Monomial Refresher
Adding and Subtracting: Can only add and subtract monomials that have “like terms” (same variable and exponent).
Example:
Multiplying Monomials: You DO NOT need like terms.
i.
Multiply the coefficients (the numbers) together.
ii.
Multiply the variables together. Remember if the variables are the same, keep the base and add the exponents
together.
Example:
a)
b)
Dividing Monomials: You DO NOT need like terms.
i.
Divide the coefficients
ii.
Divide the variables. If the variables are the same, keep the base and subtract the exponents.
Examples:
a)
b)
Adding/Subtracting Algebraic Expressions
** Watch out for NEGATIVE signs outside of brackets!!
WATCH OUT!!
Examples:


When adding bracketed numbers, you can simply drop the brackets and add.
When subtracting bracketed numbers, you’re subtracting everything in the brackets, so the signs inside change
to the opposite.