Analyzing the Simplified Expression

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 27 views

Understanding the Expression

The given expression is $-3(y-5)^2-9+7y$ . This expression involves a squared term, a constant term, and a linear term. To simplify this expression, we need to apply the rules of algebra and follow a systematic approach.

Step 1: Distributing the Coefficient

The first step in simplifying the expression is to distribute the coefficient $-3$ throughout the parentheses. This means multiplying the coefficient by each term inside the parentheses.

-3(y-5)^2 = -3(y^2 - 10y + 25)

Step 2: Simplifying the Squared Term

Now, we can simplify the squared term by expanding it.

-3(y^2 - 10y + 25) = -3y^2 + 30y - 75

Step 3: Combining Like Terms

Next, we need to combine like terms. The expression now becomes:

-3y^2 + 30y - 75 - 9 + 7y

We can combine the constant terms $-75$ and $-9$ to get $-84$ . We can also combine the linear terms $30y$ and $7y$ to get $37y$ .

-3y^2 + 37y - 84

Analyzing the Simplified Expression

Now that we have simplified the expression, let's analyze it. The simplified expression is $-3y^2 + 37y - 84$ . This expression is a quadratic expression in the form of $ay^2 + by + c$ .

True Statements

Based on the simplified expression, the following statements are true:

The first step in simplifying is to distribute the -3 throughout the parentheses. This is true, as we distributed the coefficient $-3$ throughout the parentheses in the first step.
There are 3 terms in the simplified product. This is true, as the simplified expression has three terms: $-3y^2$ , $37y$ , and $-84$ .
The expression is a quadratic expression. This is true, as the simplified expression is in the form of $ay^2 + by + c$ , where $a = -3$ , $b = 37$ , and $c = -84$ .

False Statements

The following statements are false:

The expression can be simplified by combining like terms first. This is false, as we need to distribute the coefficient throughout the parentheses before combining like terms.
The expression is a linear expression. This is false, as the simplified expression is a quadratic expression, not a linear expression.

Conclusion

Q: What is the first step in simplifying an algebraic expression?

A: The first step in simplifying an algebraic expression is to distribute the coefficient throughout the parentheses. This means multiplying the coefficient by each term inside the parentheses.

Q: What is the difference between a linear expression and a quadratic expression?

A: A linear expression is an expression in the form of $ax + b$ , where $a$ and $b$ are constants. A quadratic expression, on the other hand, is an expression in the form of $ax^2 + bx + c$ , where $a$ , $b$ , and $c$ are constants.

Q: How do I simplify a squared term?

A: To simplify a squared term, you need to expand it by multiplying each term inside the parentheses by itself. For example, $(x + 3)^2 = x^2 + 6x + 9$ .

Q: Can I simplify an algebraic expression by combining like terms first?

A: No, you cannot simplify an algebraic expression by combining like terms first. You need to distribute the coefficient throughout the parentheses before combining like terms.

Q: What are like terms?

A: Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, $2x$ and $5x$ are like terms because they both have the variable $x$ raised to the power of 1.

Q: How do I combine like terms?

A: To combine like terms, you need to add or subtract the coefficients of the like terms. For example, $2x + 5x = 7x$ .

Q: What is the final step in simplifying an algebraic expression?

A: The final step in simplifying an algebraic expression is to write the expression in its simplest form. This means that you have distributed the coefficient throughout the parentheses, combined like terms, and written the expression in the form of $ax^2 + bx + c$ .

Q: Why is it important to simplify algebraic expressions?

A: Simplifying algebraic expressions is important because it helps you to:

Understand the structure of the expression: Simplifying an algebraic expression helps you to understand its structure and how the different terms are related.
Perform calculations more easily: Simplifying an algebraic expression makes it easier to perform calculations and operations on the expression.
Solve equations and inequalities more easily: Simplifying an algebraic expression makes it easier to solve equations and inequalities involving the expression.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when simplifying algebraic expressions?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when simplifying algebraic expressions include:

Not distributing the coefficient throughout the parentheses: Failing to distribute the coefficient throughout the parentheses can lead to incorrect simplifications.
Not combining like terms: Failing to combine like terms can lead to incorrect simplifications.
Not writing the expression in its simplest form: Failing to write the expression in its simplest form can lead to incorrect simplifications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, simplifying algebraic expressions is an important skill in algebra and mathematics. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can simplify algebraic expressions and understand their structure, perform calculations more easily, and solve equations and inequalities more easily.