Objectives

After completing this chapter, you should

Algebraic expressions ( [link] )

• be familiar with algebraic expressions
• understand the difference between a term and a factor
• be familiar with the concept of common factors
• know the function of a coefficient

Equations ( [link] )

• understand the meaning of an equation
• be able to perform numerical evaluations

Classification of expressions and equations ( [link] )

• be familiar with polynomials
• be able to classify polynomials and polynomial equations

Combining polynomials using addition and subtraction ( [link] )

• understand the concept of like terms
• be able to combine like terms
• be able to simplify expressions containing parentheses

Combining polynomials using multiplication ( [link] )

• be able to multiply a polynomial by a monomial
• be able to simplify $+(a+b)$ and $-(a+b)$
• be able to multiply a polynomial by a polynomial

Special binomial products ( [link] )

• be able to expand ${(a+b)}^2$ , ${(a-b)}^2$ , and $(a+b)(a+b)$

Terminology associated with equations ( [link] )

• be able to identify the independent and dependent variables of an equation
• be able to specify the domain of an equation