Algebraic Expressions

3 and Properties
3.1 Algebraic Expressions
3.2 Writing Expressions
3.3 Properties of Addition and Multiplication
3.4 The Distributive Property

6
1 2 3 4 5
5 6
6 1 1 2 3 4 10 12
1 2 3 4 5 2 2 4 6 8
18
1 2 3 4 10 5 6 3 3 6 9 12 15 20 24
1 8 12 4 8 12 16 25 30
2 2 4 6 18 4 15 20
6 9 12 15 5 5 10 0 36
3 3
4 8 12 16 20 24
6 6 12 18 24 3
4 20 25 30
5 5 10 15 3 0 36
6 6 12 18 24

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but 5 4 6

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expression
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cat treats you are going algebraic expression by
to eat today.” substituting
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expression.”
 x 0 1 2
4+x 4 5 6

What You
Learned Before
Interpreting Numerical “Great! Yo
u’re u
Let’s keep p to x = 2.
going.”
Expressions (MACC.5.OA.1.2)
Example 1 Write a sentence interpreting the expression 3 × (19,762 + 418).
3 × (19,762 + 418) is 3 times as large as 19,762 + 418.

Example 2 Write a sentence interpreting the expression (316 + 43,449) + 5.

(316 + 43,449) + 5 is 5 more than 316 + 43,449.

Example 3 Write a sentence interpreting the expression (20,008 − 752) ÷ 2.

(20,008 − 752) ÷ 2 is half as large as 20,008 − 752.

Write a sentence interpreting the expression.

1. 3 × (372 + 20,967) 2. 2 × (432 + 346,322) 3. 4 × (6722 + 4086)

4. (115 + 36,372) + 6 5. (392 + 75,325) + 78 6. (352 + 46,795) + 100

7. (30,929 + 425) ÷ 2 8. (58,742 − 721) ÷ 2 9. (96,792 + 564) ÷ 3

(MACC.5.OA.1.1, MACC.6.EE.1.1)
Example 4 Simplify 42 ÷ 2 + 3(9 − 5).
First: Parentheses 42 ÷ 2 + 3(9 − 5) = 42 ÷ 2 + 3 4 ⋅
Second: Exponents ⋅
= 16 ÷ 2 + 3 4
Third: Multiplication and Division (from left to right) = 8 + 12
Fourth: Addition and Subtraction (from left to right) = 20

Simplify the expression.

10. 32 + 5(4 − 2) 11. 3 + 4 ÷ 2 12. 10 ÷ 5 3 ⋅
3
13. 4(3 − 8) ÷ 2 ⋅
14. 3 6 − 4 ÷ 2 15. 12 + 7 ⋅ 3 − 24
 3.1 Algebraic Expressions

How can you write and evaluate an expression

that represents a real-life problem?

1 ACTIVITY: Reading and Re-Reading

Work with a partner.
a. You babysit for 3 hours. You receive $12. What is your hourly wage?
● Write the problem. Underline the important numbers and units you
need to solve the problem.
● Read the problem carefully a second time. Circle the key word for
the question.

You babysit for 3 hours. You receive $12.

What is your hourly wage?

● Write each important number or word, with its units, on a piece of

paper. Write +, −, ×, ÷, and = on five other pieces of paper.

hourly wage ($ per hour)

● Arrange the pieces of paper to answer the key word question, “What is
your hourly wage?”

COMMON ● Evaluate the expression that represents the hourly wage.

CORE
Algebraic Expressions
hourly wage = ÷ Write.
In this lesson, you will
● use order of operations = Evaluate.
to evaluate algebraic
expressions.
● solve real-life problems. So, your hourly wage is $ per hour.
Learning Standard
MACC.6.EE.1.2c b. How can you use your hourly wage to find how much you will receive for
any number of hours worked?

110 Chapter 3 Algebraic Expressions and Properties

 2 ACTIVITY: Reading and Re-Reading
Work with a partner. Use the strategy shown in Activity 1 to write an
Math expression for each problem. After you have written the expression,
Practice evaluate it using mental math or some other method.
Make Sense
of Quantities a. You wash cars for 2 hours. You
What are the units receive $6. How much do you
in the problem? earn per hour?
How does this
help you write
an expression?

b. You have $60. You buy a pair of jeans and

a shirt. The pair of jeans costs $27. You come
home with $15. How much did you spend
on the shirt?

c. For lunch, you buy 5 sandwiches

that cost $3 each. How much do
you spend?

d. You are running a 4500-foot race.

How much farther do you have to
go after running 2000 feet?

e. A young rattlesnake grows at a rate

of about 20 centimeters per year.
How much does a young rattlesnake
grow in 2 years?

3. IN YOUR OWN WORDS How can you write and evaluate an expression that
represents a real-life problem? Give one example with addition, one with
subtraction, one with multiplication, and one with division.

Use what you learned about evaluating expressions to complete

Exercises 4 –7 on page 115.

Section 3.1 Algebraic Expressions 111

3.1 Lesson
Lesson Tutorials

An algebraic expression is an expression that may contain numbers,

Key Vocabulary operations, and one or more symbols. Parts of an algebraic expression are
algebraic expression, called terms.
p. 112
terms, p. 112 A symbol that represents one or
variable, p. 112 more numbers is called a variable.
coefficient, p. 112
constant, p. 112
5p + 4

The numerical factor of A term without a variable

a term that contains a is called a constant.
variable is a coefficient.

EXAMPLE 1 Identifying Parts of an Algebraic Expression

Identify the terms, coefficients, and constants in each expression.
a. 5x + 13 b. 2z2 + y + 3
Study Tip 5x + 13 2z2 + y + 3
A variable by itself has a
coefficient of 1. So, the
Terms: 5x, 13 Terms: 2z2, 1y, 3
term y in Example 1(b)
has a coefficient of 1. Coefficient: 5 Coefficients: 2, 1

Constant: 13 Constant: 3

Identify the terms, coefficients, and constants in the expression.

Exercises 8 –13 1
1. 12 + 10c 2. 15 + 3w + — 3. z2 + 9z
2

EXAMPLE 2 Writing Algebraic Expressions Using Exponents

Write each expression using exponents.
⋅ ⋅ ⋅
a. d d d d
Because d is used as a factor 4 times, its exponent is 4.

⋅ ⋅ ⋅
So, d d d d = d 4.

b. 1.5 ⋅ h ⋅ h ⋅ h
Because h is used as a factor 3 times, its exponent is 3.

⋅ ⋅ ⋅
So, 1.5 h h h = 1.5h3.

112 Chapter 3 Algebraic Expressions and Properties

 Write the expression using exponents.
Exercises 16 –21
⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅
4. j j j j j j 5. ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅
9 k k k k k

To evaluate an algebraic expression, substitute a number for each

variable. Then use the order of operations to find the value of the
numerical expression.

EXAMPLE 3 Evaluating Algebraic Expressions

a. Evaluate k + 10 when k = 25.

k + 10 = 25 + 10 Substitute 25 for k.
Study Tip
= 35 Add 25 and 10.
You can write the

⋅
product of 4 and n
in several ways. b. Evaluate 4 n when n = 12.

⋅
4 n
⋅
4 n = 4 12 ⋅ Substitute 12 for n.
4n
4(n) = 48 Multiply 4 and 12.

6. Evaluate 24 + c when c = 9.
Exercises 25 –32
7. Evaluate d − 17 when d = 30.

EXAMPLE 4 Evaluating an Expression with Two Variables

2
Evaluate a ÷ b when a = 16 and b = —.
3
2 2
a ÷ b = 16 ÷ — Substitute 16 for a and — for b.
3 3

= 16 — ⋅ 32 2 3
Multiply by the reciprocal of — , which is —.
3 2

= 24 Multiply.

Evaluate the expression when p = 24 and q = 8.

Exercises 33 –36
8. p ÷ q 9. q+p
10. p − q 11. pq

Section 3.1 Algebraic Expressions 113

 EXAMPLE 5 Evaluating Expressions with Two Operations

a. Evaluate 3x − 14 when x = 5.

3x − 14 = 3(5) − 14 Substitute 5 for x.

= 15 − 14 Using order of operations, multiply 3 and 5.

=1 Subtract 14 from 15.

b. Evaluate z 2 + 8.5 when z = 2.

z 2 + 8.5 = 22 + 8.5 Substitute 2 for z.

= 4 + 8.5 Using order of operations, evaluate 22.

= 12.5 Add 4 and 8.5.

Evaluate the expression when y = 6.

Exercises 43–51 12. 5y + 1 13. 30 − 24 ÷ y 14. y 2 − 7 15. 1.5 + y 2

EXAMPLE 6 Real-Life Application

You are saving money to buy a skateboard. You begin with $45 and you
save $3 each week. The expression 45 + 3w gives the amount of money
you save after w weeks.
a. How much will you have after 4 weeks, 10 weeks, and
20 weeks?
b. After 20 weeks, can you buy the skateboard? Explain.

Substitute the given number of weeks for w.

a. Number of
45 + 3w Amount Saved
Weeks, w
4 45 + 3(4) 45 + 12 = $57
10 45 + 3(10) 45 + 30 = $75
20 45 + 3(20) 45 + 60 = $105

b. After 20 weeks, you have $105. So, you cannot buy the
$125 skateboard.

16. WHAT IF? In Example 6, the expression for how much money you
have after w weeks is 45 + 4w. Can you buy the skateboard after
20 weeks? Explain.

114 Chapter 3 Algebraic Expressions and Properties

3.1 Exercises Help with Homework

1. WHICH ONE DOESN’T BELONG? Which expression does not belong with the
other three? Explain your reasoning.

2x + 1 5w c⋅ 3(4) + 5 y÷z

2. NUMBER SENSE Which step in the order of operations is first? second? third? fourth?

Add or subtract from left to right. Multiply or divide from left to right.

Evaluate terms with exponents. Perform operations in parentheses.

3. NUMBER SENSE Will the value of the expression 20 − x increase, decrease, or

stay the same as x increases? Explain.

6)=3
9+(- 3)=
3+(- 9)=
4+(- =
1)
9+(-

Write and evaluate an expression for the problem.

4. You receive $8 for raking leaves for 2 hours. What is your hourly wage?
5. Music lessons cost $20 per week. How much do 6 weeks of lessons cost?
6. The scores on your first two history tests were 82 and 95. By how many points
did you improve on your second test?
7. You buy a hat for $12 and give the cashier a $20 bill. How much change do
you receive?

Identify the terms, coefficients, and constants in the expression.

1 8. 7h + 3 9. g + 12 + 9g 10. 5c 2 + 7d
1 x2
11. 2m2 + 15 + 2p 2 12. 6 + n2 + — d 13. 8x + —
2 3

✗ Terms: 2, x 2, y
Coefficient: 2
14. ERROR ANALYSIS Describe and correct the
error in identifying the terms, coefficients, and
constants in the algebraic expression 2x 2y.
Constant: none

15. PERIMETER You can use the expression 2ℓ + 2w to find

the perimeter of a rectangle where ℓ is the length and
w
w is the width.
a. Identify the terms, coefficients, and constants in
the expression.
b. Interpret the coefficients of the terms.

Section 3.1 Algebraic Expressions 115

 Write each expression using exponents.
⋅ ⋅
2 16. b b b ⋅⋅⋅⋅
17. g g g g g ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅
18. 8 w w w w
19. 5.2 ⋅ y ⋅ y ⋅ y 20. a ⋅a ⋅c ⋅c 21. 2.1 ⋅ x ⋅ z ⋅ z ⋅ z ⋅ z

✗
22. ERROR ANALYSIS Describe and correct
⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅
3 n n n n = 4n 3 the error in writing the product using
exponents.

23. AREA Write an expression using exponents that

represents the area of the square.
5d

As I was going to St. Ives 24. ST. IVES Suppose the man in the
I met a man with seven wives St. Ives poem has x wives, each wife
Each wife had seven sacks has x sacks, each sack has x cats, and
Each sack had seven cats each cat has x kits. Write an expression
using exponents that represents the
Each cat had seven kits
total number of kits, cats, sacks, and
Kits, cats, sacks, wives wives going to St. Ives.
How many were going to St. Ives?

ALGEBRA Evaluate the expression when a = 3, b = 2, and c = 12.

3 25. 6 + a 26. b 5 ⋅ 27. c − 1 28. 27 ÷ a
29. 12 − b 30. c + 5 31. 2a 32. c ÷ 6
4 33. a + b 34. c − a 35. —
c
a
36. b c ⋅

✗
37. ERROR ANALYSIS Describe and correct the error in
evaluating the expression when m = 8. ⋅
5m + 3 = 5 8 + 3
= 5 11 ⋅
38. LAWNS You earn 15n dollars for mowing n lawns. = 55
How much do you earn for mowing one lawn?
seven lawns?
39. PLANT After m months, the height of a plant is 10 + 3m millimeters.
How tall is the plant after eight months? three years?

Copy and complete the table.

40. 41. x 2 4 8
x 3 6 9

x 8 ⋅ 64 ÷ x

42. FALLING OBJECT An object falls 16t 2 feet in t seconds. You drop a rock
from a bridge that is 75 feet above the water. Will the rock hit the water
in 2 seconds? Explain.

116 Chapter 3 Algebraic Expressions and Properties

 ALGEBRA Evaluate the expression when a = 10, b = 9, and c = 4.
a 1
5 43. 2a + 3 44. 4c − 7.8 45. — + —
4 3
24
46. — + 8 47. c 2 + 6 48. a 2 − 18
b

49. a + 9c 50. bc + 12.3 51. 3a + 2b − 6c

Standard Rentals 52. MOVIES You rent x new releases and y standard rentals.
$3 Which expression tells you how much money you will need?
John Smith Bob Newman Joe Holyman

3x + 4y 4x + 3y 7(x + y)

53. WATER PARK You float 2000 feet along a “Lazy River” water
ride. The ride takes less than 10 minutes. Give two examples
of possible times and speeds. Illustrate the water ride with
New Releases
a drawing.
$4
54. SCIENCE CENTER The expression 20a + 13c is the cost (in dollars)
Based on a
true story for a adults and c students to enter a science center.
a. How much does it cost for an adult? a student?
Explain your reasoning.

b. Find the total cost for 4 adults and 24 students.

c. You find the cost for a group. Then the numbers of adults and
students in the group both double. Does the cost double?
Explain your answer using an example.

d. In part (b), the number of adults is cut in half, but the number of students
doubles. Is the cost the same? Explain your answer.

55. The volume of the cube is equal

to four times the area of one of its faces.
What is the volume of the cube?

x in.

Find the value of the power. (Section 1.2)

56. 35 57. 83 58. 74 59. 28

60. MULTIPLE CHOICE Which numbers have a least common multiple of 24?
(Section 1.6)
A 4, 6 B 2, 22 C 3, 8 D 6, 12

Section 3.1 Algebraic Expressions 117

 3.2 Writing Expressions

How can you write an expression that

represents an unknown quantity?

1 ACTIVITY: Ordering Lunch

Work with a partner.
You use a $20 bill to
buy lunch at a café.
You order a sandwich
from the menu
board shown.

prices includ
e tax

a. Complete the table. In

Price Change Received
the last column, write a Sandwich
(dollars) (dollars)
numerical expression for the
amount of change received. Reuben

BLT
b. REPEATED REASONING Write
an expression for the amount Egg salad
of change you receive when
Roast beef
you order any sandwich from
the menu board.

c. Compare the expression you wrote in part (b) with the expressions in
COMMON
CORE the last column of the table in part (a).
Algebraic Expressions
In this lesson, you will
d. The café offers several side dishes, each at the same price. You order
● use variables to represent a chicken salad sandwich and two side dishes. Write an expression
numbers in algebraic for the total amount of money you spend. Explain how you wrote
expressions.
● write algebraic expressions. your expression.
Learning Standard
MACC.6.EE.1.2a e. The expression 20 − 4.65s represents the amount of change one
customer receives after ordering from the menu board. Explain
what each part of the expression represents. Do you know what the
customer ordered? Explain your reasoning.

118 Chapter 3 Algebraic Expressions and Properties

 2 ACTIVITY: Words That Imply Addition or Subtraction
Work with a partner.
Math
Practice a. Complete the table.
Use Expressions Variable Phrase Expression
How do the key
words in the phrase n 4 more than a number
help you write the
given relationship m the difference of a number and 3
as an expression?
x the sum of a number and 8
p 10 less than a number
n 7 units farther away
t 8 minutes sooner
w 12 minutes later
y a number increased by 9

b. Here is a word problem that uses one of the expressions in the table.
You arrive at the café 8 minutes sooner
than your friend. Your friend arrives at
6:42 P.M. When did you arrive?
Which expression from the table can
you use to solve the problem?
c. Write a problem that uses a different
expression from the table.

3 ACTIVITY: Words That Imply Multiplication or Division

Work with a partner. Match each phrase with an expression.
the product of a number and 3 n÷3
the quotient of 3 and a number 4p
4 times a number ⋅
n 3
a number divided by 3 2m
twice a number 3÷n

4. IN YOUR OWN WORDS How can you write an expression that represents
an unknown quantity? Give examples to support your explanation.

Use what you learned about writing expressions to complete

Exercises 9 –12 on page 122.

Section 3.2 Writing Expressions 119

3.2 Lesson
Lesson Tutorials

Some words imply math operations.

Operation Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division

Key Words added to subtracted from multiplied by divided by
and Phrases plus minus times quotient of
sum of difference of product of
more than less than twice
increased by decreased by of
total of fewer than
and take away

EXAMPLE 1 Writing Numerical Expressions

Write the phrase as an expression.
a. 8 fewer than 21

21 − 8 The phrase fewer than means subtraction.

b. the product of 30 and 9

⋅
30 × 9, or 30 9 The phrase product of means multiplication.

EXAMPLE 2 Writing Algebraic Expressions

Write the phrase as an expression.
a. 14 more than a number x
Common Error
x + 14 The phrase more than means addition.
When writing
expressions involving b. a number y minus 75
subtraction or division,
order is important. For y − 75 The word minus means subtraction.
example, the quotient
of a number x and c. the quotient of 3 and a number z
2 means
x ÷ 2, not 2 ÷ x. 3
3 ÷ z, or — The phrase quotient of means division.
z

Write the phrase as an expression.

Exercises 3–18 1. the sum of 18 and 35 2. 6 times 50
3. 25 less than a number b 4. a number x divided by 4
5. the total of a number t and 11 6. 100 decreased by a number k

120 Chapter 3 Algebraic Expressions and Properties

 EXAMPLE 3 Writing an Algebraic Expression
The length of Interstate 90 from the West Coast to the East Coast is
153.5 miles more than 2 times the length of Interstate 15 from
southern California to northern Montana. Let m be the length of
Interstate 15. Which expression can you use to represent the length
of Interstate 90?
A 2m + 153.5 B 2m − 153.5 C 153.5 − 2m D 153.5m + 2

The word times means The phrase more than means

multiplication. So, multiply 2 and m. addition. So, add 2m and 153.5.
2m + 153.5
The correct answer is A .

EXAMPLE 4 Real-Life Application

You plant a cypress tree that is 10 inches tall. Each year, its height
increases by 15 inches.
a. Make a table that shows the height of the tree for 4 years.
Then write an expression for the height after t years.
b. What is the height after 9 years?

a. The height is increasing, so add 15 each year as shown in the table.

10 in.

Year, t Height (inches)

When t is 0, the
0 10
height is 10 inches.
1 10 + 15(1) = 25
2 10 + 15(2) = 40
3 10 + 15(3) = 55
4 10 + 15(4) = 70

You can see that an expression is 10 + 15t.

So, the height after year t is 10 + 15t.

Study Tip b. Evaluate 10 + 15t when t = 9.

Sometimes, like in 10 + 15t = 10 + 15(9) = 145

Example 3, a variable
represents a single After 9 years, the height of the tree is 145 inches.
value. Other times, like
in Example 4, a variable
can represent more than
one value. 7. Your friend has 5 more than twice as many game tokens as your
sister. Let t be the number of game tokens your sister has. Write an
expression for the number of game tokens your friend has.
Exercises 27–30 8. WHAT IF? In Example 4, what is the height of the cypress tree after
16 years?

Section 3.2 Writing Expressions 121

3.2 Exercises
Help with Homework

1. DIFFERENT WORDS, SAME QUESTION Which is different? Write

“both” expressions.

12 more than x x increased by 12 x take away 12 the sum of x and 12

2. REASONING You pay 0.25p dollars to print p photos. What does the
coefficient represent?

6)=3
9+(- 3)=
3+(- 9)=
4+(- =
1)
9+(-

Write the phrase as an expression.

1 2 3. 5 less than 8 4. the product of 3 and 12 5. 28 divided by 7
6. the total of 6 and 10 7. 3 fewer than 18 8. 17 added to 15
9. 13 subtracted from a number x 10. 5 times a number d
11. the quotient of 18 and a number a 12. the difference of a number s and 6
13. 7 increased by a number w 14. a number b squared
15. the sum of a number y and 4 16. the difference of 12 and a number x
17. twice a number z 18. a number t cubed

ERROR ANALYSIS Describe and correct the error in writing the phrase
as an expression.
19. the quotient of 8 and a number y 20. 16 decreased by a number x

✗ y
—
8 ✗ x − 16

21. DINNER Five friends share the cost of a dinner equally.

a. Write an expression for the cost per person.
b. Make up a total cost and test your expression. Is the result reasonable?

22. TV SHOW A television show has 19 episodes per season.

a. Copy and complete the table.
Seasons 1 2 3 4 5
b. Write an expression for the number
of episodes in n seasons. Episodes

Give two ways to write the expression as a phrase.

23. n + 6 24. 4w 25. 15 − b 26. 14 − 3z

122 Chapter 3 Algebraic Expressions and Properties

3 4 Write the phrase as an expression. Then evaluate when x = 5 and y = 20.
27. 3 less than the quotient of a 28. the sum of a number x and 4,
number y and 4 all divided by 3
29. 6 more than the product of 8 30. the quotient of 40 and the
and a number x difference of a number y and 16

31. MODELING It costs $3 to bowl a game and $2 for shoe rental.

a. Make a table for the cost of up to 5 games.
b. Write an expression for the cost of g games.
c. Use your expression to find the cost of 8 games.

32. PUZZLE Florida has 8 less than 5 times the Georgia has 25 more than twice the
number of counties in Arizona. number of counties in Florida.
a. Write an expression for the number of counties in Florida.
b. Write an expression for the number of counties in Georgia.
c. Arizona has 15 counties. How many do Florida and Georgia have?

33. PATTERNS There are 140 people in a Singing Competition

singing competition. The graph shows
150
Contestants after
the results for the first five rounds.
125
each round
125
a. Write an expression for the number of 100 110
75
95
people after each round. 80
50 65
b. How many people compete in the ninth 25
round? Explain your reasoning. 0
1 2 3 4 5
Round
34. NUMBER SENSE The difference between
two numbers is 8. The lesser number is a.
Write an expression for the greater number.

35. One number is four times another. The greater number is x.

Write an expression for the lesser number.

Evaluate the expression. (Skills Review Handbook)

36. 8 + (22 + 15) 37. (13 + 9) + 37 38. (13 × 6) × 5 39. 4 × (7 × 5)

40. MULTIPLE CHOICE A grocery store is making fruit baskets using 144 apples,
108 oranges, and 90 pears. Each basket will be identical. What is the greatest
number of fruit baskets the store can make using all the fruit? (Section 1.5)
A 6 B 9 C 16 D 18

Section 3.2 Writing Expressions 123

 3 Study Help
Graphic Organizer

You can use an information wheel to organize information about a topic. Here is an example
of an information wheel for identifying parts of an algebraic expression.

In
5p + the alge ion
4, 5 b e x p ress
p an raic exp ic
ebra a variab
le.
d4 r l g
are t ession e a s
he t In th + 4, p i
erm 5p
s.
Identifying
parts of an
n In th
ssio algebraic e
ex p re
nt. 5p + algebrai
l g e braic oefficie expression 4, 4 c
is a express
ea ac
In th 4, 5 is cons io
tant n
5p + .

Make information wheels to help you

study these topics.
1. evaluating algebraic expressions
2. writing algebraic expressions
After you complete this chapter, make
information wheels for the following topics.
3. Commutative Properties of Addition
and Multiplication
4. Associative Properties of Addition
and Multiplication
5. Addition Property of Zero “My information wheel for Fluffy has
matching adjectives and nouns.”
6. Multiplication Properties of Zero
and One
7. Distributive Property
8. factoring expressions

124 Chapter 3 Algebraic Expressions and Properties

3.1–3.2
1.1–1.3 Quiz
Q uiz
Progress Check

Identify the terms, coefficients, and constants of the expression.

(Section 3.1)
1. 6q + 1 2. 3r 2 + 4r + 8

Write the expression using exponents. (Section 3.1)

⋅⋅⋅
3. s s s s ⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅
4. 2 t t t t t

Evaluate the expression when a = 8 and b = 2. (Section 3.1)

5. a + 5 6. ab 7. a2 − 6

Copy and complete the table. (Section 3.1)

8. 9.
x x+6 x 3x − 5
1 3
2 6
3 9

Write the phrase as an expression. (Section 3.2)

10. the sum of 28 and 35 11. a number x divided by 2

12. the product of a number m and 23 13. 10 less than a number a

14. COUPON The expression p − 15 is the amount

Coupon
you pay after using the coupon on a purchase
of p dollars. How much do you pay for a Good for $15 off any
purchase of $75 or more
purchase of $83? (Section 3.1)

15. AMUSEMENT PARK The expression 15a + 12c is the cost (in dollars) of
admission at an amusement park for a adults and c children. Find the
total cost for 5 adults and 10 children. (Section 3.1)

16. MOVING TRUCK To rent a moving truck

for the day, it costs $33 plus $1 for each
mile driven. (Section 3.2)
a. Write an expression for the cost to
rent the truck.
b. You drive the truck 300 miles. How
much do you pay?

Sections 3.1–3.2 Quiz 125

 Properties of Addition
3.3
and Multiplication

Does the order in which you perform an

operation matter?

1 ACTIVITY: Does Order Matter?

Work with a partner. Place each statement in the correct oval.
a. Fasten 5 shirt buttons. b. Put on a shirt and tie.
c. Fill and seal an envelope. d. Floss your teeth.
e. Put on your shoes. f. Chew and swallow.
Order Matters Order Doesn’t Matter

Think of three math problems using the four operations where order
matters and three where order doesn’t matter.

Commute
When you commute the positions you switch their positions.
of two stuffed animals on a shelf,

COMMON
CORE 2 ACTIVITY: Commutative Properties
Equivalent Expressions Work with a partner.
In this lesson, you will
● use properties of a. Which of the following are true?
operations to ? ?
generate equivalent 3+5=5+3 3−5=5−3
expressions. ? ?
Learning Standards 9×3=3×9 9÷3=3÷9
MACC.6.EE.1.3
MACC.6.EE.1.4 b. The true equations show the Commutative Properties of Addition and
Multiplication. Why do you think they are called commutative?

126 Chapter 3 Algebraic Expressions and Properties

 Associate
You have two best friends. Sometimes And sometimes you associate
you associate with one of them. with the other.

3 ACTIVITY: Associative Properties

Math Work with a partner.
Practice a. Which of the following are true?
Use ? ?
Counterexamples 8 + (3 + 1) = (8 + 3) + 1 8 − (3 − 1) = (8 − 3) − 1
What do the false ? ?
equations tell
12 × (6 × 2) = (12 × 6) × 2 12 ÷ (6 ÷ 2) = (12 ÷ 6) ÷ 2
you about the b. The true equations show the Associative Properties of Addition and
Associative
Multiplication. Why do you think they are called associative?
Properties?

4. IN YOUR OWN WORDS Does the order in which you perform an

operation matter? Give examples to support your explanation.
5. MENTAL MATH Explain how you can add the sum in your head.

11 + 7 + 12 + 13 + 8 + 9

6. SECRET CODE The creatures on a distant planet use the symbols

■ , ◆ , ★ , and ● for the four operations.
a. Use the codes to decide which symbol represents addition and which
symbol represents multiplication. Explain your reasoning.
3● 4=4● 3
3★4=4★3
2 ● (5 ● 3) = (2 ● 5) ● 3
2 ★ (5 ★ 3) = (2 ★ 5) ★ 3
0● 4=0
0★4=4
b. Make up your own symbols for addition and multiplication. Write codes
using your symbols. Trade codes with a classmate. Decide which symbol
represents addition and which symbol represents multiplication.

Use what you learned about the properties of addition and

multiplication to complete Exercises 5 – 8 on page 130.

Section 3.3 Properties of Addition and Multiplication 127

3.3 Lesson
Lesson Tutorials

Expressions with the same value, like 12 + 7 and 7 + 12, are equivalent
Key Vocabulary
expressions. You can use the Commutative and Associative Properties to
equivalent write equivalent expressions.
expressions, p. 128

Commutative Properties
Words Changing the order of addends or factors does not change the
sum or product.
Numbers 5+8=8+5 Algebra a+b=b+a
⋅
5 8=8 5 ⋅ ⋅
a b=b a ⋅
Associative Properties
Words Changing the grouping of addends or factors does not change
the sum or product.
Numbers (7 + 4) + 2 = 7 + (4 + 2)
⋅ ⋅
(7 4) 2 = 7 (4 2)⋅ ⋅
Algebra (a + b) + c = a + (b + c)
⋅ ⋅
(a b) c = a (b c)⋅ ⋅

EXAMPLE 1 Using Properties to Write Equivalent Expressions

a. Simplify the expression 7 + (12 + x).

Study Tip 7 + (12 + x) = (7 + 12) + x Associative Property of Addition

One way to check = 19 + x Add 7 and 12.
whether expressions are
equivalent is to evaluate b. Simplify the expression (6.1 + x) + 8.4.
each expression for any
(6.1 + x) + 8.4 = (x + 6.1) + 8.4 Commutative Property of Addition
value of the variable. In
Example 1(a), use x = 2. = x + (6.1 + 8.4) Associative Property of Addition
7 + (12 + x) = 19 + x
? = x + 14.5 Add 6.1 and 8.4.
7 + (12 + 2) = 19 + 2
21 = 21 ✓ c. Simplify the expression 5(11y).

⋅
5(11y) = (5 11)y Associative Property of Multiplication
= 55y Multiply 5 and 11.

Simplify the expression. Explain each step.

Exercises 5 – 8
1. 10 + (a + 9) 2. ( )
c+— +—
2
3
1
2
3. 5(4n)

128 Chapter 3 Algebraic Expressions and Properties

 Addition Property of Zero
Words The sum of any number and 0 is that number.
Numbers 7+0=7 Algebra a+0=a

Multiplication Properties of Zero and One

Words The product of any number and 0 is 0.
The product of any number and 1 is that number.
Numbers ⋅
9 0=0 Algebra ⋅
a 0=0
4 ⋅1 = 4 a ⋅1 = a

EXAMPLE 2 Using Properties to Write Equivalent Expressions

⋅ ⋅
a. Simplify the expression 9 0 p.

⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅
9 0 p = (9 0) p Associative Property of Multiplication
= 0 ⋅p = 0 Multiplication Property of Zero

⋅⋅
b. Simplify the expression 4.5 r 1.

⋅⋅ ⋅ ⋅
4.5 r 1 = 4.5 (r 1) Associative Property of Multiplication
= 4.5 ⋅ r Multiplication Property of One
= 4.5r

EXAMPLE 3 Real-Life Application

You and six friends play on a basketball team. A sponsor paid $100
for the league fee, x dollars for each player’s T-shirt, and $68.25 for
Common Error trophies. Write an expression for the total amount the sponsor paid.
You and six friends are
Add the league fee, the cost of the T-shirts, and the cost of the trophies.
on the team, so use the
expression 7x, not 6x, 100 + 7x + 68.25 = 7x + 100 + 68.25 Commutative Property of Addition
to represent the cost of
the T-shirts. = 7x + 168.25 Add 100 and 68.25.

An expression for the total amount is 7x + 168.25.

Simplify the expression. Explain each step.

Exercises 9 – 23 ⋅ ⋅
4. 12 b 0 5. ⋅ ⋅
1 m 24 6. (t + 15) + 0

7. WHAT IF? In Example 3, your sponsor paid $54.75 for trophies.

Write an expression for the total amount the sponsor paid.

Section 3.3 Properties of Addition and Multiplication 129

3.3 Exercises
Help with Homework

1. NUMBER SENSE Write an example of a sum of fractions. Show that the

Commutative Property of Addition is true for the sum.
2. OPEN-ENDED Write an algebraic expression that can be simplified using the
Associative Property of Addition.
3. OPEN-ENDED Write an algebraic expression that can be simplified using the
Associative Property of Multiplication and the Multiplication Property of One.
4. WHICH ONE DOESN’T BELONG? Which statement does not belong with the
other three? Explain your reasoning.

7 + (x + 4) = 7 + (4 + x) (3 + b) + 2 = (b + 3) + 2

9 + (7 + w) = (9 + 7) + w (4 + n) + 6 = (n + 4) + 6

6)=3
9+(- 3)=
3+(- 9)=
4+(- =
1)
9+(-

Tell which property the statement illustrates.

1 ⋅ ⋅
5. 5 p = p 5 6. 2 + (12 + r) = (2 + 12) + r
7. 4 ⋅ (x ⋅ 10) = (4 ⋅ x) ⋅ 10 8. x + 7.5 = 7.5 + x
2 9. (c + 2) + 0 = c + 2 ⋅
10. a 1 = a

✗
11. ERROR ANALYSIS Describe and correct the
error in stating the property that the (7 + x) + 3 = (x + 7 ) + 3
statement illustrates. Associative Property of Addition

Simplify the expression. Explain each step.

12. 6 + (5 + x) 13. (14 + y) + 3 14. 6(2b)
15. 7(9w) 16. 3.2 + (x + 5.1) 17. (0 + a) + 8

18. 9 c 4 ⋅⋅ ⋅ ⋅
19. (18.6 d ) 1 ( 1
20. 3k + 4 — + 8 —
5 ) 3
5
21. (2.4 + 4n) + 9 22. (3s) ⋅ 8 23. z 0 12⋅ ⋅
24. GEOMETRY The expression 12 + x + 4 represents
the perimeter of a triangle. Simplify the expression.

25. SCOUT COOKIES A case of Scout cookies has 10 cartons. A carton has
12 boxes. The amount you earn on a whole case is 10(12x) dollars.
a. What does x represent?
b. Simplify the expression.

130 Chapter 3 Algebraic Expressions and Properties

26. STRUCTURE The volume of the rectangular prism is 12.5 x 1. ⋅⋅ 1
a. Simplify the expression.
x
b. Match x = 0.25, 12.5, and 144 with the object. Explain. 12.5

A. siding for a house B. ruler C. square floor tile

Write the phrase as an expression. Then simplify the expression.

27. 7 plus the sum of a number x and 5
28. the product of 8 and a number y multiplied by 9

Copy and complete the statement using the specified property.

Property Statement

29. Associative Property of Multiplication 7(2y) =

30. Commutative Property of Multiplication ⋅ ⋅

13.2 (x 1) =

31. Associative Property of Addition 17 + (6 + 2x) =

32. Addition Property of Zero 2 + (c + 0) =

33. Multiplication Property of One ⋅ ⋅

1 w 16 =

34. HATS You and a friend sell hats at a fair booth. You sell 16 hats on the first
shift and 21 hats on the third shift. Your friend sells x hats on the second shift.
a. Write an expression for the number of hats sold.
b. The expression 37(14) + 10x represents the amount that you both
earned. How can you tell that your friend was selling the hats for a
discounted price?

c. You earned more money than your friend. What can you say
about the value of x?

Evaluate the expression. (Section 1.3)

35. 7(10 + 4) 36. 12(10 − 1) 37. 6(5 + 10) 38. 8(30 − 5)

Find the prime factorization of the number. (Section 1.4)

39. 37 40. 144 41. 147 42. 205

43. MULTIPLE CHOICE A bag has 16 blue, 20 red, and 24 green marbles. What
fraction of the marbles in the bag are blue? (Skills Review Handbook)
1 4 4 11
A — B — C — D —
5 15 11 15

Section 3.3 Properties of Addition and Multiplication 131

 3.4 The Distributive Property

How do you use mental math to multiply

two numbers?

Distribute
When you distribute something you give that thing to each
to each person in a group, person in the group.

à à

1 ACTIVITY: Modeling a Property

Work with a partner.
a. MODELING Draw two rectangles of the same width but with different
lengths on a piece of grid paper. Label the dimensions.

b. Write an expression for the total area of the rectangles.

COMMON
CORE
Equivalent Expressions
( × )+( × )
In this lesson, you will c. Rearrange the rectangles by aligning the shortest sides to form one
● use the Distributive
rectangle. Label the dimensions. Write an expression for the area.
Property to find products.
● use the Distributive

Property to simplify
× ( + )
algebraic expressions.
d. Can the expressions from parts (b) and (c) be set equal to each other?
Learning Standards
MACC.6.NS.2.4 Explain.
MACC.6.EE.1.3
MACC.6.EE.1.4
e. REPEATED REASONING Repeat this activity using different rectangles.
Explain how this illustrates the Distributive Property. Write a rule for the
Distributive Property.

132 Chapter 3 Algebraic Expressions and Properties

 2 ACTIVITY: Using Mental Math
Work with a partner. Use the method shown to find the product.
Math
Practice a. Sample: 23 × 6
Find Entry
Points 23 23 is 20 + 3.
How can you × 6
rewrite the larger 120 Multiply 20 and 6.
number as the sum + 18 Multiply 3 and 6.
of two numbers so
138 Add.
that you can use
mental math?
So, 23 × 6 = 138.

b. 33 × 7 c. 47 × 9
d. 28 × 5 e. 17 × 4

3 ACTIVITY: Using Mental Math

Work with a partner. Use the Distributive Property and mental math to find
the product.
a. Sample: 6 × 23
6 × 23 = 6 × (20 + 3) Write 23 as the sum of 20 and 3.
= (6 × 20) + (6 × 3) Distribute the 6 over the sum.
= 120 + 18 Find the products.
= 138 Add.

So, 6 × 23 = 138.

b. 5 × 17 c. 8 × 26
d. 20 × 19 e. 40 × 29
f. 25 × 39 g. 15 × 47

4. Compare the methods in Activities 2 and 3.

5. IN YOUR OWN WORDS How do you use mental math to multiply two
numbers? Give examples to support your explanation.

Use what you learned about the Distributive Property to complete

Exercises 5–8 on page 137.

Section 3.4 The Distributive Property 133

3.4 Lesson
Lesson Tutorials

Key Vocabulary
like terms, p. 136
Distributive Property
Words To multiply a sum or difference by a number, multiply each
number in the sum or difference by the number outside the
parentheses. Then evaluate.
Numbers 3(7 + 2) = 3 × 7 + 3 × 2 Algebra a(b + c) = ab + ac

3(7 − 2) = 3 × 7 − 3 × 2 a(b − c) = ab − ac

EXAMPLE 1 Using Mental Math

Use the Distributive Property and mental math to find 8 × 53.

8 × 53 = 8(50 + 3) Write 53 as 50 + 3.
= 8(50) + 8(3) Distributive Property
= 400 + 24 Multiply.
= 424 Add.

EXAMPLE 2 Using the Distributive Property

1 3
Use the Distributive Property to find — × 2 —.
2 4

1 3 1
( )
— × 2— = — × 2 + —
2 4 2
3
4
3
Rewrite 2 — as the sum 2 + —.
4
3
4

( ) ( )
1
= —×2 + —×—
2
1
2
3
4
Distributive Property

3
=1+— Multiply.
8

3
= 1— Add.
8

Use the Distributive Property to find the product.

Exercises 5 –16 1. 5 × 41 2. 9 × 19 3. 6(37)
2 1 1 1 2 3
4. — × 1— 5. — × 4— 6. — × 3—
3 2 4 5 7 4

134 Chapter 3 Algebraic Expressions and Properties

 EXAMPLE 3 Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
Use the Distributive Property to simplify the expression.
a. 4(n + 5)
4(n + 5) = 4(n) + 4(5) Distributive Property
= 4n + 20 Multiply.
Study Tip
b. 12(2y − 3)
You can use the
Distributive Property 12(2y − 3) = 12(2y) − 12(3) Distributive Property
when there are more
= 24y − 36 Multiply.
than two terms in the
sum or difference. c. 9(6 + x + 2)
9(6 + x + 2) = 9(6) + 9(x) + 9(2) Distributive Property
= 54 + 9x + 18 Multiply.
= 9x + 54 + 18 Commutative Property of Addition
= 9x + 72 Add 54 and 18.

Use the Distributive Property to simplify the expression.

Exercises 17 –32 7. 7(a + 2) 8. 3(d − 11) 9. 7(2 + 6 − 4d)

EXAMPLE 4 Real-Life Application

José is x years old. His brother, Felipe, is 2 years older than José.
Their aunt, Maria, is three times as old as Felipe. Write and simplify
an expression that represents Maria’s age in years.

Name Description Expression

José He is x years old. x
He is 2 years older than José. So,
Felipe x+2
add 2 to x.
She is three times as old as Felipe.
Maria 3(x + 2)
So, multiply 3 and (x + 2).

3(x + 2) = 3(x) + 3(2) Distributive Property

= 3x + 6 Multiply.

Maria’s age in years is represented by the expression 3x + 6.

Section 3.4 The Distributive Property 135

 10. Alexis is x years old. Her sister, Gloria, is 7 years older
than Alexis. Their grandfather is five times as old as Gloria.
Write and simplify an expression that represents their
grandfather’s age in years.

In an algebraic expression, like terms are terms that have the same
variables raised to the same exponents. Constant terms are also like terms.

Like terms

5x + 19 + 2x + 2

Like terms

Use the Distributive Property to combine like terms.

EXAMPLE 5 Combining Like Terms

Simplify each expression.
a. 3x + 9 + 2x − 5
3x + 9 + 2x − 5 = 3x + 2x + 9 − 5 Commutative Property of Addition
= (3 + 2)x + 9 − 5 Distributive Property
= 5x + 4 Simplify.

b. y + y + y
y + y + y = 1y + 1y + 1y Multiplication Property of One
= (1 + 1 + 1)y Distributive Property
= 3y Add coefficients.

c. 7z + 2(z − 5y)
7z + 2(z − 5y) = 7z + 2(z) − 2(5y) Distributive Property
= 7z + 2z − 10y Multiply.
= (7 + 2)z − 10y Distributive Property
= 9z − 10y Add coefficients.

Simplify the expression.

Exercises 39 –53 11. 8 + 3z − z 12. 3(b + 5) + b + 2

136 Chapter 3 Algebraic Expressions and Properties

3.4 Exercises
Help with Homework

1. WRITING One meaning of the word distribute is “to give something to each member
of a group.” How can this help you remember the Distributive Property?
2. OPEN-ENDED Write an algebraic expression in which you use the Distributive
Property and then the Associative Property of Addition to simplify.
3. WHICH ONE DOESN’T BELONG? Which expression does not belong with the
other three? Explain your reasoning.

2(x + 2) 5(x − 8) ⋅
4 + (x 4) 8(9 − x)

4. Identify the like terms in the expression 8x + 1 + 7x + 4.

6)=3
9+(- 3)=
3+(- 9)=
4+(- =
1)
9+(-

Use the Distributive Property and mental math to find the product.
1 5. 3 × 21 6. 9 × 76 7. 12(43) 8. 5(88)
9. 18 × 52 10. 8 × 27 11. 8(63) 12. 7(28)

Use the Distributive Property to find the product.

1 2 5 2 5 1 2 5
2 13. — × 2 — 14. — × 2 — 15. — × 4 — 16. — × 5 —
4 7 6 5 9 2 15 8

Use the Distributive Property to simplify the expression.

3 17. 3(x + 4) 18. 10(b − 6) 19. 6(s − 9) 20. 7(8 + y)
21. 8(12 + a) 22. 9(2n + 1) 23. 12(6 − k) 24. 18(5 − 3w)
25. 9(3 + c + 4) 26. 7(8 + x + 2) 27. 8(5g + 5 − 2) 28. 6(10 + z + 3)
29. 4(x + y) 30. 25(x − y) 31. 7(p + q + 9) 32. 13(n + 4 + 7m)

✗
33. ERROR ANALYSIS Describe and correct
the error in rewriting the expression. 6(y + 8) = 6y + 8

34. ART MUSEUM A class of 30 students visits an art museum

and a special exhibit while there. PRICES
Museum Exhibit
a. Use the Distributive Property to write and simplify an Child (under 5) Free Free
expression for the cost. Student $8 $x
Regular $12 $4
b. Estimate a reasonable value for x. Explain. Senior $10 $3
c. Use your estimate for x to evaluate the original
expression and the simplified expression in part (a).
Are the values the same?

Section 3.4 The Distributive Property 137

 35. FITNESS Each day, you run on a treadmill for r minutes and lift weights for
15 minutes. Which expressions can you use to find how many minutes of
exercise you do in 5 days? Explain your reasoning.

5(r + 15) ⋅
5r + 5 15 5r + 15 r (5 + 15)

36. SPEED A cheetah can run 103 feet per second.

A zebra can run x feet per second. Use the
Distributive Property to write and simplify an
expression for how much farther the cheetah
can run in 10 seconds.

UNIFORMS Your baseball team has 16 players.

Use the Distributive Property to write and
simplify an expression for the total cost of
buying the items shown for all the players.
37. 38.
or
or
and or and and
or

Pants: $10 Belt: $x

Jersey: $12 Socks: $4 Hat: $x

5 Simplify the expression.

39. 6(x + 4) + 1 40. 5 + 8(3 + x) 41. 7(8 + 4k) + 12
42. x + 3 + 5x 43. 7y + 6 − 1 + 12y 44. w + w + 5w
45. 4d + 9 − d − 8 46. n + 3(n − 1) 47. 2v + 8v − 5v
2 1
48. 5(z + 4) + 5(2 − z) 49. 2.7(w − 5.2) 50. — y + — y + y
3 6
3
( 2
51. — z + — + 2z
4 5 ) 52. 7(x + y) − 7x 53. 4x + 9y + 3(x + y)

54. ERROR ANALYSIS Describe and correct

✗
8x − 2x + 5x = 8x − 7x
the error in simplifying the expression.
= (8 − 7)x
=x

ALGEBRA Find the value of x that makes the expressions equivalent.

55. 4(x − 5); 32 − 20 56. 2(x + 9); 30 + 18 57. 7(8 − x); 56 − 21

58. REASONING Simplify the expressions and compare. What do you notice?
Explain.
4(x + 6) (x + 6) + (x + 6) + (x + 6) + (x + 6)

138 Chapter 3 Algebraic Expressions and Properties

GEOMETRY Write and simplify expressions for the area and perimeter of the rectangle.
59. 60. 61.
8
9
12
xà8
7 x 5
5.5 á x

62. FUNDRAISER An art club sells 42 large candles and

56 small candles.
a. Use the Distributive Property to write and simplify an
expression for the profit. Price: $10 Price: $5
Cost: $x Cost: $y
b. A large candle costs $5, and a small candle costs $3.
What is the club’s profit?
Profit â Price Ź Cost

63. REASONING Evaluate each expression by (1) using the Distributive Property
and (2) evaluating inside the parentheses first. Which method do you prefer? Is
your preference the same for both expressions? Explain your reasoning.

a. 2(3.22 − 0.12) (
b. 12 — + —
1
2
2
3 )
64. REASONING Write and simplify an expression for the difference between
the perimeters of the rectangle and the hexagon. Interpret your answer.

x
2x 2x
xá8

2x á 7
2x xá6
x

65. Add one set of parentheses to the expression

⋅ ⋅ ⋅
7 x + 3 + 8 x + 3 x + 8 − 9 so that it is equivalent to 2(9x + 10).

Evaluate the expression. (Section 2.4, Section 2.5, and Section 2.6)
66. 4.871 + 7.4 − 1.63 67. 25.06 − 0.049 + 8.995

⋅
68. 15.3 9.1 − 4.017 69. 29.24 ÷ 3.4 0.045 ⋅
70. MULTIPLE CHOICE What is the GCF of 48, 80, and 96? (Section 1.5)
A 12 B 16

C 24 D 480

Section 3.4 The Distributive Property 139

Extension
3.4 Factoring Expressions
Lesson Tutorials

Key Vocabulary Factoring an Expression

factoring an Words Writing a numerical expression or algebraic expression as a
expression, p. 140
product of factors is called factoring the expression. You can
use the Distributive Property to factor expressions.
Numbers ⋅ ⋅
3 7 + 3 2 = 3(7 + 2) Algebra ab + ac = a(b + c)
3 ⋅ 7 − 3 ⋅ 2 = 3(7 − 2) ab − ac = a(b − c)

EXAMPLE 1 Factoring a Numerical Expression

Factor 20 − 12 using the GCF.

Study Tip Find the GCF of 20 and 12 by listing their factors.
When you factor an Factors of 20: 1 , 2 , 4 , 5, 10, 20
expression, you can Circle the common factors.
factor out any Factors of 12: 1 , 2 , 3, 4 , 6, 12
common factor.
The GCF of 20 and 12 is 4.
Write each term of the expression as a product of the GCF and
the remaining factor. Then use the Distributive Property to factor
the expression.
20 − 12 = 4(5) − 4(3) Rewrite using GCF.
= 4(5 − 3) Distributive Property

EXAMPLE 2 Identifying Equivalent Expressions

Which expression is not equivalent to 16x + 24?

A 2(8x + 12) B 4(4x + 6) C 6(3x + 4) D (2x + 3)8

COMMON Each choice is a product of two factors in which one is a whole

CORE number and the other is the sum of two terms. For an expression to
Equivalent Expressions be equivalent to 16x + 24, its whole number factor must be a common
In this extension, you will factor of 16 and 24.
● use the Distributive

Property to produce Factors of 16: 1 , 2 , 4 , 8 , 16

equivalent expressions. Circle the common factors.
Learning Standards Factors of 24: 1 , 2 , 3, 4 , 6, 8 , 12, 24
MACC.6.NS.2.4
MACC.6.EE.1.3 The common factors of 16 and 24 are 1, 2, 4, and 8. Because 6 is not a
MACC.6.EE.1.4 common factor of 16 and 24, Choice C cannot be equivalent to 16x + 24.
Check: 6(3x + 4) = 6(3x) + 6(4) = 18x + 24 ≠ 16x + 24 ✗
So, the correct answer is C .

140 Chapter 3 Algebraic Expressions and Properties

 EXAMPLE 3 Factoring an Algebraic Expression
You receive a discount on each book you buy for your electronic
reader. The original price of each book is x dollars. You buy 5 books
for a total of (5x − 15) dollars. Factor the expression. What can you
conclude about the discount?
Find the GCF of 5x and 15 by writing their prime factorizations.

⋅
5x = 5 x
Circle the common prime factor.
15 = 5 ⋅ 3
So, the GCF of 5x and 15 is 5. Use the GCF to factor the expression.
5x − 15 = 5(x) − 5(3) Rewrite using GCF.
= 5(x − 3) Distributive Property
The factor 5 represents the number of books purchased. The factor
(x − 3) represents the price of each book. This factor is a difference of
two terms, showing that the price x of each book is decreased by $3.
So, the factored expression shows a $3 discount for every book
you buy. The original expression shows a total savings of $15.

Factor the expression using the GCF.

1. 7 + 14 2. 44 − 11 3. 18 − 12 4. 70 + 95
5. 60 − 36 6. 100 − 80 7. 84 + 28 8. 48 + 80
9. 2x + 10 10. 15x + 6 11. 26x − 13 12. 50x − 60
13. 36x + 9 14. 14x − 98 15. 10x − 25y 16. 24y + 88x

17. REASONING The whole numbers a and b are divisible by c. Is a + b divisible by c ?

Is b − a divisible by c ? Explain your reasoning.
18. OPEN-ENDED Write five expressions that are equivalent to 8x + 16.
19. GEOMETRY The area of the parallelogram is
(4x + 16) square feet. Write an expression 4 ft
for the base.

20. STRUCTURE You buy 37 concert tickets for $8 each, and then sell all 37 tickets for
$11 each. The work below shows two ways you can determine your profit. Describe
each solution method. Which do you prefer? Explain your reasoning.

profit = 37(11) − (37)8

profit = 37(11) − (37)8
= 37(11 − 8)
= 407 − 296
= 37(3)
= $111
= $111

Extension 3.4 Factoring Expressions 141

 3.3–3.4 Quiz
Progress Check

Tell which property the statement illustrates. (Section 3.3)

⋅
1. 3.5 z = z 3.5⋅ 2. 14 + (35 + w) = (14 + 35) + w

Simplify the expression. Explain each step. (Section 3.3)

3. 3.2 + (b + 5.7) ⋅ ⋅
4. 6 (10 k)

Use the Distributive Property and mental math to find the

product. (Section 3.4)
5. 6 × 49 6. 7 × 86

Use the Distributive Property to simplify the expression. (Section 3.4)

7. 5(x − 8) 8. 7( y + 3)

Simplify the expression. (Section 3.4)

9. 6q + 2 + 3q + 5 10. 4r + 3(r − 2)

Factor the expression using the GCF. (Section 3.4)

11. 12 + 21 12. 16x − 36

13. GEOMETRY The expression 18 + 7 + (18 + 2x) + 7 represents 18 à 2x

the perimeter of the trapezoid. Simplify the expression.
(Section 3.3) 7 7
18

Movie Tickets Snacks

14. MOVIES You and four of your friends go to a
Student $8 Candy $3
Adult $10 Popcorn $x movie and each buy popcorn. (Section 3.4)

a. Use the Distributive Property to write an expression for the total cost
to buy movie tickets and popcorn. Simplify the expression.
b. Choose a reasonable value for x. Evaluate the expression.

15. GEOMETRY The length of a rectangle is

16 inches, and its area is (32x + 48) square inches.
Factor the expression for the area. Write an
expression for the width. (Section 3.4)

142 Chapter 3 Algebraic Expressions and Properties

3 Chapter Review
Vocabulary Help

Review Key Vocabulary

algebraic expression, p. 112 coefficient, p. 112 like terms, p. 136
terms, p. 112 constant, p. 112 factoring an expression,
variable, p. 112 equivalent expressions, p. 128 p. 140

Review Examples and Exercises

3.1 Algebraic Expressions (pp. 110–117)

a. Evaluate a ÷ b when a = 48 and b = 8.

a ÷ b = 48 ÷ 8 Substitute 48 for a and 8 for b.

=6 Divide 48 by 8.
b. Evaluate y 2 − 14 when y = 5.

y 2 − 14 = 52 − 14 Substitute 5 for y.
= 25 − 14 Using order of operations, evaluate 52.
= 11 Subtract 14 from 25.

Evaluate the expression when x = 20 and y = 4.

1. x ÷ 5 2. y + x 3. 8y − x

4. GAMING In a video game, you score p game pointss

and b triple bonus points. An expression for your
score is p + 3b. What is your score when you earn
245 game points and 20 triple bonus points?

3.2 Writing Expressions (pp. 118–123)

Write the phrase as an expression.

a. a number z decreased by 18
z − 18 The phrase decreased by means subtraction.
i
b. the sum of 7 and the product of a number x and 12
7 + 12x The phrase sum of means addition.
The phrase product of means multiplication.

Chapter Review 143

 Write the phrase as an expression.
5. 11 fewer than a number b 6. the product of a number d and 32
7. 18 added to a number n 8. a number t decreased by 17

9. BASKETBALL Your basketball team scored 4 fewer than twice as many

points as the other team.
a. Write an expression for the number of points your team scored.
b. The other team scored 24 points. How many points did your team score?

3.3 Properties of Addition and Multiplication (pp. 126–131)

a. Simplify the expression (x + 18) + 4.

(x + 18) + 4 = x + (18 + 4) Associative Property of Addition
= x + 22 Add 18 and 4.
b. Simplify the expression (5.2 + a) + 0.
(5.2 + a) + 0 = 5.2 + (a + 0) Associative Property of Addition
= 5.2 + a Addition Property of Zero
c. Simplify the expression 36 r 1. ⋅⋅
⋅⋅
36 r 1 = 36 (r 1)⋅ ⋅ Associative Property of Multiplication
= 36 ⋅ r Multiplication Property of One
= 36r

Simplify the expression. Explain each step.

10. 10 + (2 + y) 11. (21 + b) + 1 12. 3(7x)
13. 1(3.2w) 14. 5.3 + (w + 1.2) 15. (0 + t) + 9

16. GEOMETRY The expression 7 + 3x + 4 represents the perimeter of

the triangle. Simplify the expression.

7 3x

144 Chapter 3 Algebraic Expressions and Properties

3.4 The Distributive Property (pp. 132–141)

a. Use the Distributive Property to simplify 3(n + 9).

3(n + 9) = 3(n) + 3(9) Distributive Property

= 3n + 27 Multiply.

b. Simplify 5x + 7 + 3x − 2.

5x + 7 + 3x − 2 = 5x + 3x + 7− 2 Commutative Property of Addition

= (5 + 3)x + 7 − 2 Distributive Property

= 8x + 5 Simplify.

c. Factor 14x − 49 using the GCF.

Find the GCF of 14x and 49 by writing their prime factorizations.

⋅ ⋅
14x = 2 7 x Circle the common prime factor.

49 = 7 ⋅ 7

So, the GCF of 14x and 49 is 7. Use the GCF to factor the expression.

14x − 49 = 7(2x) − 7(7) Rewrite using GCF.

= 7(2x − 7) Distributive Property

Use the Distributive Property to find the product.

3 1 4 5 1 10
17. — × 2 — 18. — × 4 — 19. — × 5 —
4 3 7 8 5 11

Use the Distributive Property to simplify the expression.

20. 2(x + 12) 21. 11(b − 3) 22. 8(s − 1)
23. 6(6 + y) 24. 25(z − 4) 25. 35(w − 2)

26. HAIRCUT A family of four goes to a salon for haircuts. The cost of each
haircut is $13. Use the Distributive Property and mental math to find the
product 4 × 13 for the total cost.

Simplify the expression.

27. 5(n + 3) + 4n 28. t + 2 + 6t 29. 3z + 4 + 5z − 9

Factor the expression using the GCF.

30. 15 + 35 31. 36x − 28 32. 16x + 56y

Chapter Review 145

 1
3 Chapter Test
Test Practice

Evaluate the expression when a = 6 and b = 8.

1. 4 + a 2. a − 6 3. ab

Write the phrase as an expression.

4. twice a number x 5. 25 more than 50 6. 40 divided by 5

Simplify the expression. Explain each step.

7. 3.1 + (8.6 + m) ⋅ ⋅
8. (10 n) 7 9. 3(15w)

Use the Distributive Property to simplify the expression.

10. 4(x + 8) 11. 12( y − 5)

Simplify the expression.

12. 4(q + 2) − 6 13. 3(2 + 5r) + 11

14. s + 3s + 4s 15. 4t − 2 − 2t + 7

Factor the expression using the GCF.

16. 18 + 24 17. 40 − 16

18. 15x + 20 19. 32x − 40y

20. SOCCER GAME Playing time is added at the end of a

soccer game to make up for stoppages. An expression for
the length of a 90-minute soccer game with x minutes of
stoppage time is 90 + x. How long is a game with
4 minutes of stoppage time?

21. GEOMETRY The expression 15 x 6 ⋅⋅

represents the volume of a rectangular prism
with a length of 15, a width of x, and a height of 6.
Simplify the expression.

22. PARTY FAVORS You make party favors for an event. You tie 9 inches of
ribbon around each party favor. Write an expression for the amount of
ribbon you need for n party favors. The ribbon costs $3 for each yard.
Write an expression for the total cost of the ribbon.

146 Chapter 3 Algebraic Expressions and Properties

3 Standards Assessment
Test-Takin
After Ans g Strateg
wering E y
1. The student council is organizing a school asy Ques
fair. Council members are making signs to show tions, Re
lax
the prices for admission and for each game a
person can play.

SCHOOL FAIR
Admission $2.00
Price per game $0.25

Let x represent the number of games. Which

expression can you use to determine the
total amount, in dollars, a person pays for “After a
nsw
admission and playing x games? and tr y ering easy que
the hard stions,
(MACC.6.EE.1.2a) 3(4) = 1 er ones. For th relax
2. So, it is,
is B.”
A. 2.25 C. 2 + 0.25x

B. 2.25x D. 2x + 0.25

2. Which property does the equation below represent? (MACC.6.EE.1.3)

⋅ ⋅ ⋅
17 44 + 17 56 = 17 100
F. Distributive Property H. Associative Property of Multiplication

G. Multiplication Property of One I. Commutative Property of Multiplication

Hardcover Paperback
3.
3 At a used book store, you can purchase Books - $3 Books - $2
two types of books.

You can use the expression 3h + 2p to find

the total cost for h hardcover books and
p paperback books. What is the total cost,
in dollars, for 6 hardcover books and
4 paperback books? (MACC.6.EE.1.2c)

4. What is the value of 9.6 × 12.643? (MACC.6.NS.2.3)

A. 12.13728 C . 1213.728

B. 121.3728 D. 12,137.28

Standards Assessment 147

 5. What is the value of 4.391 + 5.954? (MACC.6.NS.2.3)

F. 9.12145 H. 9.345

G. 9.245 I . 10.345

6. Which number pair has a greatest common factor of 6? (MACC.6.NS.2.4)

A. 18, 54 C. 30, 60

B. 30, 42 D. 36, 60

7. Properties of Addition and Multiplication are used to simplify an expression.

⋅ ⋅ ⋅
36 23 + 33 64 = 36 23 + 64 33 ⋅
= 36 ⋅ 23 + 64 ⋅ (23 + 10)
= 36 ⋅ 23 + 64 ⋅ 23 + 64 ⋅ 10
= x ⋅ 23 + 64 ⋅ 10
= 2300 + 640
= 2940

What number belongs in place of the x? (MACC.6.EE.1.3)

8. Which property was used to simplify the expression? (MACC.6.EE.1.3)

(47 × 125) × 8 = 47 × (125 × 8)

= 47 × 1000
= 47,000

F. Distributive Property

G. Multiplication Property of One

H. Associative Property of Multiplication

I. Commutative Property of Multiplication

9. What is the value of the expression below when a = 5, b = 7,

and c = 6? (MACC.6.EE.1.2c)

9b − 4a + 2c
A. 29 C. 55

B. 31 D. 78

148 Chapter 3 Algebraic Expressions and Properties

10. Which equation correctly demonstrates the Distributive Property?
(MACC.6.EE.1.4)

F. a(b + c) = ab + c

G. a(b + c) = ab + ac

H. a + (b + c) = (a + b) + (a + c)

⋅
I. a + (b + c) = (a + b) (a + c)

3 1
11. Which expression is equivalent to 3 — ÷ 6 — ? (MACC.6.NS.1.1)
5 2
5 13 9 6
A. — × — C. — ÷ —
18 2 5 2
18 2 18 2
B. — × — D. — ÷ —
5 13 5 13

12. Which number pair does not have a least common multiple
of 24? (MACC.6.NS.2.4)

F. 2, 12 H. 6, 8

G. 3, 8 I. 12, 24

13. Use the Properties of Multiplication to simplify the expression in an

efficient way. Show your work and explain how you used the Properties
of Multiplication. (MACC.6.EE.1.3)

(25 × 18) × 4

14. You evaluated an expression using x = 6 and y = 9. You correctly got an

answer of 105. Which expression did you evaluate? (MACC.6.EE.1.2c)

A. 3x + 6y C. 6x + 9y

B. 5x + 10y D. 10x + 5y

15. Which number is equivalent to the expression below? (MACC.6.EE.1.1)

2 × 12 − 8 ÷ 22

F. 2 H. 8

G. 4 I. 22

Standards Assessment 149