Rules of Algebraic Operations

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 38 views

Understanding the Expression

The given expression is $\frac{x}{2} - 5$ . This is an algebraic expression that involves a fraction and a constant term. To simplify this expression, we need to understand the rules of algebraic operations and how to manipulate fractions.

Rules of Algebraic Operations

In algebra, we follow certain rules to simplify expressions. These rules include the distributive property, the commutative property, and the associative property. The distributive property states that for any numbers $a$ , $b$ , and $c$ , $a(b + c) = ab + ac$ . The commutative property states that for any numbers $a$ and $b$ , $a + b = b + a$ and $ab = ba$ . The associative property states that for any numbers $a$ , $b$ , and $c$ , $(a + b) + c = a + (b + c)$ and $(ab)c = a(bc)$ .

Simplifying the Expression

To simplify the expression $\frac{x}{2} - 5$ , we need to combine the fraction and the constant term. Since the fraction and the constant term have different denominators, we need to find a common denominator. In this case, the common denominator is 2.

Finding a Common Denominator

To find a common denominator, we need to multiply the denominator of the fraction by the necessary factor. In this case, we need to multiply the denominator of the fraction by 1 to get a denominator of 2.

Combining the Fraction and the Constant Term

Now that we have a common denominator, we can combine the fraction and the constant term. To do this, we need to subtract the constant term from the fraction. Since the constant term is negative, we need to add it to the fraction.

Simplifying the Expression

After combining the fraction and the constant term, we get $\frac{x}{2} - \frac{10}{2}$ . We can simplify this expression by combining the fractions.

Combining the Fractions

To combine the fractions, we need to find a common denominator. In this case, the common denominator is 2. We can then add the numerators and keep the common denominator.

Simplifying the Expression

After combining the fractions, we get $\frac{x - 10}{2}$ . This is the simplified form of the expression.

Conclusion

Example Problems

Here are some example problems that involve simplifying expressions:

$\frac{x}{3} - 2$
$\frac{x}{4} + 3$
$\frac{x}{5} - 1$

Step-by-Step Solutions

Here are the step-by-step solutions to the example problems:

Example Problem 1: $\frac{x}{3} - 2$

Find a common denominator: The common denominator is 3.
Combine the fraction and the constant term: $\frac{x}{3} - \frac{6}{3}$
Simplify the expression: $\frac{x - 6}{3}$

Example Problem 2: $\frac{x}{4} + 3$

Find a common denominator: The common denominator is 4.
Combine the fraction and the constant term: $\frac{x}{4} + \frac{12}{4}$
Simplify the expression: $\frac{x + 12}{4}$

Example Problem 3: $\frac{x}{5} - 1$

Find a common denominator: The common denominator is 5.
Combine the fraction and the constant term: $\frac{x}{5} - \frac{5}{5}$
Simplify the expression: $\frac{x - 5}{5}$

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you simplify expressions:

Always find a common denominator when combining fractions.
Use the distributive property to simplify expressions.
Use the commutative property to simplify expressions.
Use the associative property to simplify expressions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have simplified the expression $\frac{x}{2} - 5$ by combining the fraction and the constant term. We found a common denominator and added the numerators to get the simplified form of the expression. We also provided example problems and step-by-step solutions to help you practice simplifying expressions.

Understanding the Expression

Q&A

Q: What is the simplified form of the expression $\frac{x}{2} - 5$ ?

A: The simplified form of the expression $\frac{x}{2} - 5$ is $\frac{x - 10}{2}$ .

Q: How do I simplify the expression $\frac{x}{2} - 5$ ?

A: To simplify the expression $\frac{x}{2} - 5$ , you need to find a common denominator and combine the fraction and the constant term.

Q: What is a common denominator?

A: A common denominator is a number that both fractions can divide into evenly. In the case of the expression $\frac{x}{2} - 5$ , the common denominator is 2.

Q: How do I find a common denominator?

A: To find a common denominator, you need to multiply the denominator of the fraction by the necessary factor. In the case of the expression $\frac{x}{2} - 5$ , you need to multiply the denominator of the fraction by 1 to get a denominator of 2.

Q: How do I combine the fraction and the constant term?

A: To combine the fraction and the constant term, you need to subtract the constant term from the fraction. Since the constant term is negative, you need to add it to the fraction.

Q: What is the distributive property?

A: The distributive property is a rule of algebra that states that for any numbers $a$ , $b$ , and $c$ , $a(b + c) = ab + ac$ .

Q: What is the commutative property?

A: The commutative property is a rule of algebra that states that for any numbers $a$ and $b$ , $a + b = b + a$ and $ab = ba$ .

Q: What is the associative property?

A: The associative property is a rule of algebra that states that for any numbers $a$ , $b$ , and $c$ , $(a + b) + c = a + (b + c)$ and $(ab)c = a(bc)$ .

Q: How do I use the distributive property to simplify expressions?

A: To use the distributive property to simplify expressions, you need to multiply the number outside the parentheses by each term inside the parentheses.

Q: How do I use the commutative property to simplify expressions?

A: To use the commutative property to simplify expressions, you need to rearrange the terms in the expression to make it easier to simplify.

Q: How do I use the associative property to simplify expressions?

A: To use the associative property to simplify expressions, you need to rearrange the terms in the expression to make it easier to simplify.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you simplify expressions:

Always find a common denominator when combining fractions.
Use the distributive property to simplify expressions.
Use the commutative property to simplify expressions.
Use the associative property to simplify expressions.

Conclusion

Example Problems

Here are some example problems that involve simplifying expressions:

$\frac{x}{3} - 2$
$\frac{x}{4} + 3$
$\frac{x}{5} - 1$

Step-by-Step Solutions

Here are the step-by-step solutions to the example problems:

Example Problem 1: $\frac{x}{3} - 2$

Find a common denominator: The common denominator is 3.
Combine the fraction and the constant term: $\frac{x}{3} - \frac{6}{3}$
Simplify the expression: $\frac{x - 6}{3}$

Example Problem 2: $\frac{x}{4} + 3$

Find a common denominator: The common denominator is 4.
Combine the fraction and the constant term: $\frac{x}{4} + \frac{12}{4}$
Simplify the expression: $\frac{x + 12}{4}$

Example Problem 3: $\frac{x}{5} - 1$

Find a common denominator: The common denominator is 5.
Combine the fraction and the constant term: $\frac{x}{5} - \frac{5}{5}$
Simplify the expression: $\frac{x - 5}{5}$