Write down 3 things that are the same in Q1a and Q1b.
d) Write down 2 things that are different in Q1a and Q1b.
e) If 𝑝𝑝 = 5, will you get the same answer for Q1a and Q1b?

2) In this question we are going to compare 4(𝑥𝑥 − 5) and 4(5 − 𝑥𝑥)

a) Expand:
i) 4(𝑥𝑥 − 5)
ii) 4(5 − 𝑥𝑥)
b) What is the same about the expanded expressions for Q2a(i) and Q2a(ii) and what is different?
c) If 𝑥𝑥 = 2, will you get the same answer for the two expressions?

3) Look at examples A to C in the box below:

A. 3𝑦𝑦(2 − 𝑦𝑦)
B. 3𝑦𝑦(𝑦𝑦 − 2)
C. (2 − 𝑦𝑦)(3𝑦𝑦)

a) Substitute 𝑦𝑦 = 3 in A, B and C.
b) Which examples give the same answer? Why does this happen?
c) Expand A, B and C. Write your answers in descending powers of 𝑦𝑦.
d) Are all the expanded expressions the same? Explain.

4) Expand. Write your answers in descending powers of 𝑏𝑏.

a) 𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏(𝑏𝑏 2 − 2𝑎𝑎)
b) 𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏(−2𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 2 )
c) 𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏(−2𝑎𝑎 − 𝑏𝑏 2 )
d) (−𝑏𝑏 2 − 2𝑎𝑎)(𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏)

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Worksheet 3.6
Answers
Questions Answers
1) 1)
a) Expand: 2(𝑝𝑝 − 3) a) 2(𝑝𝑝 − 3) = 2𝑝𝑝 − 6
b) Expand: 2(3 − 𝑝𝑝) b) 2(3 − 𝑝𝑝) = 6 − 2𝑝𝑝
c) Write down 3 things that are the same in Q1a and Q1b. c) Same:
d) Write down 2 things that are different in Q1a and Q1b.  The monomial is multiplied by a binomial
e) If 𝑝𝑝 = 5, will you get the same answer for Q1a and Q1b?  The monomial is 2 in Q1a and Q1b
 The exponent of 𝑝𝑝 in the bracket and in
the answers of Q1a and Q1b is 1
d) Different:
 The binomial in Q1a is variable 𝑝𝑝
subtract constant 3 (i.e. 𝑝𝑝 − 3), whilst
the binomial in Q1b is constant 3 subtract
variable 𝑝𝑝 (i.e.
3 − 𝑝𝑝)
 The answers of Q1a and Q1b are different
(i.e. for Q1a is 2𝑝𝑝 − 6, and for Q1b is
6 − 2𝑝𝑝)
e) No. When 𝑝𝑝 = 5 Q1a, the answer is
4. When 𝑝𝑝 = 5 in Q1b, the answer is
−4.
2) In this question we are going to compare 4(𝑥𝑥 − 5) and 2)
4(5 − 𝑥𝑥 ): a)
a) Expand: i) 4(𝑥𝑥 − 5) = 4𝑥𝑥 − 20
i) 4(𝑥𝑥 − 5) ii) 4(5 − 𝑥𝑥 ) = 20 − 4𝑥𝑥
ii) 4(5 − 𝑥𝑥 ) b) They are both the product of a monomial and a
b) What is the same about the expanded expressions for binomial.
Q2a(i) and Q2a(ii) and what is different? The binomial in (i) is 𝑥𝑥 − 5 and the binomial in
c) If 𝑥𝑥 = 2, will you get the same answer for the (ii) is 5 − 𝑥𝑥 so the signs are different.
two expressions? c) No. If 𝑥𝑥 = 2, 4(2) − 20 = −12 and
20 − 4(2) = 12
3) Look at examples A to C in the box below: 3)
A. 3𝑦𝑦(2 − 𝑦𝑦) a) If 𝑦𝑦 = 3 in A, then 3(3)(2 − 3) = 9(−1) = −9
B. 3𝑦𝑦(𝑦𝑦 − 2) If 𝑦𝑦 = 3 in B, then 3(3)(3 − 2) = 9(1) = 9
C. (2 − 𝑦𝑦)(3𝑦𝑦) If 𝑦𝑦 = 3 in C, then (2 − 3)3(3) = −1(9) = −9
b) Examples A and C. The monomials are the
a) Substitute 𝑦𝑦 = 3 in A, B and C. same and the binomials are the same.
b) Which examples give the same answer? Why does this
c) A. 3𝑦𝑦(2 − 𝑦𝑦) = 6𝑦𝑦 − 3𝑦𝑦 2 = −3𝑦𝑦 2 + 6𝑦𝑦;
happen? B. 3𝑦𝑦(𝑦𝑦 − 2) = 3𝑦𝑦 2 − 6𝑦𝑦;
c) Expand A, B and C. Write your answers in descending C. (2 − 𝑦𝑦)3𝑦𝑦 = 6𝑦𝑦 − 3𝑦𝑦 2 = −3𝑦𝑦 2 + 6𝑦𝑦
powers of 𝑦𝑦. d) No. Only A and C of the expanded expressions are
d) Are all the expanded expressions the same? Explain. the same because multiplication is commutative
and the monomials and binomials are the same. In
B the terms in the binomial are swopped around
and subtraction is not commutative
i.e. (2 − 𝑦𝑦) ≠ (𝑦𝑦 − 2).
4) Expand. Write your answers in descending powers of 𝑏𝑏. 4)
a) 𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏(𝑏𝑏2 − 2𝑎𝑎) a) 𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏(𝑏𝑏2 − 2𝑎𝑎) = 𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏3 − 𝑎𝑎2 𝑏𝑏
b) 𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏(−2𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏2 ) b) 𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏(−2𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏2 ) = 𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 3 − 2𝑎𝑎2 𝑏𝑏
c) 𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏(−2𝑎𝑎 − 𝑏𝑏2 ) c) 𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏(−2𝑎𝑎 − 𝑏𝑏2 ) = −𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏3 − 2𝑎𝑎2 𝑏𝑏
d) (−𝑏𝑏2 − 2𝑎𝑎)(𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏) d) (−𝑏𝑏2 − 2𝑎𝑎)(𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏) = −𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏3 − 2𝑎𝑎2 𝑏𝑏

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 3.7
In this worksheet you will focus on: using the distributive law when monomials are positive or negative and binomials contain
negative and positive numbers.

Questions

1) Look at examples A and B in the box below:

A. 3(𝑝𝑝 + 2)
B. −3(𝑝𝑝 + 2)

a) Write down the monomials in A and B.

b) Write down the binomials in A and B.
c) When you multiply out each expression, what will be the sign of the constant term?
d) Multiply out A and B.

2) Look at example A and B in the box below:

A. 𝑘𝑘(5 − 𝑘𝑘)
B. − 𝑘𝑘(5 − 𝑘𝑘)

a) Substitute 𝑘𝑘 = 3 in A and B. Do you get the same answer?

b) Choose a negative value for 𝑘𝑘 and substitute in A and B. Do you get the same answer?
c) Multiply out A and B.
d) Are the multiplied out expressions the same? Explain.

3) Look at examples A to C in the box below:

A. −3𝑏𝑏(𝑏𝑏 + 6)
B. −3𝑏𝑏(6 + 𝑏𝑏)
C. (6 + 𝑏𝑏)(−3𝑏𝑏)

a) Substitute 𝑏𝑏 = 4 in A, B and C.
b) Which examples give the same answer? Why does this happen?
c) Expand A, B and C. Write your answers in descending powers of 𝑏𝑏.
d) Are the expanded expressions the same? Explain.

4) Simplify. Write your answers in descending powers of 𝑒𝑒.

a) −𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒(𝑒𝑒 2 − 2𝑑𝑑)
b) −𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒(2𝑑𝑑 − 𝑒𝑒 2 )
c) −𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒(−2𝑑𝑑 + 𝑒𝑒 2 )
d) −𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒(−2𝑑𝑑 − 𝑒𝑒 2 )
e) (𝑒𝑒 2 − 2𝑑𝑑)(−𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒)
f) (−𝑒𝑒 2 + 2𝑑𝑑) (−𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒)

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Worksheet 3.7
Answers
Questions Answers
1) Look at examples A and B in the box below: 1)
A. 3(𝑝𝑝 + 2) a) Monomials b) Binomials
B. −3(𝑝𝑝 + 2) A 3 𝑝𝑝 + 2
B −3 𝑝𝑝 + 2
a) Write down the monomials in A and B.
b) Write down the binomials in A and B. c) The constant will be positive in A and negative in
c) When you multiply out each expression, what will be the B
sign of the constant term? d) A: 3(𝑝𝑝 + 2) = 3𝑝𝑝 + 6
d) Multiply out A and B. B: −3(𝑝𝑝 + 2) = −3𝑝𝑝 − 6

2) Look at example A and B in the box below: 2)

A. 𝑘𝑘(5 − 𝑘𝑘) a) If 𝑘𝑘 = 3, then 3(5 − 3) = 6, and
B. − 𝑘𝑘(5 − 𝑘𝑘) −3(5 − 3) = −6. Not the same answer.
b) Own choice.
a) Substitute 𝑘𝑘 = 3 in A and B. Do you get the same answer? If 𝑘𝑘 = −2, then (−2)(5 − (−2)) = −14, and
b) Choose a negative value for 𝑘𝑘 and substitute in A and −(−2)�5 − (−2)� = 14. Not the same answer.
B. Do you get the same answer? c)
c) Multiply out A and B. A. 𝑘𝑘(5 − 𝑘𝑘) = 5𝑘𝑘 − 𝑘𝑘 2
d) Are the multiplied out expressions the same? Explain. B. −𝑘𝑘(5 − 𝑘𝑘) = −5𝑘𝑘 + 𝑘𝑘 2
d) No, the monomials are different, one is positive,
and one is negative.
3) Look at examples A to C in the box below: 3)
A. −3𝑏𝑏(𝑏𝑏 + 6) a) If 𝑏𝑏 = 4, A gives −3( 4)(4 + 6) = −120
B. −3𝑏𝑏(6 + 𝑏𝑏) B gives −3( 4)(6 + 4) = −120
C. (6 + 𝑏𝑏)(−3𝑏𝑏) C gives �6 + ( 4)��−3( 4)� = −120
b) All the examples give the same answer. The
a) Substitute 𝑏𝑏 = 4 in A, B and C. monomial is the same and the binomials
b) Which examples give the same answer? Why does this produce the same answer due to the
happen? commutative property: (𝑏𝑏 + 6) = (6 + 𝑏𝑏)
c) Expand A, B and C. Write your answers in descending c) A: −3𝑏𝑏(𝑏𝑏 + 6) = −3𝑏𝑏 2 − 18𝑏𝑏
powers of 𝑏𝑏. B: −3𝑏𝑏(6 + 𝑏𝑏) = −3𝑏𝑏2 − 18𝑏𝑏
d) Are the expanded expressions the same? Explain. C: (6 + 𝑏𝑏)(−3𝑏𝑏) = −3𝑏𝑏2 − 18𝑏𝑏
d) Yes. See explanation in Q3b.
4) Simplify. Write your answers in descending powers of 𝑒𝑒. 4)
a) −𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒(𝑒𝑒 2 − 2𝑑𝑑) a) −𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒 3 + 2𝑑𝑑 2 𝑒𝑒
b) −𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒(2𝑑𝑑 − 𝑒𝑒 2 ) b) 𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒 3 − 2𝑑𝑑 2 𝑒𝑒
c) −𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒(−2𝑑𝑑 + 𝑒𝑒 2 ) c) −𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒 3 + 2𝑑𝑑 2 𝑒𝑒
d) −𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒(−2𝑑𝑑 − 𝑒𝑒 2 ) d) 𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒 3 + 2𝑑𝑑 2 𝑒𝑒
e) (𝑒𝑒 2 − 2𝑑𝑑)(−𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒) e) −𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒 3 + 2𝑑𝑑 2 𝑒𝑒
f) (−𝑒𝑒 2 + 2𝑑𝑑) (−𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒) f) 𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒 3 − 2𝑑𝑑 2 𝑒𝑒

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 3.8
In this worksheet you will focus on: using the distributive law when monomials are positive or negative and binomials contain
negative and positive numbers.

Questions

1) Look at examples A and B in the box below:

A. 7(𝑣𝑣 + 2)
B. −7(𝑣𝑣 + 2)

a) Write down the monomials in A and B.

b) Write down the binomials in A and B.
c) When you multiply out each expression, what will be the sign of the constant term?
d) Multiply out A and B.

2) Look at example A and B in the box below:

A. 𝑎𝑎(6 − 𝑎𝑎)
B. − 𝑎𝑎(6 − 𝑎𝑎)

a) Substitute 𝑎𝑎 = 5 in A and B. Do you get the same answers?

b) Choose a negative value for 𝑎𝑎 and substitute in A and B. Do you get the same answers?
c) Multiply out A and B.
d) Are the expanded expressions the same? Explain.

3) Look at examples A to C in the box below:

A. −2𝑏𝑏(𝑏𝑏 + 9)
B. −2𝑏𝑏(9 + 𝑏𝑏)
C. (9 + 𝑏𝑏)(−2𝑏𝑏)

a) Substitute 𝑏𝑏 = 2 in A, B and C.
b) Which examples give the same answer? Why does this happen?
c) Expand A, B and C. Write your answers in descending powers of 𝑏𝑏.
d) Are the expanded expressions the same? Explain.

4) Multiply out. Write your answers in descending powers of 𝑎𝑎.

a) 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎2 − 2𝑏𝑏)
b) −𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎(2𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎2 )
c) (−𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎)(−2𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎2 )
d) −𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎(−2𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎2 )
e) (𝑎𝑎2 − 2𝑎𝑎)(−𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 )
f) (−𝑎𝑎2 + 2𝑎𝑎) (−𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎)

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Worksheet 3.8
Answers
Questions Answers
1) Look at examples A and B in the box below: 1)
A. 7(𝑣𝑣 + 2) a) Monomials b) Binomials
B. −7(𝑣𝑣 + 2) A 7 𝑣𝑣 + 2
B −7 𝑣𝑣 + 2
a) Write down the monomials in A and B.
b) Write down the binomials in A and B. c) The constant will be positive in A and
c) When you multiply out each expression, what will be the negative in B
sign of the constant term? d) 7(𝑣𝑣 + 2) = 7𝑣𝑣 + 14
d) Multiply out A and B. −7(𝑣𝑣 + 2) = −7𝑣𝑣 − 14

2) Look at example A and B in the box below: 2)

A. 𝑎𝑎(6 − 𝑎𝑎) a) If 𝑎𝑎 = 5, then 5(6 − 5) = 5, and then
B. − 𝑎𝑎(6 − 𝑎𝑎) −5(6 − 5) = −5. Not the same answer.
b) Own choice.
a) Substitute 𝑎𝑎 = 5 in A and B. Do you get the same answers? If 𝑎𝑎 = −2, then (−2)�6 − (−2)� = −16,
b) Choose a negative value for 𝑎𝑎 and substitute in A and and −(−2)�6 − (−2)� = 16.
B. Do you get the same answers? Not the same answer.
c) Multiply out A and B. c)
d) Are the multiplied out expressions the same? Explain. A. 𝑎𝑎(6 − 𝑎𝑎) = 6𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎2
B. −𝑎𝑎(6 − 𝑎𝑎) = −6𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎2
d) No, the monomials are different, one is
positive, and one is negative.
3) Look at examples A to C in the box below: 3)
A. −2𝑏𝑏(𝑏𝑏 + 9) a) If 𝑏𝑏 = 2, A gives −2( 2)�(2) + 9� = −44
B. −2𝑏𝑏(9 + 𝑏𝑏) B gives −2( 2)�9 + (2)� = −44
C. (9 + 𝑏𝑏)(−2𝑏𝑏) C gives �9 + ( 2)��−2( 2)� = −44
b) All the examples give the same answer. The
a) Substitute 𝑏𝑏 = 2 in A, B and C.
monomial is the same and the binomials
b) Which examples give the same answer? Why does this
produce the same answer due to the
happen?
commutative property: (𝑏𝑏 + 9) = (9 + 𝑏𝑏)
c) Expand A, B and C. Write your answers in descending powers
c) A: −2𝑏𝑏(𝑏𝑏 + 9) = −2𝑏𝑏 2 − 18𝑏𝑏
of 𝑏𝑏.
B: −2𝑏𝑏(9 + 𝑏𝑏) = −2𝑏𝑏2 − 18𝑏𝑏
d) Are the expanded expressions the same? Explain.
C: (9 + 𝑏𝑏)(−2𝑏𝑏) = −2𝑏𝑏2 − 18𝑏𝑏
d) Yes. See explanation in Q3b.

4) Multiply out. Write your answers in descending powers of 𝑎𝑎. 4)

a) 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎2 − 2𝑏𝑏) a) 𝑎𝑎3 𝑎𝑎 − 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 2
b) −𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎(2𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎2 ) b) 𝑎𝑎3 𝑎𝑎 − 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 2
c) (−𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎)(−2𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎2 ) c) −𝑎𝑎3 𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 2
d) −𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎(−2𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎2 ) d) 𝑎𝑎3 𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 2
e) (𝑎𝑎2 − 2𝑎𝑎)(−𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ) e) −𝑎𝑎3 𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 2
f) (−𝑎𝑎2 + 2𝑎𝑎) (−𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎) f) 𝑎𝑎3 𝑎𝑎 − 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 2

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 2

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 3.9
In this worksheet you will focus on: using the distributive law when there are 2 or more terms in the brackets, monomials are
positive or negative and terms in the brackets contain positive and/or negative and numbers.

Questions
1) Look at examples A, B and C in the box below:
A. 2(𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛)
B. 2(𝑚𝑚 + 3𝑛𝑛)
C. 2(𝑚𝑚 − 3𝑛𝑛)

a) How many terms are in each bracket?

b) Predict how many terms there will be in the final answer for each example.
c) Expand A to C. Is your answer in Q1b correct?

2) Look at examples A, B and C in the box below:

A. 2(𝑚𝑚 + 3𝑛𝑛 + 4𝑝𝑝)
B. 2(𝑚𝑚 − 3𝑛𝑛 + 4𝑝𝑝)
C. 2(𝑚𝑚 + 3𝑛𝑛 − 4𝑝𝑝)

a) How many terms are in each bracket?

b) Predict how many terms there will be in the final answer for each example.
c) Expand A to D. Is your answer in Q2b correct?

3) Expand:
a) −2(𝑓𝑓 + 𝑔𝑔 + ℎ) f) (𝑓𝑓 + 𝑔𝑔 + ℎ)(−𝑒𝑒)
b) (𝑓𝑓 + 𝑔𝑔 + ℎ)(−2) g) −𝑒𝑒(𝑓𝑓 − 𝑔𝑔 + ℎ)
c) 𝑒𝑒(𝑓𝑓 + 𝑔𝑔 + ℎ) h) (𝑓𝑓 − 𝑔𝑔 − ℎ)(−𝑒𝑒)
d) (𝑓𝑓 + 𝑔𝑔 + ℎ)𝑒𝑒 i) −4𝑒𝑒(𝑓𝑓 + 𝑔𝑔 + ℎ)
e) −𝑒𝑒(𝑓𝑓 + 𝑔𝑔 + ℎ) j) (𝑓𝑓 + 𝑔𝑔 + ℎ)(−4𝑒𝑒)

4) Multiply out:
a) 𝑡𝑡(𝑡𝑡 2 + 𝑡𝑡 + 3)
b) (𝑡𝑡 2 + 𝑡𝑡 + 3)𝑡𝑡
c) −𝑡𝑡(𝑡𝑡 2 + 𝑡𝑡 + 3)
d) (𝑡𝑡 2 + 𝑡𝑡 + 3)(−𝑡𝑡)

5) Multiply out. Write your answers in descending powers of 𝑠𝑠 for Q5a to Q5c, and in descending
powers of 𝑝𝑝 for Q5d to Q5f.
a) (𝑠𝑠 − 5)3𝑠𝑠𝑡𝑡
b) (𝑠𝑠 − 5)(−3𝑠𝑠𝑡𝑡)
c) (𝑠𝑠 2 + 2𝑡𝑡 + 3)(−3𝑠𝑠𝑡𝑡)
d) −𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝(𝑝𝑝2 + 2𝑝𝑝)
e𝑝𝑝)𝑝𝑝 − (𝑝𝑝2 − 2𝑝𝑝)
f) −𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝(−𝑝𝑝2 − 2𝑝𝑝 + 5)

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Worksheet 3.9
Answers
Questions Answers
1) Look at examples A, B and C in the box below: 1)
A. 2(𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛) a) 2
B. 2(𝑚𝑚 + 3𝑛𝑛) b) 2
C. 2(𝑚𝑚 − 3𝑛𝑛) c) A. 2𝑚𝑚 + 2𝑛𝑛
B. 2𝑚𝑚 + 6𝑛𝑛
a) How many terms are in each bracket? C. 2𝑚𝑚 − 6𝑛𝑛
b) Predict how many terms there will be in the final answer for
each example. Yes it is correct
c) Expand A to C. Is your answer in Q1b correct?

2) Look at examples A, B and C in the box below: 2)

A. 2(𝑚𝑚 + 3𝑛𝑛 + 4𝑝𝑝) a) 3
B. 2(𝑚𝑚 − 3𝑛𝑛 + 4𝑝𝑝) b) 3
C. 2(𝑚𝑚 + 3𝑛𝑛 − 4𝑝𝑝) c) A: 2𝑚𝑚 + 6𝑛𝑛 +
8𝑝�� B: 2𝑚𝑚 − 6𝑛𝑛
a) How many terms are in each bracket? + 8𝑝𝑝 C: 2𝑚𝑚 + 6𝑛𝑛
b) Predict how many terms there will be in the final answer for − 8𝑝𝑝
each example.
c) Expand A to D. Is your answer in Q2b correct? Yes it is correct

3) Expand: 3)
a) −2(𝑓𝑓 + 𝑔𝑔 + ℎ) a) −2𝑓𝑓 − 2𝑔𝑔 − 2ℎ
b) (𝑓𝑓 + 𝑔𝑔 + ℎ)(−2) b) −2𝑓𝑓 − 2𝑔𝑔 − 2ℎ
c) 𝑒𝑒(𝑓𝑓 + 𝑔𝑔 + ℎ) c) 𝑒𝑒𝑓𝑓 + 𝑒𝑒𝑔𝑔 + 𝑒𝑒ℎ
d) (𝑓𝑓 + 𝑔𝑔 + ℎ)𝑒𝑒 d) 𝑒𝑒𝑓𝑓 + 𝑒𝑒𝑔𝑔 + 𝑒𝑒ℎ
e) −𝑒𝑒(𝑓𝑓 + 𝑔𝑔 + ℎ) e) −𝑒𝑒𝑓𝑓 − 𝑒𝑒𝑔𝑔 − 𝑒𝑒ℎ
f) (𝑓𝑓 + 𝑔𝑔 + ℎ)(−𝑒𝑒) f) −𝑒𝑒𝑓𝑓 − 𝑒𝑒𝑔𝑔 − 𝑒𝑒ℎ
g) −𝑒𝑒(𝑓𝑓 − 𝑔𝑔 + ℎ) g) −𝑒𝑒𝑓𝑓 + 𝑒𝑒𝑔𝑔 − 𝑒𝑒ℎ
h) (𝑓𝑓 − 𝑔𝑔 − ℎ)(−𝑒𝑒) h) −𝑒𝑒𝑓𝑓 + 𝑒𝑒𝑔𝑔 + 𝑒𝑒ℎ
i) −4𝑒𝑒(𝑓𝑓 + 𝑔𝑔 + ℎ) i) −4𝑒𝑒𝑓𝑓 − 4𝑒𝑒𝑔𝑔 − 4𝑒𝑒ℎ
j) (𝑓𝑓 + 𝑔𝑔 + ℎ)(−4𝑒𝑒) j) −4𝑒𝑒𝑓𝑓 − 4𝑒𝑒𝑔𝑔 − 4𝑒𝑒ℎ

4) Multiply out: 4)
a) 𝑡𝑡(𝑡𝑡 2 + 𝑡𝑡 + 3) a) 𝑡𝑡 3 + 𝑡𝑡 2 + 3𝑡𝑡
b) (𝑡𝑡 2 + 𝑡𝑡 + 3)𝑡𝑡 b) 𝑡𝑡 3 + 𝑡𝑡 2 + 3𝑡𝑡
c) −𝑡𝑡(𝑡𝑡 2 + 𝑡𝑡 + 3) c) −𝑡𝑡 3 − 𝑡𝑡 2 − 3𝑡𝑡
d) (𝑡𝑡 2 + 𝑡𝑡 + 3)(−𝑡𝑡) d) −𝑡𝑡 3 − 𝑡𝑡 2 − 3𝑡𝑡

5) Multiply out. Write your answers in descending powers of 𝑠𝑠 5)

for Q5a to Q5c, and in descending powers of 𝑝𝑝 for Q5d to
Q5f. a) 3𝑠𝑠 2 𝑡𝑡 − 15𝑠𝑠𝑡𝑡
a) (𝑠𝑠 − 5)3𝑠𝑠𝑡𝑡 b) −3𝑠𝑠 2 𝑡𝑡 + 15𝑠𝑠𝑡𝑡
b) (𝑠𝑠 − 5)(−3𝑠𝑠𝑡𝑡) c) −3𝑠𝑠 3 𝑡𝑡 − 6𝑠𝑠𝑡𝑡 2 − 9𝑠𝑠𝑡𝑡
c) (𝑠𝑠 2 + 2𝑡𝑡 + 3)(−3𝑠𝑠𝑡𝑡) d) −𝑝𝑝3 𝑝𝑝 − 2𝑝𝑝2 𝑝𝑝
d) −𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝(𝑝𝑝2 + 2𝑝𝑝) e) −𝑝𝑝3 𝑝𝑝 + 2𝑝𝑝2 𝑝𝑝
e) −𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝(𝑝𝑝2 − 2𝑝𝑝) f) 𝑝𝑝3 𝑝𝑝 + 2𝑝𝑝2 𝑝𝑝 − 5𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝
f) −𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝(−𝑝𝑝2 − 2𝑝𝑝 + 5)

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 2

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 3.10
In this worksheet you will focus on: using the distributive law when there are 2 or more terms in the brackets, monomials are
positive or negative and terms in the brackets contain positive and/or negative and numbers.

Questions

1) Look at examples A, B, C and D in the box below:

A. 3(𝑑𝑑 + 2𝑒𝑒 + 4𝑓𝑓)
B. 3(𝑑𝑑 − 2𝑒𝑒 + 4𝑓𝑓)
C. 3(𝑑𝑑 + 2𝑒𝑒 − 4𝑓𝑓)
D. 3(𝑑𝑑 − 2𝑒𝑒 − 4𝑓𝑓)

a) How many terms are in each bracket?

b) Predict how many terms there will be in the final answer for each example.
c) Expand A to D. Is your answer in Q1b correct?

2) Multiply out:
a) 𝑤𝑤(𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦 + 𝑧𝑧)
b) (𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦 + 𝑧𝑧)𝑤𝑤
c) 𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦 + 𝑧𝑧)
d) −𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦 + 𝑧𝑧)
e) −𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥 − 𝑦𝑦 + 𝑧𝑧)
f) −4𝑥𝑥 (𝑥𝑥 − 𝑦𝑦 − 𝑧𝑧)

3) Multiply out:
a) 3𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎2 + 𝑎𝑎 + 5)
b) 2𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎2 − 𝑎𝑎 + 5)
c) −𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎2 − 𝑎𝑎 + 5)
d) (𝑎𝑎2 − 𝑎𝑎 + 5)(−𝑎𝑎)

4) Multiply out. Write your answers in descending powers of 𝑥𝑥 for Q4a to Q4c, and in descending
powers of 𝑐𝑐 for Q4d to Q4f.
a) (𝑥𝑥 − 7)3𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦
b) (𝑥𝑥 − 7)(−3𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦)
c) (𝑥𝑥 2 − 7𝑥𝑥 + 3)(−3𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦)
d) −𝑐𝑐𝑑𝑑(𝑐𝑐 2 − 2𝑐𝑐)
e𝑐𝑐) −𝑐𝑐𝑑𝑑(− 2 − 2𝑐𝑐)
f) −𝑐𝑐𝑑𝑑(−𝑐𝑐 2 − 2𝑐𝑐 + 7)

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Worksheet 3.10
Answers
Questions Answers
1) Look at examples A, B, C and D in the box below: 1)
A. 3(𝑑𝑑 + 2𝑒𝑒 + 4𝑓𝑓) a) 3
B. 3(𝑑𝑑 − 2𝑒𝑒 + 4𝑓𝑓) b) 3
C. 3(𝑑𝑑 + 2𝑒𝑒 − 4𝑓𝑓) c)
D. 3(𝑑𝑑 − 2𝑒𝑒 − 4𝑓𝑓) A. 3𝑑𝑑 + 6𝑒𝑒 + 12𝑓𝑓
B. 3𝑑𝑑 − 6𝑒𝑒 + 12𝑓𝑓
a) How many terms are in each bracket? C. 3𝑑𝑑 + 6𝑒𝑒 − 12𝑓𝑓
b) Predict how many terms there will be in the final answer for D. 3𝑑𝑑 − 6𝑒𝑒 − 12𝑓𝑓
each example.
c) Expand A to D. Is your answer in Q1b correct? Yes it is correct

2) Multiply out: 2)
a) 𝑤𝑤(𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦 + 𝑧𝑧) a) 𝑤𝑤𝑥𝑥 + 𝑤𝑤𝑦𝑦 + 𝑤𝑤𝑧𝑧
b) (𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦 + 𝑧𝑧)𝑤𝑤 b) 𝑥𝑥𝑤𝑤 + 𝑦𝑦𝑤𝑤 + 𝑧𝑧𝑤𝑤
c) 𝑥𝑥 (𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦 + 𝑧𝑧) c) 𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦 + 𝑥𝑥𝑧𝑧
d) −𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦 + 𝑧𝑧) d) −𝑥𝑥2 − 𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦 − 𝑥𝑥𝑧𝑧
e) −𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥 − 𝑦𝑦 + 𝑧𝑧) e) −𝑥𝑥2 + 𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦 − 𝑥𝑥𝑧𝑧
f) −4𝑥𝑥 (𝑥𝑥 − 𝑦𝑦 − 𝑧𝑧) f) −4𝑥𝑥 2 + 4𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦 + 4𝑥𝑥𝑧𝑧

3) Multiply out: 3)
a) 3𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎2 + 𝑎𝑎 + 5) a) 3𝑎𝑎3 + 3𝑎𝑎2 + 15𝑎𝑎
b) 2𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎2 − 𝑎𝑎 + 5) b) 2𝑎𝑎3 − 2𝑎𝑎2 + 10𝑎𝑎
c) −𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎2 − 𝑎𝑎 + 5) c) −𝑎𝑎3 + 𝑎𝑎2 − 5𝑎𝑎
d) (𝑎𝑎2 − 𝑎𝑎 + 5)(−𝑎𝑎) d) −𝑎𝑎3 + 𝑎𝑎2 − 5𝑎𝑎

4) Multiply out. Write your answers in descending powers of 𝑥𝑥 for 4)

Q4a to Q4c, and in descending powers of 𝑐𝑐 for Q4d to Q4f.
a) (𝑥𝑥 − 7)3𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦 a) 3𝑥𝑥 2 𝑦𝑦 − 21𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦
b) (𝑥𝑥 − 7)(−3𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦) b) −3𝑥𝑥 2𝑦𝑦 + 21𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦
c) (𝑥𝑥 2 − 7𝑥𝑥 + 3)(−3𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦) c) −3𝑥𝑥 3 𝑦𝑦 + 21𝑥𝑥 2 𝑦𝑦 − 9𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦
d) −𝑐𝑐𝑑𝑑(𝑐𝑐 2 − 2𝑐𝑐) d) −𝑐𝑐 3 𝑑𝑑 + 2𝑐𝑐 2 𝑑𝑑
e) −𝑐𝑐𝑑𝑑(−𝑐𝑐 2 − 2𝑐𝑐) e) 𝑐𝑐 3 𝑑𝑑 + 2𝑐𝑐 2 𝑑𝑑
f) −𝑐𝑐𝑑𝑑(−𝑐𝑐 2 − 2𝑐𝑐 + 7) f) 𝑐𝑐 3 𝑑𝑑 + 2𝑐𝑐 2 𝑑𝑑 − 7𝑐𝑐𝑑𝑑

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 2

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 4.1
This worksheet focuses on simplifying algebraic expressions, substituting into algebraic expressions and working with verbal and
algebraic expressions.

Questions

1) Simplify:
a) 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎
b) 8𝑏𝑏 × 3𝑏𝑏
c) 7𝑎𝑎 × 4𝑏𝑏
d) (𝑝𝑝)(𝑞𝑞 ) − 𝑟𝑟
e) −3𝑠𝑠(−4𝑡𝑡)

2) Calculate the value of:

a) 3𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 if 𝑎𝑎 = 3 and 𝑏𝑏 = 4
b) 𝑥𝑥 + 10 if 𝑥𝑥 = −5
c) 3(2𝑤𝑤 + 5) if 𝑤𝑤 = 2

3)
a) Write ℎ − 9 as a verbal expression
b) Write ‘thirteen more than a number’ as an algebraic expression

4) Calculate the value of:

a) 3𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 if 𝑎𝑎 = 3 and 𝑏𝑏 = 4
b) 𝑥𝑥 + 10 if 𝑥𝑥 = −5
c) 3(2𝑤𝑤 + 5) if 𝑤𝑤 = 2

5) Simplify:
a) 𝑟𝑟 − 7𝑟𝑟 + 𝑟𝑟
b) 7𝑏𝑏 + 5𝑏𝑏 − 3𝑎𝑎
c) 5𝑥𝑥 + 6 + 2𝑥𝑥 + 5
d) −15𝑦𝑦 − 6𝑦𝑦
e) 5𝑑𝑑 + 2𝑒𝑒 + 8 + 7𝑑𝑑 − 𝑒𝑒 + 8

6) Say whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE:

a) 8𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦 and 8𝑦𝑦𝑥𝑥 are like terms
b) 3(𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑦𝑦) = 3𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑦𝑦
c) 32 + 16𝑑𝑑 = 8(4 + 2𝑑𝑑 )
d) 10𝑥𝑥 − 36𝑦𝑦 + 2𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦 = 12𝑥𝑥 + 36𝑦𝑦

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 1

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC
5

Worksheet 4.1
Answers
Questions Answers
1) Simplify: 1)
a) 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎 a) 3𝑎𝑎
b) 8𝑏𝑏 × 3𝑏𝑏 b) 24𝑏𝑏2
c) 7𝑎𝑎 × 4𝑏𝑏 c) 28𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏
d) (𝑝𝑝)(𝑞𝑞 ) − 𝑟𝑟 d) 𝑝𝑝𝑞𝑞 − 𝑟𝑟
e) −3𝑠𝑠(−4𝑡𝑡) e) 12𝑠𝑠𝑡𝑡
2) Calculate the value of: 2)
a) 3𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 if 𝑎𝑎 = 3 and 𝑏𝑏 = 4 a) 3(3)(4) = 36
b) 𝑥𝑥 + 10 if 𝑥𝑥 = −5 b) (−5) + 10 = 5
c) 3(2𝑤𝑤 + 5) if 𝑤𝑤 = 2 c) 3(4 + 5) = 27

3) 3) Possible answers:
a) Write ℎ − 9 as a verbal expression a) Nine less than ℎ or ℎ subtract 9
b) Write ‘thirteen more than a number’ as an algebraic expression b) 𝑥𝑥 + 13 or 13 + 𝑥𝑥
4) Simplify: 4)
a) 𝑟𝑟 − 7𝑟𝑟 + 𝑟𝑟 a) −5𝑟𝑟
b) 7𝑏𝑏 + 5𝑏𝑏 − 3𝑎𝑎 b) −3𝑎𝑎 + 12𝑏𝑏
c) 5𝑥𝑥 + 6 + 2𝑥𝑥 + 5 c) 7𝑥𝑥 + 11
d) −15𝑦𝑦 − 6𝑦𝑦 d) −21𝑦𝑦
e) 5𝑑𝑑 + 2𝑒𝑒 + 8 + 7𝑑𝑑 − 𝑒𝑒 + 8 e) 12𝑑𝑑 + 𝑒𝑒 + 16

5) Say whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE: 5)

a) 8𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦 and 8𝑦𝑦𝑥𝑥 are like terms a) True
b) 3(𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑦𝑦) = 3𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑦𝑦 b) False
c) 32 + 16𝑑𝑑 = 8(4 + 2𝑑𝑑 ) c) True
d) 10𝑥𝑥 − 36𝑦𝑦 + 2𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦 = 12𝑥𝑥 + 36𝑦𝑦 d) False

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 2

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC
5

Worksheet
This worksheet focuses on simplifying algebraic expressions, substituting into algebraic expressions and working with verbal and
algebraic expressions.

Questions
1) Simplify:
a) 𝑏𝑏 + 2𝑏𝑏
8𝑥𝑥
b)
4
c) −7𝑎𝑎(4𝑏𝑏)
d) (𝑝𝑝)(𝑞𝑞 ) − (𝑝𝑝)(𝑟𝑟)
e) 3𝑚𝑚 − 6𝑚𝑚

2) Calculate the value of:

a) 3𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 if 𝑎𝑎 = 3 and 𝑏𝑏 = 4
b) (𝑥𝑥 − 5) + 5 if 𝑥𝑥 = −5
c) 3(6𝑤𝑤 + 4𝑤𝑤) if 𝑤𝑤 = 2
3)
a) Write 4𝑝𝑝 + 3 as a verbal expression
b) Write ‘five less than a number’ as an algebraic expression

4) Simplify:
a) 𝑎𝑎 − 3𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎
b) 6𝑚𝑚 + 3𝑚𝑚 − 2
c) 8𝑥𝑥 − 3 + 4𝑥𝑥 + 3
d) −4𝑗𝑗 − 4𝑗𝑗
e) 4𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥
f) 𝑎𝑎 − 3𝑎𝑎

5) Say whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE:

a) 6𝑎𝑎 − 3𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎 − 12 = 3𝑎𝑎 − 12
b) 12(𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑥) = 12(3𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑥)
c) 6(𝑑𝑑 − 𝑒𝑒) = 6𝑑𝑑 − 6𝑒𝑒
d) 4(2𝑥𝑥 − 3𝑥𝑥) = −24𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 1

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC
5

Worksheet
Answers
Questions Answers
1) Simplify: 1)
a) 𝑏𝑏 + 2𝑏𝑏 a) 3𝑏𝑏
8𝑥𝑥
b) b) 2𝑥𝑥
c)
4
−7𝑎𝑎(4𝑏𝑏) c) −28𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏
d) (𝑝𝑝)(𝑞𝑞 ) − (𝑝𝑝)(𝑟𝑟) d) 𝑝𝑝𝑞𝑞 − 𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑟
e) 3𝑚𝑚 − 6𝑚𝑚 e) −3𝑚𝑚

2) Calculate the value of: 2)

a) 3𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 if 𝑎𝑎 = 3 and 𝑏𝑏 = 4 a) 13
b) (𝑥𝑥 − 5) + 5 if 𝑥𝑥 = −5 b) −5
c) 3(6𝑤𝑤 + 4𝑤𝑤) if 𝑤𝑤 = 2 c) 60
3) 3) Possible answers
a) Write 4𝑝𝑝 + 3 as a verbal expression a) Three more than 4 multiplied by a number
b) Write ‘five less than a number’ as an algebraic expression b) 𝑥𝑥 − 5
4) Simplify: 4)
a) 𝑎𝑎 − 3𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎 a) – 𝑎𝑎
b) 6𝑚𝑚 + 3𝑚𝑚 − 2 b) 9𝑚𝑚 − 2
c) 8𝑥𝑥 − 3 + 4𝑥𝑥 + 3 c) 12𝑥𝑥
d) −4𝑗𝑗 − 4𝑗𝑗 d) −8𝑗𝑗
e) 4𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥 e) 3𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥
5) Say whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE: 5)
a) 6𝑎𝑎 − 3𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎 − 12 = 3𝑎𝑎 − 12 a) False
b) 12(𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑥 ) = 12(3𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑥) b) True
c) 6(𝑑𝑑 − 𝑒𝑒) = 6𝑑𝑑 − 6𝑒𝑒 c) True
d) 4(2𝑥𝑥 − 3𝑥𝑥) = −24𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 d) False

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 2

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 4.3
In this worksheet you will focus on: adding, subtracting or multiplying algebraic expressions which have 2 terms in brackets.

Questions
1)
a) Which of these terms produce the same answer when they are simplified?
25𝑝𝑝; 2 × 5𝑝𝑝; 2(5𝑝𝑝); 2𝑝𝑝(5)
b) Apply the distributive law: 3𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎 + 7)
c) Spot the 2 errors and correct them:
5 + 𝑚𝑚(2 + 𝑚𝑚)
= 5𝑚𝑚(2 + 𝑚𝑚)
= 10𝑚𝑚 + 5𝑚𝑚
= 15𝑚𝑚

2) This question focuses on the 6 expressions in the box.

A. 5𝑘𝑘(𝑘𝑘 + 2)
B. (𝑘𝑘 + 2)5𝑘𝑘
C. 5 + 𝑘𝑘(𝑘𝑘 + 2)
D. (𝑘𝑘 + 2)5 + 𝑘𝑘
E. (𝑘𝑘 + 2) + 5𝑘𝑘
F. 5(𝑘𝑘 + 2)𝑘𝑘

a) Look at the expressions carefully and answer these questions:

i) In which expressions is 𝑘𝑘 multiplied into the bracket?
ii) In which expressions is 5 multiplied into the bracket?
b) Simplify each expression.
c) Which expressions have the same answer? Why does this happen?

3) Each expression below uses 2𝑥𝑥; 𝑥𝑥 and 3. We have grouped them into 3 clusters.

A. 2𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥 + 3) a) What is different between A, B and C?

B. 2𝑥𝑥 + (𝑥𝑥 + 3) b) What is different between D and E?
C. 2𝑥𝑥 − (𝑥𝑥 + 3) c) What is different between F and G?
D. (2𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥) + 3 d) What is the same and what is different between E and G?
E. (2𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥)3 e) Simplify A to G.
F. (2𝑥𝑥 − 3) + 𝑥𝑥 f) Try to do E in different way.
G. (2𝑥𝑥 − 3)𝑥𝑥 g) In which expressions are the brackets not needed?

4) Three expressions are given below:

A. 2𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥 − 𝑦𝑦)
B. 𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥 − 𝑦𝑦)
C. (𝑥𝑥 − 𝑦𝑦)2𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥

a) Expand each expression.

b) For B, a classmate’s answer is: 3𝑥𝑥 2 − 3𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦. What did she do wrong?

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 1

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS
59

Worksheet 4.3
Answers
Questions Answers
1) 1)
a) Which of these terms produce the same answer a) These terms 2 × 5𝑝𝑝; 2(5𝑝𝑝); 2𝑝𝑝(5) all produce 10.
when they are simplified? b) 3𝑎𝑎2 + 21𝑎𝑎
25𝑝𝑝; 2 × 5𝑝𝑝; 2(5𝑝𝑝); 2𝑝𝑝(5) c) Line 2: 5 + 𝑚𝑚 is written as 5 and in line 3 the product of
b) Apply the distributive law: 3𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎 + 7) 5𝑚𝑚 and 𝑚𝑚 is given as 5𝑚𝑚 instead
c) Spot the 2 errors and correct them: of 5𝑚𝑚2. This is what the answer should
5 + 𝑚𝑚(2 + 𝑚𝑚) be:
= 5𝑚𝑚(2 + 𝑚𝑚) 5 + 𝑚𝑚(2 + 𝑚𝑚) = 5 + 2𝑚𝑚 + 𝑚𝑚2
= 10𝑚𝑚 + 5𝑚𝑚
= 15𝑚𝑚

2) This question focuses on the 6 expressions in the box. 2)

A. 5𝑘𝑘(𝑘𝑘 + 2) a)
B. (𝑘𝑘 + 2)5𝑘𝑘 i) A, B, C and F
C. 5 + 𝑘𝑘(𝑘𝑘 + 2)
(𝑘𝑘 + 2)5 + 𝑘𝑘
ii) A, B, D and F
D.
E. (𝑘𝑘 + 2) + 5𝑘𝑘 b)
F. 5(𝑘𝑘 + 2)𝑘𝑘 A. 5𝑘𝑘 2 + 10𝑘𝑘
B. 5𝑘𝑘 2 + 10𝑘𝑘
a) Look at the expressions carefully and answer these C. 5 + 𝑘𝑘 2 + 2𝑘𝑘 = 𝑘𝑘 2 + 2𝑘𝑘 + 5
questions: D. 6𝑘𝑘 + 10
i) In which expressions is 𝑘𝑘 multiplied into E. 6𝑘𝑘 + 2
the bracket? F. 5𝑘𝑘 2 + 10𝑘𝑘
ii) In which expressions is 5 multiplied into the c) A, B and F: In A, monomial 5𝑘𝑘 is multiplied into binomial
bracket? 𝑘𝑘 + 2 from the left; in B, 5𝑘𝑘 is multiplied into 𝑘𝑘 + 2 from
b) Simplify each expression. the right; in C 5 of the monomial 5𝑘𝑘 is multiplied into
c) Which expressions have the same answer? Why 𝑘𝑘 + 2 from the right and then the product is multiplied
does this happen? by the variable 𝑘𝑘 of 5𝑘𝑘.

3) Each expression below uses 2𝑥𝑥; 𝑥𝑥 and 3. We 3)

have grouped them into 3 clusters. a) In A, monomial 2𝑥𝑥 is multiplied into binomial 𝑥𝑥 + 3 from
A. 2𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥 + 3) the left. In B, binomial 𝑥𝑥 + 3 is added to monomial 2𝑥𝑥
B. 2𝑥𝑥 + (𝑥𝑥 + 3) In C, binomial 𝑥𝑥 + 3 is subtracted from monomial 2
C. 2𝑥𝑥 − (𝑥𝑥 + 3) b) In D, 3 is added to 2𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥, in E, 2𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥 is multiplied by 3
D. (2𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥 ) + 3 from the right
E. (2𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥)3 c) In F, 𝑥𝑥 is added to 2𝑥𝑥 − 3, In G, 2𝑥𝑥 − 3 is multiplied by 𝑥𝑥
F. (2𝑥𝑥 − 3) + 𝑥𝑥 from the right
G. (2𝑥𝑥 − 3)𝑥𝑥 d) Same: E and G have the a binomial multiplied by
a) What is different between A, B and C? monomial; 2𝑥𝑥 is the first term in the binomial; there is
b) What is different between D and E? subtraction in both brackets
c) What is different between F and G? Different: Binomial in E consists of like terms, but
d) What is the same and what is different between E binomial in G consists of unlike terms.
and G? e)
e) Simplify A to G. A. 2𝑥𝑥 2 + 6𝑥𝑥 B. 3𝑥𝑥 + 3 C. 𝑥𝑥 − 3 D. 𝑥𝑥 + 3
f) Try to do E in different way. E. 3𝑥𝑥 F. 3𝑥𝑥 − 3 G. 2𝑥𝑥 2 − 3𝑥𝑥
g) In which expressions are the brackets not needed? f) 6𝑥𝑥 − 3𝑥𝑥 = 3𝑥𝑥 or (𝑥𝑥 )3 = 3𝑥𝑥
g) B, D and F
5) Three expressions are given below: 4)
A. 2𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥 − 𝑦𝑦) a)
B. 𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥 − 𝑦𝑦) A. 2𝑥𝑥 2 − 2𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦
C. (𝑥𝑥 − 𝑦𝑦)2𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥
B. 𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑥 2 − 2𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦 = 2𝑥𝑥 2 − 2𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦 + 𝑥𝑥
C. 2𝑥𝑥 2 − 2𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦 + 𝑥𝑥
a) Expand each expression.
b) She added 𝑥𝑥 and 2𝑥𝑥 first then applied the distributive
b) For B, a classmate’s answer is: 3𝑥𝑥 2 − 3𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦. What
did she do wrong? law. She should have distributed 2𝑥𝑥 first.

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 2

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 4.4
In this worksheet you will focus on: adding, subtracting or multiplying in algebraic expressions which have 2 terms in brackets.

Questions

1)
a) Which of the following terms produce the same answer when simplified?
3 × 5𝑥𝑥; 3(5𝑥𝑥); 5𝑥𝑥 (3); 3 + 5𝑥𝑥
b) Apply the distributive law: 2𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎 + 7)
c) Spot the 2 errors and work out the correct solution:
3 + 2𝑚𝑚(𝑚𝑚 + 2)
= 5𝑚𝑚(𝑚𝑚 + 2)
= 5𝑚𝑚2 + 10

2) This question focuses on the 6 expressions in the box.

A. 5𝑘𝑘(𝑘𝑘 − 2)
B. (𝑘𝑘 − 2)5𝑘𝑘
C. 5 + 𝑘𝑘(𝑘𝑘 − 2)
D. (𝑘𝑘 − 2)5 + 𝑘𝑘
E. (𝑘𝑘 − 2) + 5𝑘𝑘
F. 5(𝑘𝑘 − 2)𝑘𝑘

a) Look at the expressions carefully and answer these questions:

i) In which expressions is 𝑘𝑘 multiplied into the bracket?
ii) In which expressions is 5 multiplied into the bracket?
b) Simplify each expression.
c) Which expressions have the same answer? Why does this happen?

3) Each expression below uses 2𝑎𝑎; 𝑎𝑎 and 3. We have grouped them into 3 clusters.

A. 2𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎 + 3) a) What is different between A, B and C?

B. 2𝑎𝑎 + (𝑎𝑎 + 3) b) What is different between D and E?
C. 2𝑎𝑎 − (𝑎𝑎 + 3) c) What is different between F and G?
D. (2𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎) + 3 d) What is the same and what is different between E and G?
E. (2𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎)3 e) Simplify A to G.
F. (2𝑎𝑎 − 3) + 𝑎𝑎 f) Try to do E in different way.
G. (2𝑎𝑎 − 3)𝑎𝑎 g) In which expressions are the brackets not needed?

4) Expand the following expressions:

a) 2𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥 − 𝑦𝑦)
b) 𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥 − 𝑦𝑦)
c) (𝑥𝑥 − 𝑦𝑦)2𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥
d) 2𝑥𝑥 (𝑥𝑥 − 𝑦𝑦) + 𝑦𝑦

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 1

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Worksheet 4.4
Answers
Questions Answers
1) 1)
a) Which of the following terms produce the same a) The following terms: 3 × 5𝑥𝑥; 3(5𝑥𝑥 ); 5𝑥𝑥 (3) give15𝑥𝑥.
answer when simplified? b) 2𝑎𝑎2 + 14𝑎𝑎
3 × 5𝑥𝑥; 3(5𝑥𝑥 ); 5𝑥𝑥 (3); 3 + 5𝑥𝑥 c) Line 2: 3 + 2𝑚𝑚 is written as 5𝑚𝑚, and in
b) Apply the distributive law: 2𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎 + 7) Line 4: the product of 5𝑚𝑚 and 2 is given as 10 instead
c) Spot the 2 errors and work out the correct of
solution: 10𝑚𝑚.
3 + 2𝑚𝑚(𝑚𝑚 + 2) This is what the answer should be:
= 5𝑚𝑚(𝑚𝑚 + 2)
3 + 2𝑚𝑚(𝑚𝑚 + 2) = 3 + 2𝑚𝑚2 +
= 5𝑚𝑚2 + 10 4𝑚𝑚
= 2𝑚𝑚2 + 4𝑚𝑚 + 3
2) This question focuses on the 6 expressions in the box. 2)
A. 5𝑘𝑘(𝑘𝑘 − 2) a)
B. (𝑘𝑘 − 2)5𝑘𝑘 i) A, B, C and F
C. 5 + 𝑘𝑘(𝑘𝑘 − 2) ii) A, B, D and F
D. (𝑘𝑘 − 2)5 + 𝑘𝑘 b)
E. (𝑘𝑘 − 2) + 5𝑘𝑘
A. 5𝑘𝑘 2 − 10𝑘𝑘
F. 5(𝑘𝑘 − 2)𝑘𝑘
B. 5𝑘𝑘 2 − 10𝑘𝑘
C. 5 + 𝑘𝑘 2 − 2𝑘𝑘
a) Look at the expressions carefully and answer these D. 6𝑘𝑘 − 10
questions: E. 6𝑘𝑘 − 2
i) In which expressions is 𝑘𝑘 multiplied into F. 5𝑘𝑘 2 − 10𝑘𝑘
the bracket? c) A, B and F. In A, monomial 5𝑘𝑘 is multiplied into binomial
ii) In which expressions is 5 multiplied into the 𝑘𝑘 − 2 from the left, in B, monomial 5𝑘𝑘 and binomial
bracket? 𝑘𝑘 − 2 are just switched around. In C, constant 5 of the
b) Simplify each expression. monomial 5𝑘𝑘 is first multiplied into binomial 𝑘𝑘 − 2, and
c) Which expressions have the same answer? Why then the product is is multiplied by the variable 𝑘𝑘 of 5𝑘𝑘.
does this happen?
3) Each expression below uses 2𝑎𝑎; 𝑎𝑎 and 3. We 3)
have grouped them into 3 clusters. a) In A, monomial 2𝑎𝑎 is multiplied into binomial 𝑎𝑎 + 3
A. 2𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎 + 3) In B, binomial 𝑎𝑎 + 3 is added to monomial 2𝑎𝑎
B. 2𝑎𝑎 + (𝑎𝑎 + 3) In C, binomial 𝑎𝑎 + 3 is subtracted from monomial 2
C. 2𝑎𝑎 − (𝑎𝑎 + 3) b) In D, 3 is added to 2𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎, in E, 2𝑎𝑎 − 3 is multiplied by 3
D. (2𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎) + 3 from the right
E. (2𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎)3 c) In F, 𝑎𝑎 is added to 2𝑎𝑎 − 3, in G , 2𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎 multiplied by 𝑎𝑎
F. (2𝑎𝑎 − 3) + 𝑎𝑎 d) Same: E and G have binomials multiplied by monomials;
G. (2𝑎𝑎 − 3)𝑎𝑎 2𝑎𝑎 is the first term in the binomial; there is subtraction
a) What is different between A, B and C? in both brackets
b) What is different between D and E? Different: The binomial in E consists of like terms, and
c) What is different between F and G? they can be added to a single term before multiplying by
d) What is the same and what is different between E 3.; the binomial in G has unlike terms.
and G? e)
e) Simplify A to G. A. 2𝑎𝑎2 + 6𝑎𝑎 B. 3𝑎𝑎 + 3 C. 𝑎𝑎 − 3 D. 𝑎𝑎 + 3
f) Try to do E in different way. E. 3𝑎𝑎 F. 3𝑎𝑎 − 3 G. 2𝑎𝑎2 − 3𝑎𝑎
g) In which expressions are the brackets not needed? f) 6𝑎𝑎 − 3𝑎𝑎 = 3𝑎𝑎 or (𝑎𝑎)3 = 3𝑎𝑎
g) B, D and F

4) Expand the following expressions: 4)

a) 2𝑑𝑑 (𝑑𝑑 − 𝑒𝑒) a) 2𝑑𝑑 2 − 2𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒
b) 𝑑𝑑 + 2𝑑𝑑(𝑑𝑑 − 𝑒𝑒) b) 𝑑𝑑 + 2𝑑𝑑 2 − 2𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒 = 2𝑑𝑑 2 − 2𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒 + 𝑑𝑑
c) (𝑑𝑑 − 𝑒𝑒)2𝑑𝑑 + 𝑒𝑒 c) 2𝑑𝑑 2 − 2𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒 + 𝑑𝑑
d) 2𝑑𝑑 (𝑑𝑑 − 𝑒𝑒) + 𝑒𝑒 d) 2𝑑𝑑 2 − 2𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒 + 𝑑𝑑

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 2

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 4.5
In this worksheet you will focus on: adding, subtracting or multiplying algebraic expressions which have 2 terms in brackets, and include
negatives

Questions
1) There are 4 different expressions in Column A. Find an equivalent expression for each in Column B.
There may be more than one match.

Column A Column B
a) (𝑎𝑎 + 2)3 A. 𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎 + 2) + 3
b) (𝑎𝑎 + 2) − 3 B. 3(𝑎𝑎 + 2)
c) (𝑎𝑎 + 2)𝑎𝑎 + 3 C. 2(3 + 𝑎𝑎)
d) (3 + 𝑎𝑎)2 D. 3𝑎𝑎 + 6
E. 𝑎𝑎 + 2 − 3

2) Look at each pair of examples and do the following:

 Say what is the same about each expression in the pair
 Simplify each expression
 Are the answers in the pair the same or different?
 Say why the answers are the same or different

a) 3(𝑚𝑚 + 1) e) −3(𝑚𝑚 + 1) + 3
b) 3(−𝑚𝑚 + 1) f) −3(𝑚𝑚 + 1) − 3

c) 3(𝑚𝑚 + 1) g) (𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛) − 2𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛

d) 3(−𝑚𝑚 + 1) h) (𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛)(−2𝑚𝑚) + 𝑛𝑛

3) Multiply out and simplify:

a) 2𝑝𝑝(𝑝𝑝 + 𝑟𝑟) c) (𝑝𝑝 + 𝑟𝑟)2𝑝𝑝 + 𝑟𝑟 e) (𝑝𝑝 + 2)𝑝𝑝 − 2𝑝𝑝
b) 𝑝𝑝 + 2𝑝𝑝(𝑝𝑝 + 𝑟𝑟) d) 𝑝𝑝 − 2𝑝𝑝(𝑝𝑝 + 𝑟𝑟)

4) Find the value of each expression if 𝑗𝑗 = 1 and 𝑘𝑘 = 2.

a) (𝑗 + 𝑘𝑘)2𝑗𝑗
b) 2𝑗𝑗(𝑗𝑗 + 𝑘𝑘)

c) (𝑗𝑗 + 𝑘𝑘)(−2𝑗𝑗)
d) (𝑗 + 𝑘𝑘) − 2𝑗𝑗
e) (𝑗𝑗 + 𝑘𝑘) − 𝑘𝑘𝑗𝑗

f) (𝑗𝑗 + 𝑘𝑘) + 𝑗 + 𝑘𝑘
g) (𝑗𝑗 + 𝑘𝑘) − 𝑗 + 𝑘𝑘

Do any clusters (or groups) give the same answers? If so, why does this happen?

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 1

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Worksheet 4.5
Answers
Questions Answers
1) There are 4 different expressions in Column A. Find an 1)
equivalent expression for each in Column B. There may
be more than one match.
Column A Column B
d) (𝑎𝑎 + 2)3 A. 𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎 + 2) + 3 a) B and D
e) (𝑎𝑎 + 2) − 3 B. 3(𝑎𝑎 + 2) b) E
C. 2(3 + 𝑎𝑎) c) A
f) (𝑎𝑎 + 2)𝑎𝑎 + 3
d) C
e) (3 + 𝑎𝑎)2 D. 3𝑎𝑎 + 6
E. 𝑎𝑎 + 2 − 3

2) Question and answers are grouped together for Q2.

Look at each pair of examples and do the following:
 Say what is the same about each expression in the pair g) −3(𝑚𝑚 + 1) + 3
 Simplify each expression h) −3(𝑚𝑚 + 1) − 3
 Are the answers in the pair the same or different?  the monomials and binomials are the same
 Say why the answers are the same or different  −3𝑚𝑚 and−3𝑚𝑚 − 6
 The answers are different
a) 3(𝑚𝑚 + 1)  In Q2e, 3 is added to −3(𝑚𝑚 + 1) but in Q2f, 3
b) 3(−𝑚𝑚 + 1) is subtracted from−3(𝑚𝑚 + 1).
 the monomials are the same
 3𝑚𝑚 + 3 and −3𝑚𝑚 − 3 i) (𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛) − 2𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛
 The answers are different j) (𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛)(−2𝑚𝑚) + 𝑛𝑛
 The sign of 𝑚𝑚 in Q2a is positive but in Q2b  the binomials are the same and the last term of
𝑚𝑚 is negative. each is +𝑛𝑛.
c) (𝑚𝑚 + 1)(−3)  −𝑚𝑚 + 2𝑛𝑛 and −2𝑚𝑚2 − 2𝑚𝑚𝑛𝑛 + 𝑛𝑛
d) (𝑚𝑚 + 1) − 3  The answers are different
 the binomials are the same  In Q2g, (𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛) is has −2𝑚𝑚 added to it
 −3𝑚𝑚 − 3 and 𝑚𝑚 − 2 but in Q2h, (𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛) is multiplied by
 The answers are different (−2𝑚𝑚).
 In Q2c, (𝑚𝑚 + 1) is multiplied by −3 but in Q2d
3 is subtracted from (𝑚𝑚 + 1).

3) Multiply out and simplify: 3)

a) 2𝑝𝑝(𝑝𝑝 + 𝑟𝑟) a) 2𝑝𝑝2 + 2𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑟
b) 𝑝𝑝 + 2𝑝𝑝(𝑝𝑝 + 𝑟𝑟) b) 𝑝𝑝 + 2𝑝𝑝2 + 2𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑟 = 2𝑝𝑝2 + 2𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑟 + 𝑝𝑝
c) (𝑝𝑝 + 𝑟𝑟)2𝑝𝑝 + 𝑟𝑟 c) 2𝑝𝑝2 + 2𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑟 + 𝑝𝑝
d) 𝑝𝑝 − 2𝑝𝑝(𝑝𝑝 + 𝑟𝑟) d) 𝑝𝑝 − 2𝑝𝑝2 − 2𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑟 = −2𝑝𝑝2 − 2𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑟 + 𝑝𝑝
e) (𝑝𝑝 + 2)𝑝𝑝 − 2𝑝𝑝 e) 𝑝𝑝2 + 2𝑝𝑝 − 2𝑝𝑝 = 𝑝𝑝2
4) Find the value of each expression if 𝑗𝑗 = 1 and 𝑘𝑘 = 2. 4)
a) (𝑗 + 𝑘𝑘)2𝑗𝑗 a) �(1) + (2)�2(1) = 6
b) 2𝑗𝑗(𝑗𝑗 + 𝑘𝑘) b) 2(1)�(1) + (2)� = 6 Same answers. The same
c) (𝑗𝑗 + 𝑘𝑘)(−2𝑗𝑗) binomial is multiplied by the same monomial just from
d) (𝑗 + 𝑘𝑘) − 2𝑗𝑗 different sides.
c) �(1) + (2)��−2(1)� = −6
e) (𝑗𝑗 + 𝑘𝑘) − 𝑘𝑘𝑗𝑗
d) �(1) + (2)� − 2(1) = 1
f) (𝑗𝑗 + 𝑘𝑘) + 𝑗 + 𝑘𝑘
e) �(1) + (2)� − (2)(1) = 1 Same answers for Q4d
g) (𝑗𝑗 + 𝑘𝑘) − 𝑗 + 𝑘𝑘
and Q4e because 𝑘𝑘 = 2.
Do any clusters (or groups) give the same answers? If so, f) �(1) + (2)� + (1) + (2) = 6
why does this happen? g) �(1) + (2)� − (1) + (2) = 4

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 2

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 4.6
In this worksheet you will focus on: adding, subtracting or multiplying algebraic expressions which have 2 terms in brackets, and
include negatives

Questions
1) Look at each pair of expressions and do the following:
 Say what is the same about each expression in the pair
 Simplify each expression
 Are the answers in the pair the same or different?
 Say why the answers are the same or different

a) 2(𝑥𝑥 + 3) e) −2(𝑥𝑥 + 3) − 2 i) (−𝑑𝑑 + 𝑒𝑒) − 2𝑑𝑑(−𝑑𝑑)

b) −2(𝑥𝑥 + 3) f) −2(𝑥𝑥 + 3) + 2 j) (−𝑑𝑑 + 𝑒𝑒)(−2𝑑𝑑 ) − 𝑑𝑑

c) (𝑥𝑥 + 3)(−2) g) (𝑏𝑏 + 𝑐𝑐 ) − 2𝑏𝑏 + 𝑏𝑏

d) (𝑥𝑥 + 3) − 2 h) (𝑏𝑏 + 𝑐𝑐 )(−2𝑏𝑏) + 𝑏𝑏

2) There are 4 different expressions in Column A. Find an equivalent expression for each in Column B.
There may be more than one match or no match.

Column A Column B
a) (𝑑𝑑 + 1)2 A. 𝑑𝑑 + 1 − 2
b) (𝑑𝑑 + 1)2 B. 2𝑑𝑑 + 2
c) (𝑑𝑑 + 1) − 2 C. (𝑑𝑑 + 1)(𝑑𝑑 + 1)
d) (𝑑𝑑 + 1)𝑑𝑑 + 1 D. −2(𝑑𝑑 + 1)
E. 2(𝑑𝑑 + 1)

3) Simplify:
a) 𝑚𝑚 + 2𝑚𝑚(𝑚𝑚 + 𝑦𝑦)
b) (𝑚𝑚 + 𝑦𝑦)2𝑚𝑚 + 𝑚𝑚
c) 𝑚𝑚 − 2𝑚𝑚(𝑚𝑚 + 𝑦𝑦)
d) (𝑚𝑚 + 2)𝑚𝑚 − 5𝑚𝑚
e) (𝑚𝑚 + 2)(−𝑚𝑚) − 5

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 1

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Worksheet 4.6
Answers
1) Question and answers are grouped together for Q1
Look at each pair of expressions and do the following:
 Say what is the same about each expression in e) −2(𝑥𝑥 + 3) − 2
the pair f) −2(𝑥𝑥 + 3) + 2
 Simplify each expression  −2 is multiplied by (𝑥𝑥 + 3) in both.
 Are the answers in the pair the same or different?  −2𝑥𝑥 − 6 − 2 = −2𝑥𝑥 − 8 and −2𝑥𝑥 − 6 + 2 = −2𝑥𝑥 − 4
 Say why the answers are the same or different  Answers are different
 In Q1e, 2 is subtracted from −2(𝑥𝑥 + 3) while in Q1f, 2
a) 2(𝑥𝑥 + 3) is added to −2(𝑥𝑥 + 3) .
b) −2(𝑥𝑥 + 3)
 the brackets have the same terms
g) (𝑏𝑏 + 𝑐𝑐) − 2𝑏𝑏 + 𝑏𝑏
 2𝑥𝑥 + 6 and −2𝑥𝑥 − 6
h) (𝑏𝑏 + 𝑐𝑐)(−2𝑏𝑏) + 𝑏𝑏
 The answers are different
 The binomial (𝑏𝑏 + 𝑐𝑐) is the same and 𝑏𝑏 is added to the
 The signs of the monomials are different . In Q1a we answer in both.
multiply a positive 2 into the bracket but in Q1b we  𝑐𝑐 and −2𝑏𝑏 2 − 2𝑏𝑏𝑐𝑐 + 𝑏𝑏
multiply a negative 2 into the bracket.  Answers not the same
 In Q1g, 2𝑏𝑏 is subtracted from (𝑏𝑏 + 𝑐𝑐) but in Q1h, (𝑏𝑏 + 𝑐𝑐)
c) (𝑥𝑥 + 3)(−2) is multiplied by−2𝑏𝑏.
d) (𝑥𝑥 + 3) − 2
 The binomial (𝑥𝑥 + 3) is the same in both. i) (−𝑑𝑑 + 𝑒𝑒) − 2𝑑𝑑(−𝑑𝑑)
 −2𝑥𝑥 − 6 and 𝑥𝑥 + 1 j) (−𝑑𝑑 + 𝑒𝑒)(−2𝑑𝑑 ) − 𝑑𝑑
 The answers are different  (−𝑑𝑑 + 𝑒𝑒) is the same.
 In Q1c, −2 is multiplied by (𝑥𝑥 + 3). In Q1d, 2 is  −𝑑𝑑 + 𝑒𝑒 + 2𝑑𝑑 2 and 2𝑑𝑑2 − 2𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑒 − 𝑑𝑑
subtracted from (𝑥𝑥 + 3)  Answers not the same
 In Q1i, 2𝑑𝑑 is multiplied by – 𝑑𝑑 and subtracted from
(−𝑑𝑑 + 𝑒𝑒) but in Q1j, −2𝑑𝑑 is multiplied by
(−𝑑𝑑 + 𝑒𝑒) and 𝑑𝑑 is subtracted from the answer.

Question Answers
2) There are 4 different expressions in Column A. Find an 2)
equivalent expression for each in Column B. There may a) B and E
be more than one match or no match. b) C
Column A Column B c) A
d) No match 𝑑𝑑2 + 𝑑𝑑 + 1
a) (𝑑𝑑 + 1)2 A. 𝑑𝑑 + 1 − 2
b) (𝑑𝑑 + 1)2 B. 2𝑑𝑑 + 2
c) (𝑑𝑑 + 1) − 2 C. (𝑑𝑑 + 1)(𝑑𝑑 + 1)
d) (𝑑𝑑 + 1)𝑑𝑑 + 1 D. −2(𝑑𝑑 + 1)
E. 2(𝑑𝑑 + 1)

3) Simplify: 3)
a) 𝑚𝑚 + 2𝑚𝑚(𝑚𝑚 + 𝑦𝑦) a) 𝑚𝑚 + 2𝑚𝑚2 + 2𝑚𝑚𝑦𝑦 = 2𝑚𝑚2 + 2𝑚𝑚𝑦𝑦 + 𝑚𝑚
b) (𝑚𝑚 + 𝑦𝑦)2𝑚𝑚 + 𝑚𝑚 b) 2𝑚𝑚2 + 2𝑚𝑚𝑦𝑦 + 𝑚𝑚
c) 𝑚𝑚 − 2𝑚𝑚(𝑚𝑚 + 𝑦𝑦) c) 𝑚𝑚 − 2𝑚𝑚2 − 2𝑚𝑚𝑦𝑦
d) (𝑚𝑚 + 2)𝑚𝑚 − 5𝑚𝑚 d) 𝑚𝑚2 + 2𝑚𝑚 − 5𝑚𝑚 = 𝑚𝑚2 − 3𝑚𝑚
e) (𝑚𝑚 + 2)(−𝑚𝑚) − 5 e) −𝑚𝑚2 − 2𝑚𝑚 − 5𝑚𝑚 = −𝑚𝑚2 − 7𝑚𝑚

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 4.7
In this worksheet you will focus on: adding, subtracting and multiplying algebraic expressions which have 2 or more terms in
brackets and 3 or more terms in the expressions.

Questions
1) There are 6 examples of algebraic expressions in the box below.
A. 3 − 𝑡𝑡(𝑡𝑡 + 3) D. (𝑡𝑡 + 1) + 𝑡𝑡 + 1
B. (𝑡𝑡 + 3)3 − 𝑡𝑡 E. (𝑡𝑡 + 2) − 2𝑡𝑡
C. 1 + 𝑡𝑡 + (𝑡𝑡 + 1) F. (𝑡𝑡 + 2)(−2𝑡𝑡)

Look at the examples carefully and answer these questions:

a) In which examples must you multiply 𝑡𝑡 into the bracket?
b) Simplify each example.
c) You should have got the same answer for C and D. Why does this happen?
d) Make one change to D so that the answer is 2.

2) Look at the 3 examples of algebraic expressions in the box below. Read all the questions (a-d) before
you begin.
A. 4(2𝑝𝑝 + 3𝑝𝑝)
B. 4𝑝𝑝(𝑝𝑝 + 2𝑝𝑝 + 2)
C. 4𝑝𝑝(3 + 2𝑝𝑝 + 1)

a) Re-write A, B and C by adding the like terms in the brackets.

b) Now simplify your new expressions for A, B and C.
c) Now go back to the original expressions for A, B and C in the box. Simplify by applying
the distributive law.
d) Check that you get the same answers in Q2b and Q2c.

3) Look at the 8 examples of algebraic expressions in the box.

A. 2𝑎𝑎 + (3 + 𝑎𝑎) E. 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎 + (3 + 𝑎𝑎)

B. 2 + 𝑎𝑎 + (3 + 𝑎𝑎) F. 2 + 2(3 + 𝑎𝑎)
C. 2 + 𝑎𝑎(3 + 𝑎𝑎) G. 3 + 2 + (3 + 𝑎𝑎)
D. 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎(3 + 𝑎𝑎)

a) In which examples can you simplify terms outside the bracket before you deal with the bracket?
b) In which examples are the brackets unnecessary?
c) In which examples must you apply the distributive law?
d) Simplify each example. Try to go from the question straight to the answer.

4) Simplify:
a) 𝑚𝑚 − 2 + 𝑚𝑚 − 2 d) 3𝑟𝑟 + 2 − (4 − 𝑟𝑟)
b) 𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦 − 2(𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦) e) (2𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦) − 2𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦
c) 3𝑟𝑟 + (4 − 𝑟𝑟)2 f) −2(𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦) − (𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦)

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Worksheet 4.7
Answers
Questions Answers
1) There are 6 examples of algebraic expressions in the box below. 1)
A. 3 − 𝑡𝑡(𝑡𝑡 + 3) a) A and F
B. (𝑡𝑡 + 3)3 − 𝑡𝑡 b)
C. 1 + 𝑡𝑡 + (𝑡𝑡 + 1) A. 3 − 𝑡𝑡 2 − 3𝑡𝑡
D. (𝑡𝑡 + 1) + 𝑡𝑡 + 1 B. 2𝑡𝑡 + 9
E. (𝑡𝑡 + 2) − 2𝑡𝑡 C. 2𝑡𝑡 + 2
F. (𝑡𝑡 + 2)(−2𝑡𝑡) D. 2𝑡𝑡 + 2
E. −𝑡𝑡 + 2
Look at the examples carefully and answer these questions: F. −2𝑡𝑡 2 − 4𝑡𝑡
a) In which examples must you multiply 𝑡𝑡 into the bracket? c) Because of the commutative law:
b) Simplify each example. 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 = 𝑏𝑏 + 𝑎𝑎
c) You should have got the same answer for C and D. Why does this happen? d) (𝑡𝑡 + 1) − 𝑡𝑡 + 1
d) Make one change to D so that the answer is 2.
2) Look at the 3 examples of algebraic expressions in the box below. Read all the 2)
questions (a-d) before you begin. a)
A. 4(2𝑝𝑝 + 3𝑝𝑝) A. 4(5𝑝𝑝)
B. 4𝑝𝑝(𝑝𝑝 + 2𝑝𝑝 + 2) B. 4𝑝𝑝(3𝑝𝑝 + 2)
C. 4𝑝𝑝(3 + 2𝑝𝑝 + 1) C. 4𝑝𝑝(2𝑝𝑝 + 4)
b)
A) 20𝑝𝑝
a) Re-write A, B and C by adding the like terms in the brackets. B) 12𝑝𝑝2 + 8𝑝𝑝
b) Now simplify your new expressions for A, B and C. C) 8𝑝𝑝2 + 16𝑝𝑝
c) Now go back to the original expressions for A, B and C in the box. Simplify c)
by applying the distributive law. A. 20𝑝𝑝
d) Check that you get the same answers in Q2b and Q2c. B. 12𝑝𝑝2 + 8𝑝𝑝
C. 12𝑝𝑝 + 8𝑝𝑝2
d) Yes, they are the same.

3) Look at the 8 examples of algebraic expressions in the box. 3)

a) F and H
A. 2𝑎𝑎 + (3 + 𝑎𝑎) b) B,C, F and H
B. 2 + 𝑎𝑎 + (3 + 𝑎𝑎) c) A, D,E and G
C. 2 + 𝑎𝑎(3 + 𝑎𝑎) d)
D. 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎(3 + 𝑎𝑎) A. 6𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑎𝑎2
E. 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎 + (3 + 𝑎𝑎) B. 3𝑎𝑎 + 3
F. 2 + 2(3 + 𝑎𝑎) C. 5 + 2𝑎𝑎
G. 3 + 2 + (3 + 𝑎𝑎) D. 2 + 3𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎2
E. 4𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎2
a) In which examples can you simplify terms outside the bracket before you F. 3𝑎𝑎 + 3
deal with the bracket? G. 8 + 2𝑎𝑎
b) In which examples are the brackets unnecessary? H. 8 + 𝑎𝑎
c) In which examples must you apply the distributive law?
d) Simplify each example. Try to go from the question straight to the answer.
4) Simplify: 4)
a) 𝑚𝑚 − 2 + 𝑚𝑚 − 2 a) 2𝑚𝑚 − 4
b) 𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦 − 2(𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦) b) −𝑥𝑥 − 𝑦𝑦
c) 3𝑟𝑟 + (4 − 𝑟𝑟)2 c) 𝑟𝑟 + 8
d) 3𝑟𝑟 + 2 − (4 − 𝑟𝑟) d) 4𝑟𝑟 − 2
e) (2𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦) − 2𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦 e) 2𝑦𝑦
f) −2(𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦) − (𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦) f) −3𝑥𝑥 − 3𝑦𝑦

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 4.8
In this worksheet you will focus on: adding, subtracting and multiplying algebraic expressions which have 2 or more terms in
brackets and 3 or more terms in the expressions.

Questions

1) There are 6 examples of algebraic expressions in the box

below. A. 5 − 𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎 + 5) D. (𝑎𝑎 + 3) + 𝑎𝑎 + 3
B. (𝑎𝑎 + 5)5 − 𝑎𝑎 E. (𝑎𝑎 + 4) − 4𝑎𝑎
C. 3 + 𝑎𝑎 + (𝑎𝑎 + 3) F. (𝑎𝑎 + 4)(−4𝑎𝑎)

Look at the examples carefully and answer these questions:

a) In which examples must you multiply 𝑎𝑎 into the bracket?
b) Simplify each example.
c) You should have got the same answer for C and D. Why does this happen?
d) Make one change to D so that the answer is 2a.

2) Look at the 3 examples of algebraic expressions in the box below. Read all the questions (a-d) before
you begin.
A. 5(𝑝𝑝 + 3𝑝𝑝)
B. 5𝑝𝑝(𝑝𝑝 + 3𝑝𝑝 + 2)
C. 5𝑝𝑝(3 + 𝑝𝑝 + 1)

a) Re-write A, B and C by adding the like terms in the brackets.

b) Now simplify your new expressions for A, B and C.
c) Now go back to the original expressions for A, B and C in the box. Simplify by applying
the distributive law.
d) Check that you get the same answers in Q2b and Q2c.

3) Look at the 8 examples of algebraic expressions in the box.

A. 2𝑥𝑥 (4 + 𝑥𝑥) E. 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥(4 + 𝑥𝑥)

B. 2𝑥𝑥 + (4 + 𝑥𝑥) F. 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥 + (4 + 𝑥𝑥)
C. 2 + 𝑥𝑥 + (1 − 𝑥𝑥) G. 1 + (3 + 𝑥𝑥)2
D. 2 + 𝑥𝑥(1 − 𝑥𝑥) H. 1 + 2 − 3(1 + 𝑥𝑥)

a) In which examples can you simplify terms outside the bracket before you deal with the bracket?
b) In which examples must you apply the distributive law?
c) In which examples are the brackets unnecessary?
d) Simplify each example.

4) Simplify:
a) 2𝑏𝑏 + 3(4 − 𝑏𝑏) + 𝑏𝑏 d) (𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦) − 2𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥
a) 2𝑏𝑏 + 3 − (4 − 𝑏𝑏) + 5𝑏𝑏 e) −2𝑥𝑥 (𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦) − 2𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥
c) 2𝑏𝑏 − 3 + 𝑏𝑏(4 − 𝑏𝑏) + 5 f) (𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦 + 3) − 2𝑥𝑥 − 3

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 1

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Worksheet 4.8
Answers
Questions Answers
1) There are 6 examples of algebraic expressions in the box 1)
below. A. 5 − 𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎 + 5) a) A and F
B. (𝑎𝑎 + 5)5 − 𝑎𝑎 b)
C. 3 + 𝑎𝑎 + (𝑎𝑎 + 3) A. 5 − 𝑎𝑎2 − 5𝑎𝑎
D. (𝑎𝑎 + 3) + 𝑎𝑎 + 3 B. 4𝑎𝑎 + 25
E. (𝑎𝑎 + 4) − 4𝑎𝑎 C. 6 + 2𝑎𝑎
F. (𝑎𝑎 + 4)(−4𝑎𝑎) D. 2𝑎𝑎 + 6
Look at the examples carefully and answer these questions: E. −3𝑎𝑎 + 4
a) In which examples must you multiply 𝑎𝑎 into the bracket? F. −4𝑎𝑎2 − 16𝑎𝑎
b) Simplify each example. c) Addition is commutative
c) You should have got the same answer for C and D. Why does this d) (𝑎𝑎 + 4) + 𝒂𝒂 − 𝟒𝟒 = 2𝑎𝑎
happen?
d) Make one change to D so that the answer is 2𝑎𝑎.

2) Look at the 3 examples of algebraic expressions in the box below. Read all 2)
the questions (a-d) before you begin. a)
A. 5(4𝑝𝑝)
A. 5(𝑝𝑝 + 3𝑝𝑝)
B. 5𝑝𝑝(4𝑝𝑝 + 2)
B. 5𝑝𝑝(𝑝𝑝 + 3𝑝𝑝 + 2)
C. 5𝑝𝑝(4 + 𝑝𝑝)
C. 5𝑝𝑝(3 + 𝑝𝑝 + 1)
b)
A. 20𝑝𝑝
a) Re-write A, B and C by adding the like terms in the brackets. B. 20𝑝𝑝 2 + 10𝑝𝑝
b) Now simplify your new expressions for A, B and C. C. 20𝑝𝑝 + 5𝑝𝑝2
c) Now go back to the original expressions for A, B and C in the box. c)
Simplify by applying the distributive law. A. 20𝑝𝑝
d) Check that you get the same answers in Q2b and Q2c. B. 20𝑝𝑝2 + 10𝑝𝑝
C. 20𝑝𝑝 + 5𝑝𝑝2
d) Yes, they are the same

3) Look at the 8 examples of algebraic expressions in the box. 3)

a) C,F and H
A. 2𝑥𝑥 (4 + 𝑥𝑥 ) a) In which examples can you simplify b) A, D,E,G and H
B. 2𝑥𝑥 + (4 + 𝑥𝑥) terms outside the bracket before c) B,C and F
C. 2 + 𝑥𝑥 + (1 − 𝑥𝑥) you deal with the bracket? d)
D. 2 + 𝑥𝑥(1 − 𝑥𝑥) b) In which examples must you apply A. 8𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑥 2
E. 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥(4 + 𝑥𝑥) the distributive law? B. 3𝑥𝑥 + 4
F. 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥 + (4 + 𝑥𝑥) c) In which examples are the brackets C. 3
G. 1 + (3 + 𝑥𝑥)2 unnecessary? D. 2 + 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥 2
I. 1 + 2 − 3(1 + 𝑥𝑥) d) Simplify each example. E. −3𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥 2
F. 4 + 𝑥𝑥
G. 7 + 2𝑥𝑥
H. −3𝑥𝑥
4) Simplify: 4)
a) 2𝑏𝑏 + 3(4 − 𝑏𝑏) + 𝑏𝑏 a) 12
b) 2𝑏𝑏 + 3 − (4 − 𝑏𝑏) + 5𝑏𝑏 b) 8𝑏𝑏 − 1
c) 2𝑏𝑏 − 3 + 𝑏𝑏(4 − 𝑏𝑏) + 5 c) −𝑏𝑏2 + 6𝑏𝑏 + 2
d) (𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦) − 2𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥 d) 𝑦𝑦
e) −2𝑥𝑥 (𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦) − 2𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥 e) −2𝑥𝑥 2 − 2𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦 − 3𝑥𝑥
f) (𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦 + 3) − 2𝑥𝑥 − 3 f) – 𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 2

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 4.9
In this worksheet you will focus on: adding, subtracting and multiplying algebraic expressions which have 2 or more terms in
brackets and 3 or more terms in the expressions.

Questions

1) There are 6 examples of algebraic expressions in the box

below. A. (𝑝𝑝 + 3) − 5 − 𝑝𝑝 D. (𝑝𝑝 + 3)5 − 𝑝𝑝
B. 5 − 𝑝𝑝 − (𝑝𝑝 + 3) E. (𝑝𝑝 + 3) − 5𝑝𝑝
C. 5𝑝𝑝(𝑝𝑝 + 3) F. (𝑝𝑝 + 3)(−5𝑝𝑝)

Look at the examples carefully and answers these questions:

a) In which examples must you multiply 𝑝𝑝 into the bracket?
b) In which examples must you multiply 5 (or −5) into the bracket?
c) Simplify each example.

2) Look at the 5 examples of algebraic expressions in the box below.

A. 2𝑚𝑚(6 + 2𝑚𝑚 + 1) D. 2(6 + 2𝑚𝑚 + 𝑔𝑔𝑚𝑚)
B. 2𝑚𝑚(𝑚𝑚 + 6𝑚𝑚 + 𝑘𝑘) E. 2𝑚𝑚(6 + 2𝑚𝑚 + 𝑘𝑘)
C. 2(𝑘𝑘 + 𝑚𝑚 + 1)

a) In which examples can you simplify terms inside the bracket before you apply the
distributive law?
b) Simplify by applying the distributive law.

3) Look at the 8 examples of algebraic expressions in the

box. A. 2𝑡𝑡(4 + 𝑡𝑡) E. 𝑡𝑡 − 𝑡𝑡(4 + 𝑡𝑡)
B. 2𝑡𝑡 + (4 + 𝑡𝑡) F. 𝑡𝑡 + 𝑡𝑡 + (3 − 𝑡𝑡)
C. 2 + 𝑡𝑡 − (4 + 𝑡𝑡) G. 2 + 2(3 + 𝑡𝑡)
D. 2 + 𝑡𝑡(4 + 𝑡𝑡) H. 10 + 3 − (3 − 𝑡𝑡)

a) In which examples can you simplify terms outside the bracket before you deal with the bracket?
b) In which examples must you apply the distributive law?
c) In which examples are the brackets unnecessary?
d) Simplify each example. Try to go from the question straight to the answer.

4) Simplify:
a) 4𝑛𝑛 + 3(5 − 𝑛𝑛) + 𝑛𝑛
b) 4𝑛𝑛 + 3 − (5 − 𝑛𝑛) + 𝑛𝑛
c) 4𝑛𝑛 − 3 + 𝑛𝑛(5 − 𝑛𝑛) + 5
d) (𝑐𝑐 + 𝑑𝑑 ) − 4𝑐𝑐 + 𝑐𝑐
e) (𝑐𝑐 + 𝑑𝑑 + 3) − 4𝑐𝑐 − 3𝑐𝑐 (𝑐𝑐 + 𝑑𝑑 + 3) − 3
f) −4𝑐𝑐 (𝑐𝑐 + 𝑑𝑑 ) − 4𝑐𝑐 − (𝑐𝑐 + 𝑑𝑑 )(−4𝑐𝑐 ) − 𝑐𝑐 − 2

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 1

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Worksheet 4.9
Answers
Questions Answers
1) There are 6 examples of algebraic expressions in the box below. 1)
A. (𝑝𝑝 + 3) − 5 − 𝑝𝑝 a) C and F
B. 5 − 𝑝𝑝 − (𝑝𝑝 + 3) b) C, D and F
C. 5𝑝𝑝(𝑝𝑝 + 3) c)
D. (𝑝𝑝 + 3)5 − 𝑝𝑝 A. −2
E. (𝑝𝑝 + 3) − 5𝑝𝑝 B. 2 − 2𝑝𝑝
F. (𝑝𝑝 + 3)(−5𝑝𝑝) C. 5𝑝𝑝2 + 15𝑝𝑝
D. 4𝑝𝑝 + 15
Look at the examples carefully and answers these questions: E. −4𝑝𝑝 + 3
a) In which examples must you multiply 𝑝𝑝 into the bracket? F. −5𝑝𝑝2 − 15𝑝𝑝
b) In which examples must you multiply 5 (or −5) into the bracket?
c) Simplify each example.
2) Look at the 5 examples of algebraic expressions in the box below. 2)
A. 2𝑚𝑚(6 + 2𝑚𝑚 + 1) a) A, B and D
B. 2𝑚𝑚(𝑚𝑚 + 6𝑚𝑚 + 𝑘𝑘) b)
C. 2(𝑘𝑘 + 𝑚𝑚 + 1) A. 14𝑚𝑚 + 4𝑚𝑚2
D. 2(6 + 2𝑚𝑚 − 6𝑚𝑚) B. 14𝑚𝑚2 + 2𝑚𝑚𝑘𝑘
E. 2𝑚𝑚(6 + 2𝑚𝑚 + 𝑘𝑘) C. 2𝑘𝑘 + 2𝑚𝑚 + 2
D. 12 − 8𝑚𝑚
E. 12𝑚𝑚 + 4𝑚𝑚2 + 2𝑚𝑚𝑘𝑘
a) In which examples can you simplify terms inside the bracket before you
= 4𝑚𝑚2 +2𝑚𝑚2𝑚𝑚𝑘𝑘 + 1
apply the distributive law?
b) Simplify by applying the distributive law.

3) Look at the 8 examples of algebraic expressions in the box. 3)

A. 2𝑡𝑡(4 + 𝑡𝑡) a) F and H
B. 2𝑡𝑡 + (4 + 𝑡𝑡) b) A, D, E and G
C. 2 + 𝑡𝑡 − (4 + 𝑡𝑡) c) B and F
D. 2 + 𝑡𝑡(4 + 𝑡𝑡) d)
E. 𝑡𝑡 − 𝑡𝑡(4 + 𝑡𝑡) A) 8𝑡𝑡 + 2𝑡𝑡 2
F. 𝑡𝑡 + 𝑡𝑡 + (3 − 𝑡𝑡) B) 3𝑡𝑡 + 4
G. 2 + 2(3 + 𝑡𝑡) C) −2
H. 10 + 3 − (3 − 𝑡𝑡) D) 2 + 4𝑡𝑡 + 𝑡𝑡 2
E) −3𝑡𝑡 − 𝑡𝑡 2
a) In which examples can you simplify terms outside the bracket before F) 𝑡𝑡 + 3
you deal with the bracket? G) 8 + 2𝑡𝑡
b) In which examples must you apply the distributive law? H) 10 + 𝑡𝑡
c) In which examples are the brackets unnecessary?
d) Simplify each example. Try to go from the question straight to the
answer.

4) Simplify: 4)
a) 4𝑛𝑛 + 3(5 − 𝑛𝑛) + 𝑛𝑛 a) 15 + 2𝑛𝑛
b) 4𝑛𝑛 + 3 − (5 − 𝑛𝑛) + 𝑛𝑛 b) 4𝑛𝑛 − 2
c) 4𝑛𝑛 − 3 + 𝑛𝑛(5 − 𝑛𝑛) + 5 c) −𝑛𝑛2 + 9𝑛𝑛 + 8
d) (𝑐𝑐 + 𝑑𝑑 ) − 4𝑐𝑐 + 𝑐𝑐 d) −2𝑐𝑐 + 𝑑𝑑
e) (𝑐𝑐 + 𝑑𝑑 + 3) − 4𝑐𝑐 − 3𝑐𝑐(𝑐𝑐 + 𝑑𝑑 + 3) − 3 e) −12𝑐𝑐 + 𝑑𝑑 − 3𝑐𝑐 2 − 3𝑐𝑐𝑑𝑑
f) −4𝑐𝑐(𝑐𝑐 + 𝑑𝑑 ) − 4𝑐𝑐 − (𝑐𝑐 + 𝑑𝑑 )(−4𝑐𝑐) − 𝑐𝑐 − 2 = −3𝑐𝑐 2 2−𝑐𝑐3𝑐𝑐𝑑𝑑 − 1 + 𝑑𝑑
f) −5𝑐𝑐 − 2

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Worksheet 4.10
In this worksheet you will focus on: adding, subtracting and multiplying algebraic expressions which have 2 or more terms in
brackets and 3 or more terms in the expressions.

Questions
1) There are 6 examples of algebraic expressions in the box below.

A. 4 − 𝑗𝑗 − (𝑗𝑗 + 2) D. (𝑗𝑗 + 2)4 − 𝑗𝑗

B. (𝑗𝑗 + 2) − 4 − 𝑗𝑗 E. (𝑗𝑗 + 2) − 4𝑗𝑗
C. 4 − 𝑗𝑗(𝑗𝑗 + 2) F. (𝑗𝑗 + 2)(−4𝑗𝑗)

Look at the examples carefully and answers these questions:

a) In which examples must you multiply 𝑗𝑗 into the bracket?
b) In which examples must you multiply 4 (or −4) into the bracket?
c) Simplify each example.

2) Look at the 5 examples of algebraic expressions in the box below.

A. 2𝑔𝑔(𝑔𝑔 + 2𝑔𝑔 + ℎ) D. 2(ℎ + 3𝑔𝑔 + 3)

B. 2𝑔𝑔(4 + 2𝑔𝑔 + 3) E. 2𝑔𝑔(4 + 3𝑔𝑔 + ℎ)
C. 2(4 + 2𝑔𝑔 + 3𝑔𝑔)

a) In which examples can you simplify terms inside the bracket before you apply the
distributive law?
b) Simplify by applying the distributive law.

3) Look at the 8 examples of algebraic expressions in the box:

A. 3𝑡𝑡(4 + 𝑡𝑡) + 5 E. −𝑡𝑡 − 𝑡𝑡(4 + 𝑡𝑡)

B. 3𝑡𝑡 + (4 + 𝑡𝑡) − 5 F. 𝑡𝑡 + 𝑡𝑡 + (2 − 𝑡𝑡) + 5
C. 3 + 𝑡𝑡 − (4 + 𝑡𝑡) G. −3 + 3(2 + 𝑡𝑡) + 𝑡𝑡
D. −3 + 𝑡𝑡(4 + 𝑡𝑡) − 𝑡𝑡 H. 10 + 2 − (2 − 𝑡𝑡)

a) In which examples can you simplify terms outside the bracket before you deal with the bracket?
b) In which examples must you apply the distributive law?
c) In which examples are the brackets unnecessary?
d) Simplify each example. Try to go from the question straight to the answer.

4) Simplify:
a) 2𝑢𝑢 + 3(4 − 𝑢𝑢) + 𝑢𝑢
b) 2𝑢𝑢 + 3 − (4 − 𝑢𝑢) + 5𝑢𝑢
c) 2𝑢𝑢 − 3 + 𝑢𝑢(4 − 𝑢𝑢) + 5
d) (𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏) − 2𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎
e) (𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 + 3) − 2𝑎𝑎 − 3𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 + 3) − 3
f) −2𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏) − 2𝑎𝑎 − (𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏)(−2𝑎𝑎) − 𝑎𝑎 − 2

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 1

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PRACTICE IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS
73

Worksheet 4.10
Answers
Questions Answers
1) There are 6 examples of algebraic expressions in the box below: 1)
A. 4 − 𝑗𝑗 − (𝑗𝑗 + 2) a) C and F
B. (𝑗𝑗 + 2) − 4 − 𝑗𝑗 b) D and F
C. 4 − 𝑗𝑗(𝑗𝑗 + 2) c)
D. (𝑗𝑗 + 2)4 − 𝑗𝑗 A. −2𝑗𝑗 + 2
E. (𝑗𝑗 + 2) − 4𝑗𝑗
B. −2
F. (𝑗𝑗 + 2)(−4𝑗𝑗)
C. 4 − 𝑗𝑗2 − 2𝑗𝑗 = −𝑗𝑗2 − 2𝑗𝑗 + 4
D. 3𝑗𝑗 + 8
Look at the examples carefully and answers these questions:
E. −3𝑗𝑗 + 2
d) In which examples must you multiply 𝑗𝑗 into the bracket? F. −4𝑗𝑗2 − 8𝑗𝑗
e) In which examples must you multiply 4 (or −4) into the bracket?
f) Simplify each example.

2) Look at the 5 examples of algebraic expressions in the box 2)

below: A. 2𝑔𝑔(𝑔𝑔 + 2𝑔𝑔 + ℎ) a) A, B and C
B. 2𝑔𝑔(4 + 2𝑔𝑔 + 3) b)
C. 2(4 + 2𝑔𝑔 + 3𝑔𝑔) A. 6𝑔𝑔2 + 2𝑔𝑔ℎ
D. 2(ℎ + 3𝑔𝑔 + 3) B. 14𝑔𝑔 + 4𝑔𝑔2
E. 2𝑔𝑔(4 + 3𝑔𝑔 + ℎ) C. 8 + 10𝑔𝑔
D. 2ℎ + 6𝑔𝑔 + 6
= 6𝑔𝑔 + 2ℎ + 6
a) In which examples can you simplify terms inside the bracket before
E. 8𝑔𝑔 + 6𝑔𝑔2 + 2𝑔𝑔ℎ
you apply the distributive law?
= 6𝑔𝑔2 + 2𝑔𝑔ℎ + 8𝑔𝑔
b) Simplify by applying the distributive law.

3) Look at the 8 examples of algebraic expressions in the box: 3)

A. 3𝑡𝑡(4 + 𝑡𝑡) + 5 a) F and H
B. 3𝑡𝑡 + (4 + 𝑡𝑡) − 5 b) A, D,E and G
C. 3 + 𝑡𝑡 − (4 + 𝑡𝑡) c) B and F
D. −3 + 𝑡𝑡(4 + 𝑡𝑡) − 𝑡𝑡 d)
E. −𝑡𝑡 − 𝑡𝑡(4 + 𝑡𝑡) A. 12𝑡𝑡 + 3𝑡𝑡2 + 5 = 3𝑡𝑡2 + 12𝑡𝑡 + 5
F. 𝑡𝑡 + 𝑡𝑡 + (2 − 𝑡𝑡) + 5 B. 4𝑡𝑡 − 1
G. −3 + 3(2 + 𝑡𝑡) + 𝑡𝑡 C. −1
H. 10 + 2 − (2 − 𝑡𝑡) D. −3 + 3𝑡𝑡 + 𝑡𝑡2
E. −5𝑡𝑡 − 𝑡𝑡2
a) In which examples can you simplify terms outside the bracket F. 𝑡𝑡 + 7
before you deal with the bracket? G. 3 + 4𝑡𝑡
b) In which examples must you apply the distributive law? H. 10 + 𝑡𝑡
c) In which examples are the brackets unnecessary?
d) Simplify each example. Try to go from the question straight to the
answer.

4) Simplify: 4)
a) 2𝑢𝑢 + 3(4 − 𝑢𝑢) + 𝑢𝑢 a) 12
b) 2𝑢𝑢 + 3 − (4 − 𝑢𝑢) + 5𝑢𝑢 b) 8𝑢𝑢 − 1
c) 2𝑢𝑢 − 3 + 𝑢𝑢(4 − 𝑢𝑢) + 5 c) −𝑢𝑢2 + 6𝑢𝑢 + 2
d) (𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏) − 2𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎 d) 𝑏𝑏
e) (𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 + 3) − 2𝑎𝑎 − 3𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 + 3) − 3 e) −3𝑎𝑎2 −0𝑎𝑎3𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 − 1 + 𝑏𝑏
f) −2𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏) − 2𝑎𝑎 − (𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏)(−2𝑎𝑎) − 𝑎𝑎 − 2 f) −3𝑎𝑎 − 2

Wits Maths Connect Secondary 2