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Chapter 17: Algebra Language and Expressions

Learn Grade 8 Math from beginner foundations through advanced Grade 8 problem solving with detailed explanations, at least five examples per topic, practice exercises, and review questions.

Grade 8Beginner Friendly5+ Examples Per TopicPractice30 Q&A
Estimated reading time0% read
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What this chapter covers

This chapter contains 13 topics. Technical terms are followed by plain-language meanings where they first appear. Each topic includes at least five worked examples. Coding is included only where it naturally supports the Grade 8 coding expectations.

17.1 Variables

A variable is a letter or symbol that represents a value that may be unknown or may change. In this section, the focus is Variables.

For a beginner, focus on the meaning before memorizing a procedure. Start with a small example, name the quantities and units, apply one rule at a time, and connect the result back to the question.

10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations

Worked Example 1

Problem: Simplify 3x + 2x.

  1. 3x and 2x are like terms.
  2. Add the coefficients: 3 + 2 = 5.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 5x

Worked Example 2

Problem: Simplify 7y - 4y + 3.

  1. 7y and -4y are like terms.
  2. Combine them; keep the constant 3.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 3y + 3

Worked Example 3

Problem: Simplify 4(a + 3).

  1. Multiply 4 by a.
  2. Multiply 4 by 3.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 4a + 12

Worked Example 4

Problem: Simplify 2(3x - 5) + x.

  1. Distribute 2.
  2. 2(3x - 5)=6x-10.
  3. Combine 6x+x.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 7x - 10

Worked Example 5

Problem: Simplify 5m + 8 - 2m - 3.

  1. Combine variable terms.
  2. Combine constant terms.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 3m + 5

Worked Example 6

Problem: Simplify -3(2p + 4).

  1. Multiply -3 by both terms.
  2. Keep signs carefully.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: -6p - 12

Worked Example 7

Problem: Simplify 6x + 4 + x - 9.

  1. Combine x-terms.
  2. Combine constants.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 7x - 5

Worked Example 8

Problem: Simplify 0.5x + 1.5x.

  1. Both terms have x.
  2. Add decimal coefficients 0.5 + 1.5.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 2x

Worked Example 9

Problem: Simplify 3(2a + 1) - a.

  1. Distribute 3.
  2. Combine 6a-a.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 5a + 3

Worked Example 10

Problem: Simplify 8q - 2(q + 3).

  1. Distribute -2.
  2. Combine 8q-2q.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 6q - 6

Practice exercise

Create one new Grade 8 problem involving Variables. Show the important steps, include units when needed, and explain how you checked the answer.

17.2 Constants

Constants is an important Grade 8 concept in Algebra Language and Expressions. Start by identifying the quantities, relationships, units, or rules involved. Work with a small example first, show the important steps, and check whether the result is reasonable.

For a beginner, focus on the meaning before memorizing a procedure. Start with a small example, name the quantities and units, apply one rule at a time, and connect the result back to the question.

10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations

Worked Example 1

Problem: Simplify 3x + 2x.

  1. 3x and 2x are like terms.
  2. Add the coefficients: 3 + 2 = 5.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 5x

Worked Example 2

Problem: Simplify 7y - 4y + 3.

  1. 7y and -4y are like terms.
  2. Combine them; keep the constant 3.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 3y + 3

Worked Example 3

Problem: Simplify 4(a + 3).

  1. Multiply 4 by a.
  2. Multiply 4 by 3.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 4a + 12

Worked Example 4

Problem: Simplify 2(3x - 5) + x.

  1. Distribute 2.
  2. 2(3x - 5)=6x-10.
  3. Combine 6x+x.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 7x - 10

Worked Example 5

Problem: Simplify 5m + 8 - 2m - 3.

  1. Combine variable terms.
  2. Combine constant terms.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 3m + 5

Worked Example 6

Problem: Simplify -3(2p + 4).

  1. Multiply -3 by both terms.
  2. Keep signs carefully.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: -6p - 12

Worked Example 7

Problem: Simplify 6x + 4 + x - 9.

  1. Combine x-terms.
  2. Combine constants.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 7x - 5

Worked Example 8

Problem: Simplify 0.5x + 1.5x.

  1. Both terms have x.
  2. Add decimal coefficients 0.5 + 1.5.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 2x

Worked Example 9

Problem: Simplify 3(2a + 1) - a.

  1. Distribute 3.
  2. Combine 6a-a.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 5a + 3

Worked Example 10

Problem: Simplify 8q - 2(q + 3).

  1. Distribute -2.
  2. Combine 8q-2q.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 6q - 6

Practice exercise

Create one new Grade 8 problem involving Constants. Show the important steps, include units when needed, and explain how you checked the answer.

17.3 Terms

A term is one part of an algebraic expression separated by addition or subtraction signs. In this section, the focus is Terms.

For a beginner, focus on the meaning before memorizing a procedure. Start with a small example, name the quantities and units, apply one rule at a time, and connect the result back to the question.

10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations

Worked Example 1

Problem: Simplify 3x + 2x.

  1. 3x and 2x are like terms.
  2. Add the coefficients: 3 + 2 = 5.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 5x

Worked Example 2

Problem: Simplify 7y - 4y + 3.

  1. 7y and -4y are like terms.
  2. Combine them; keep the constant 3.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 3y + 3

Worked Example 3

Problem: Simplify 4(a + 3).

  1. Multiply 4 by a.
  2. Multiply 4 by 3.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 4a + 12

Worked Example 4

Problem: Simplify 2(3x - 5) + x.

  1. Distribute 2.
  2. 2(3x - 5)=6x-10.
  3. Combine 6x+x.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 7x - 10

Worked Example 5

Problem: Simplify 5m + 8 - 2m - 3.

  1. Combine variable terms.
  2. Combine constant terms.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 3m + 5

Worked Example 6

Problem: Simplify -3(2p + 4).

  1. Multiply -3 by both terms.
  2. Keep signs carefully.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: -6p - 12

Worked Example 7

Problem: Simplify 6x + 4 + x - 9.

  1. Combine x-terms.
  2. Combine constants.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 7x - 5

Worked Example 8

Problem: Simplify 0.5x + 1.5x.

  1. Both terms have x.
  2. Add decimal coefficients 0.5 + 1.5.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 2x

Worked Example 9

Problem: Simplify 3(2a + 1) - a.

  1. Distribute 3.
  2. Combine 6a-a.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 5a + 3

Worked Example 10

Problem: Simplify 8q - 2(q + 3).

  1. Distribute -2.
  2. Combine 8q-2q.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 6q - 6

Practice exercise

Create one new Grade 8 problem involving Terms. Show the important steps, include units when needed, and explain how you checked the answer.

17.4 Coefficients

A coefficient is the number multiplying a variable. In this section, the focus is Coefficients.

For a beginner, focus on the meaning before memorizing a procedure. Start with a small example, name the quantities and units, apply one rule at a time, and connect the result back to the question.

10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations

Worked Example 1

Problem: Simplify 3x + 2x.

  1. 3x and 2x are like terms.
  2. Add the coefficients: 3 + 2 = 5.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 5x

Worked Example 2

Problem: Simplify 7y - 4y + 3.

  1. 7y and -4y are like terms.
  2. Combine them; keep the constant 3.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 3y + 3

Worked Example 3

Problem: Simplify 4(a + 3).

  1. Multiply 4 by a.
  2. Multiply 4 by 3.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 4a + 12

Worked Example 4

Problem: Simplify 2(3x - 5) + x.

  1. Distribute 2.
  2. 2(3x - 5)=6x-10.
  3. Combine 6x+x.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 7x - 10

Worked Example 5

Problem: Simplify 5m + 8 - 2m - 3.

  1. Combine variable terms.
  2. Combine constant terms.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 3m + 5

Worked Example 6

Problem: Simplify -3(2p + 4).

  1. Multiply -3 by both terms.
  2. Keep signs carefully.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: -6p - 12

Worked Example 7

Problem: Simplify 6x + 4 + x - 9.

  1. Combine x-terms.
  2. Combine constants.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 7x - 5

Worked Example 8

Problem: Simplify 0.5x + 1.5x.

  1. Both terms have x.
  2. Add decimal coefficients 0.5 + 1.5.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 2x

Worked Example 9

Problem: Simplify 3(2a + 1) - a.

  1. Distribute 3.
  2. Combine 6a-a.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 5a + 3

Worked Example 10

Problem: Simplify 8q - 2(q + 3).

  1. Distribute -2.
  2. Combine 8q-2q.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 6q - 6

Practice exercise

Create one new Grade 8 problem involving Coefficients. Show the important steps, include units when needed, and explain how you checked the answer.

17.5 Factors in algebra

A factor (a whole number that divides another number exactly) helps with simplifying fractions and finding common group sizes. In this section, the focus is Factors in algebra.

For a beginner, focus on the meaning before memorizing a procedure. Start with a small example, name the quantities and units, apply one rule at a time, and connect the result back to the question.

10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations

Worked Example 1

Problem: Simplify 3x + 2x.

  1. 3x and 2x are like terms.
  2. Add the coefficients: 3 + 2 = 5.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 5x

Worked Example 2

Problem: Simplify 7y - 4y + 3.

  1. 7y and -4y are like terms.
  2. Combine them; keep the constant 3.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 3y + 3

Worked Example 3

Problem: Simplify 4(a + 3).

  1. Multiply 4 by a.
  2. Multiply 4 by 3.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 4a + 12

Worked Example 4

Problem: Simplify 2(3x - 5) + x.

  1. Distribute 2.
  2. 2(3x - 5)=6x-10.
  3. Combine 6x+x.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 7x - 10

Worked Example 5

Problem: Simplify 5m + 8 - 2m - 3.

  1. Combine variable terms.
  2. Combine constant terms.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 3m + 5

Worked Example 6

Problem: Simplify -3(2p + 4).

  1. Multiply -3 by both terms.
  2. Keep signs carefully.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: -6p - 12

Worked Example 7

Problem: Simplify 6x + 4 + x - 9.

  1. Combine x-terms.
  2. Combine constants.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 7x - 5

Worked Example 8

Problem: Simplify 0.5x + 1.5x.

  1. Both terms have x.
  2. Add decimal coefficients 0.5 + 1.5.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 2x

Worked Example 9

Problem: Simplify 3(2a + 1) - a.

  1. Distribute 3.
  2. Combine 6a-a.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 5a + 3

Worked Example 10

Problem: Simplify 8q - 2(q + 3).

  1. Distribute -2.
  2. Combine 8q-2q.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 6q - 6

Practice exercise

Create one new Grade 8 problem involving Factors in algebra. Show the important steps, include units when needed, and explain how you checked the answer.

17.6 Numerical expressions

An algebraic expression combines numbers, variables, and operations without an equals sign. In this section, the focus is Numerical expressions.

For a beginner, focus on the meaning before memorizing a procedure. Start with a small example, name the quantities and units, apply one rule at a time, and connect the result back to the question.

10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations

Worked Example 1

Problem: Simplify 3x + 2x.

  1. 3x and 2x are like terms.
  2. Add the coefficients: 3 + 2 = 5.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 5x

Worked Example 2

Problem: Simplify 7y - 4y + 3.

  1. 7y and -4y are like terms.
  2. Combine them; keep the constant 3.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 3y + 3

Worked Example 3

Problem: Simplify 4(a + 3).

  1. Multiply 4 by a.
  2. Multiply 4 by 3.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 4a + 12

Worked Example 4

Problem: Simplify 2(3x - 5) + x.

  1. Distribute 2.
  2. 2(3x - 5)=6x-10.
  3. Combine 6x+x.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 7x - 10

Worked Example 5

Problem: Simplify 5m + 8 - 2m - 3.

  1. Combine variable terms.
  2. Combine constant terms.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 3m + 5

Worked Example 6

Problem: Simplify -3(2p + 4).

  1. Multiply -3 by both terms.
  2. Keep signs carefully.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: -6p - 12

Worked Example 7

Problem: Simplify 6x + 4 + x - 9.

  1. Combine x-terms.
  2. Combine constants.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 7x - 5

Worked Example 8

Problem: Simplify 0.5x + 1.5x.

  1. Both terms have x.
  2. Add decimal coefficients 0.5 + 1.5.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 2x

Worked Example 9

Problem: Simplify 3(2a + 1) - a.

  1. Distribute 3.
  2. Combine 6a-a.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 5a + 3

Worked Example 10

Problem: Simplify 8q - 2(q + 3).

  1. Distribute -2.
  2. Combine 8q-2q.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 6q - 6

Practice exercise

Create one new Grade 8 problem involving Numerical expressions. Show the important steps, include units when needed, and explain how you checked the answer.

17.7 Algebraic expressions

An algebraic expression combines numbers, variables, and operations without an equals sign. In this section, the focus is Algebraic expressions.

For a beginner, focus on the meaning before memorizing a procedure. Start with a small example, name the quantities and units, apply one rule at a time, and connect the result back to the question.

10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations

Worked Example 1

Problem: Simplify 3x + 2x.

  1. 3x and 2x are like terms.
  2. Add the coefficients: 3 + 2 = 5.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 5x

Worked Example 2

Problem: Simplify 7y - 4y + 3.

  1. 7y and -4y are like terms.
  2. Combine them; keep the constant 3.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 3y + 3

Worked Example 3

Problem: Simplify 4(a + 3).

  1. Multiply 4 by a.
  2. Multiply 4 by 3.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 4a + 12

Worked Example 4

Problem: Simplify 2(3x - 5) + x.

  1. Distribute 2.
  2. 2(3x - 5)=6x-10.
  3. Combine 6x+x.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 7x - 10

Worked Example 5

Problem: Simplify 5m + 8 - 2m - 3.

  1. Combine variable terms.
  2. Combine constant terms.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 3m + 5

Worked Example 6

Problem: Simplify -3(2p + 4).

  1. Multiply -3 by both terms.
  2. Keep signs carefully.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: -6p - 12

Worked Example 7

Problem: Simplify 6x + 4 + x - 9.

  1. Combine x-terms.
  2. Combine constants.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 7x - 5

Worked Example 8

Problem: Simplify 0.5x + 1.5x.

  1. Both terms have x.
  2. Add decimal coefficients 0.5 + 1.5.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 2x

Worked Example 9

Problem: Simplify 3(2a + 1) - a.

  1. Distribute 3.
  2. Combine 6a-a.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 5a + 3

Worked Example 10

Problem: Simplify 8q - 2(q + 3).

  1. Distribute -2.
  2. Combine 8q-2q.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 6q - 6

Practice exercise

Create one new Grade 8 problem involving Algebraic expressions. Show the important steps, include units when needed, and explain how you checked the answer.

17.8 Translating words to algebra

Translating words to algebra is an important Grade 8 concept in Algebra Language and Expressions. Start by identifying the quantities, relationships, units, or rules involved. Work with a small example first, show the important steps, and check whether the result is reasonable.

For a beginner, focus on the meaning before memorizing a procedure. Start with a small example, name the quantities and units, apply one rule at a time, and connect the result back to the question.

10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations

Worked Example 1

Problem: Simplify 3x + 2x.

  1. 3x and 2x are like terms.
  2. Add the coefficients: 3 + 2 = 5.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 5x

Worked Example 2

Problem: Simplify 7y - 4y + 3.

  1. 7y and -4y are like terms.
  2. Combine them; keep the constant 3.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 3y + 3

Worked Example 3

Problem: Simplify 4(a + 3).

  1. Multiply 4 by a.
  2. Multiply 4 by 3.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 4a + 12

Worked Example 4

Problem: Simplify 2(3x - 5) + x.

  1. Distribute 2.
  2. 2(3x - 5)=6x-10.
  3. Combine 6x+x.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 7x - 10

Worked Example 5

Problem: Simplify 5m + 8 - 2m - 3.

  1. Combine variable terms.
  2. Combine constant terms.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 3m + 5

Worked Example 6

Problem: Simplify -3(2p + 4).

  1. Multiply -3 by both terms.
  2. Keep signs carefully.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: -6p - 12

Worked Example 7

Problem: Simplify 6x + 4 + x - 9.

  1. Combine x-terms.
  2. Combine constants.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 7x - 5

Worked Example 8

Problem: Simplify 0.5x + 1.5x.

  1. Both terms have x.
  2. Add decimal coefficients 0.5 + 1.5.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 2x

Worked Example 9

Problem: Simplify 3(2a + 1) - a.

  1. Distribute 3.
  2. Combine 6a-a.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 5a + 3

Worked Example 10

Problem: Simplify 8q - 2(q + 3).

  1. Distribute -2.
  2. Combine 8q-2q.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 6q - 6

Practice exercise

Create one new Grade 8 problem involving Translating words to algebra. Show the important steps, include units when needed, and explain how you checked the answer.

17.9 Translating algebra to words

Translating algebra to words is an important Grade 8 concept in Algebra Language and Expressions. Start by identifying the quantities, relationships, units, or rules involved. Work with a small example first, show the important steps, and check whether the result is reasonable.

For a beginner, focus on the meaning before memorizing a procedure. Start with a small example, name the quantities and units, apply one rule at a time, and connect the result back to the question.

10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations

Worked Example 1

Problem: Simplify 3x + 2x.

  1. 3x and 2x are like terms.
  2. Add the coefficients: 3 + 2 = 5.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 5x

Worked Example 2

Problem: Simplify 7y - 4y + 3.

  1. 7y and -4y are like terms.
  2. Combine them; keep the constant 3.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 3y + 3

Worked Example 3

Problem: Simplify 4(a + 3).

  1. Multiply 4 by a.
  2. Multiply 4 by 3.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 4a + 12

Worked Example 4

Problem: Simplify 2(3x - 5) + x.

  1. Distribute 2.
  2. 2(3x - 5)=6x-10.
  3. Combine 6x+x.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 7x - 10

Worked Example 5

Problem: Simplify 5m + 8 - 2m - 3.

  1. Combine variable terms.
  2. Combine constant terms.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 3m + 5

Worked Example 6

Problem: Simplify -3(2p + 4).

  1. Multiply -3 by both terms.
  2. Keep signs carefully.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: -6p - 12

Worked Example 7

Problem: Simplify 6x + 4 + x - 9.

  1. Combine x-terms.
  2. Combine constants.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 7x - 5

Worked Example 8

Problem: Simplify 0.5x + 1.5x.

  1. Both terms have x.
  2. Add decimal coefficients 0.5 + 1.5.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 2x

Worked Example 9

Problem: Simplify 3(2a + 1) - a.

  1. Distribute 3.
  2. Combine 6a-a.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 5a + 3

Worked Example 10

Problem: Simplify 8q - 2(q + 3).

  1. Distribute -2.
  2. Combine 8q-2q.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 6q - 6

Practice exercise

Create one new Grade 8 problem involving Translating algebra to words. Show the important steps, include units when needed, and explain how you checked the answer.

17.10 Evaluating expressions

An algebraic expression combines numbers, variables, and operations without an equals sign. In this section, the focus is Evaluating expressions.

For a beginner, focus on the meaning before memorizing a procedure. Start with a small example, name the quantities and units, apply one rule at a time, and connect the result back to the question.

10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations

Worked Example 1

Problem: Simplify 3x + 2x.

  1. 3x and 2x are like terms.
  2. Add the coefficients: 3 + 2 = 5.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 5x

Worked Example 2

Problem: Simplify 7y - 4y + 3.

  1. 7y and -4y are like terms.
  2. Combine them; keep the constant 3.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 3y + 3

Worked Example 3

Problem: Simplify 4(a + 3).

  1. Multiply 4 by a.
  2. Multiply 4 by 3.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 4a + 12

Worked Example 4

Problem: Simplify 2(3x - 5) + x.

  1. Distribute 2.
  2. 2(3x - 5)=6x-10.
  3. Combine 6x+x.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 7x - 10

Worked Example 5

Problem: Simplify 5m + 8 - 2m - 3.

  1. Combine variable terms.
  2. Combine constant terms.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 3m + 5

Worked Example 6

Problem: Simplify -3(2p + 4).

  1. Multiply -3 by both terms.
  2. Keep signs carefully.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: -6p - 12

Worked Example 7

Problem: Simplify 6x + 4 + x - 9.

  1. Combine x-terms.
  2. Combine constants.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 7x - 5

Worked Example 8

Problem: Simplify 0.5x + 1.5x.

  1. Both terms have x.
  2. Add decimal coefficients 0.5 + 1.5.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 2x

Worked Example 9

Problem: Simplify 3(2a + 1) - a.

  1. Distribute 3.
  2. Combine 6a-a.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 5a + 3

Worked Example 10

Problem: Simplify 8q - 2(q + 3).

  1. Distribute -2.
  2. Combine 8q-2q.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 6q - 6

Practice exercise

Create one new Grade 8 problem involving Evaluating expressions. Show the important steps, include units when needed, and explain how you checked the answer.

17.11 Substitution

Substitution is an important Grade 8 concept in Algebra Language and Expressions. Start by identifying the quantities, relationships, units, or rules involved. Work with a small example first, show the important steps, and check whether the result is reasonable.

For a beginner, focus on the meaning before memorizing a procedure. Start with a small example, name the quantities and units, apply one rule at a time, and connect the result back to the question.

10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations

Worked Example 1

Problem: Simplify 3x + 2x.

  1. 3x and 2x are like terms.
  2. Add the coefficients: 3 + 2 = 5.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 5x

Worked Example 2

Problem: Simplify 7y - 4y + 3.

  1. 7y and -4y are like terms.
  2. Combine them; keep the constant 3.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 3y + 3

Worked Example 3

Problem: Simplify 4(a + 3).

  1. Multiply 4 by a.
  2. Multiply 4 by 3.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 4a + 12

Worked Example 4

Problem: Simplify 2(3x - 5) + x.

  1. Distribute 2.
  2. 2(3x - 5)=6x-10.
  3. Combine 6x+x.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 7x - 10

Worked Example 5

Problem: Simplify 5m + 8 - 2m - 3.

  1. Combine variable terms.
  2. Combine constant terms.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 3m + 5

Worked Example 6

Problem: Simplify -3(2p + 4).

  1. Multiply -3 by both terms.
  2. Keep signs carefully.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: -6p - 12

Worked Example 7

Problem: Simplify 6x + 4 + x - 9.

  1. Combine x-terms.
  2. Combine constants.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 7x - 5

Worked Example 8

Problem: Simplify 0.5x + 1.5x.

  1. Both terms have x.
  2. Add decimal coefficients 0.5 + 1.5.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 2x

Worked Example 9

Problem: Simplify 3(2a + 1) - a.

  1. Distribute 3.
  2. Combine 6a-a.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 5a + 3

Worked Example 10

Problem: Simplify 8q - 2(q + 3).

  1. Distribute -2.
  2. Combine 8q-2q.

Very beginner explanation: Like terms have exactly the same variable part. Distribution multiplies every term inside parentheses.

Answer: 6q - 6

Practice exercise

Create one new Grade 8 problem involving Substitution. Show the important steps, include units when needed, and explain how you checked the answer.

17.12 Expressions with integers

Integers (negative whole numbers, zero, and positive whole numbers) are useful for temperature, elevation, scores, gains, and losses. In this section, the focus is Expressions with integers.

For a beginner, focus on the meaning before memorizing a procedure. Start with a small example, name the quantities and units, apply one rule at a time, and connect the result back to the question.

10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations

Worked Example 1

Problem: Calculate -7 + (5).

  1. If signs match, add absolute values and keep the sign.
  2. If signs differ, subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger and keep the sign of the larger absolute value.

Very beginner explanation: Adding integers can be understood as movement left or right on a number line.

Answer: -2

Worked Example 2

Problem: Calculate 4 + (-9).

  1. If signs match, add absolute values and keep the sign.
  2. If signs differ, subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger and keep the sign of the larger absolute value.

Very beginner explanation: Adding integers can be understood as movement left or right on a number line.

Answer: -5

Worked Example 3

Problem: Calculate -6 + (-3).

  1. If signs match, add absolute values and keep the sign.
  2. If signs differ, subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger and keep the sign of the larger absolute value.

Very beginner explanation: Adding integers can be understood as movement left or right on a number line.

Answer: -9

Worked Example 4

Problem: Calculate 12 + (-8).

  1. If signs match, add absolute values and keep the sign.
  2. If signs differ, subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger and keep the sign of the larger absolute value.

Very beginner explanation: Adding integers can be understood as movement left or right on a number line.

Answer: 4

Worked Example 5

Problem: Calculate -15 + (20).

  1. If signs match, add absolute values and keep the sign.
  2. If signs differ, subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger and keep the sign of the larger absolute value.

Very beginner explanation: Adding integers can be understood as movement left or right on a number line.

Answer: 5

Worked Example 6

Problem: Calculate -11 + (-4).

  1. If signs match, add absolute values and keep the sign.
  2. If signs differ, subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger and keep the sign of the larger absolute value.

Very beginner explanation: Adding integers can be understood as movement left or right on a number line.

Answer: -15

Worked Example 7

Problem: Calculate 9 + (13).

  1. If signs match, add absolute values and keep the sign.
  2. If signs differ, subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger and keep the sign of the larger absolute value.

Very beginner explanation: Adding integers can be understood as movement left or right on a number line.

Answer: 22

Worked Example 8

Problem: Calculate -2 + (7).

  1. If signs match, add absolute values and keep the sign.
  2. If signs differ, subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger and keep the sign of the larger absolute value.

Very beginner explanation: Adding integers can be understood as movement left or right on a number line.

Answer: 5

Worked Example 9

Problem: Calculate 18 + (-25).

  1. If signs match, add absolute values and keep the sign.
  2. If signs differ, subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger and keep the sign of the larger absolute value.

Very beginner explanation: Adding integers can be understood as movement left or right on a number line.

Answer: -7

Worked Example 10

Problem: Calculate -30 + (12).

  1. If signs match, add absolute values and keep the sign.
  2. If signs differ, subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger and keep the sign of the larger absolute value.

Very beginner explanation: Adding integers can be understood as movement left or right on a number line.

Answer: -18

Practice exercise

Create one new Grade 8 problem involving Expressions with integers. Show the important steps, include units when needed, and explain how you checked the answer.

17.13 Expressions with decimals

A decimal uses place value to represent parts of one, including tenths, hundredths, thousandths, and smaller values. In this section, the focus is Expressions with decimals.

For a beginner, focus on the meaning before memorizing a procedure. Start with a small example, name the quantities and units, apply one rule at a time, and connect the result back to the question.

10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations

Worked Example 1

Problem: Which is greater: 3.6 or 0.4?

  1. Compare whole-number parts first.
  2. Then compare tenths, hundredths, and later decimal places.

Very beginner explanation: Decimal comparison is place-value comparison.

Answer: 3.6

Worked Example 2

Problem: Which is greater: 8.25 or 1.5?

  1. Compare whole-number parts first.
  2. Then compare tenths, hundredths, and later decimal places.

Very beginner explanation: Decimal comparison is place-value comparison.

Answer: 8.25

Worked Example 3

Problem: Which is greater: 12.75 or 2.4?

  1. Compare whole-number parts first.
  2. Then compare tenths, hundredths, and later decimal places.

Very beginner explanation: Decimal comparison is place-value comparison.

Answer: 12.75

Worked Example 4

Problem: Which is greater: 0.96 or 0.3?

  1. Compare whole-number parts first.
  2. Then compare tenths, hundredths, and later decimal places.

Very beginner explanation: Decimal comparison is place-value comparison.

Answer: 0.96

Worked Example 5

Problem: Which is greater: 5.04 or 1.2?

  1. Compare whole-number parts first.
  2. Then compare tenths, hundredths, and later decimal places.

Very beginner explanation: Decimal comparison is place-value comparison.

Answer: 5.04

Worked Example 6

Problem: Which is greater: 14.8 or 2?

  1. Compare whole-number parts first.
  2. Then compare tenths, hundredths, and later decimal places.

Very beginner explanation: Decimal comparison is place-value comparison.

Answer: 14.8

Worked Example 7

Problem: Which is greater: 7.125 or 0.5?

  1. Compare whole-number parts first.
  2. Then compare tenths, hundredths, and later decimal places.

Very beginner explanation: Decimal comparison is place-value comparison.

Answer: 7.125

Worked Example 8

Problem: Which is greater: 20.05 or 3.75?

  1. Compare whole-number parts first.
  2. Then compare tenths, hundredths, and later decimal places.

Very beginner explanation: Decimal comparison is place-value comparison.

Answer: 20.05

Worked Example 9

Problem: Which is greater: 2.4 or 0.06?

  1. Compare whole-number parts first.
  2. Then compare tenths, hundredths, and later decimal places.

Very beginner explanation: Decimal comparison is place-value comparison.

Answer: 2.4

Worked Example 10

Problem: Which is greater: 100.5 or 4.02?

  1. Compare whole-number parts first.
  2. Then compare tenths, hundredths, and later decimal places.

Very beginner explanation: Decimal comparison is place-value comparison.

Answer: 100.5

Practice exercise

Create one new Grade 8 problem involving Expressions with decimals. Show the important steps, include units when needed, and explain how you checked the answer.

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Chapter 17 Review Questions and Answers

Q1. What is important to remember about Variables?

Answer: A variable is a letter or symbol that represents a value that may be unknown or may change. In this section, the focus is Variables.

Q2. What is important to remember about Constants?

Answer: Constants is an important Grade 8 concept in Algebra Language and Expressions. Start by identifying the quantities, relationships, units, or rules involved. Work with a small example first, show the important steps, and check whether the result is reasonable.

Q3. What is important to remember about Terms?

Answer: A term is one part of an algebraic expression separated by addition or subtraction signs. In this section, the focus is Terms.

Q4. What is important to remember about Coefficients?

Answer: A coefficient is the number multiplying a variable. In this section, the focus is Coefficients.

Q5. What is important to remember about Factors in algebra?

Answer: A factor (a whole number that divides another number exactly) helps with simplifying fractions and finding common group sizes. In this section, the focus is Factors in algebra.

Q6. What is important to remember about Numerical expressions?

Answer: An algebraic expression combines numbers, variables, and operations without an equals sign. In this section, the focus is Numerical expressions.

Q7. What is important to remember about Algebraic expressions?

Answer: An algebraic expression combines numbers, variables, and operations without an equals sign. In this section, the focus is Algebraic expressions.

Q8. What is important to remember about Translating words to algebra?

Answer: Translating words to algebra is an important Grade 8 concept in Algebra Language and Expressions. Start by identifying the quantities, relationships, units, or rules involved. Work with a small example first, show the important steps, and check whether the result is reasonable.

Q9. What is important to remember about Translating algebra to words?

Answer: Translating algebra to words is an important Grade 8 concept in Algebra Language and Expressions. Start by identifying the quantities, relationships, units, or rules involved. Work with a small example first, show the important steps, and check whether the result is reasonable.

Q10. What is important to remember about Evaluating expressions?

Answer: An algebraic expression combines numbers, variables, and operations without an equals sign. In this section, the focus is Evaluating expressions.

Q11. What is important to remember about Substitution?

Answer: Substitution is an important Grade 8 concept in Algebra Language and Expressions. Start by identifying the quantities, relationships, units, or rules involved. Work with a small example first, show the important steps, and check whether the result is reasonable.

Q12. What is important to remember about Expressions with integers?

Answer: Integers (negative whole numbers, zero, and positive whole numbers) are useful for temperature, elevation, scores, gains, and losses. In this section, the focus is Expressions with integers.

Q13. What is important to remember about Expressions with decimals?

Answer: A decimal uses place value to represent parts of one, including tenths, hundredths, thousandths, and smaller values. In this section, the focus is Expressions with decimals.

Q14. Why should you show your steps?

Answer: Showing steps makes reasoning easier to verify and helps locate mistakes.

Q15. Why is estimation useful?

Answer: Estimation helps you judge whether a calculated answer is reasonable.

Q16. Why do units matter?

Answer: Units tell what a value measures and prevent incompatible quantities from being mixed.

Q17. When should you round?

Answer: Usually round near the end unless the question specifically asks for earlier rounding.

Q18. How can you check an answer?

Answer: Use an inverse operation, substitution, estimation, a graph, or a second method.

Q19. What should you identify first in a word problem?

Answer: Identify what is known, what is unknown, and the mathematical relationship connecting them.

Q20. What makes a final answer complete?

Answer: Give the value, correct units when needed, and a brief interpretation in context.

Q21. What should you do if an answer seems unreasonable?

Answer: Re-read the question and check copied values, signs, units, formulas, and calculations.

Q22. Why are diagrams useful?

Answer: A labelled diagram can reveal relationships among lengths, angles, areas, and coordinates.

Q23. Why are tables useful?

Answer: Tables organize values and help reveal patterns, rates, relationships, and missing information.

Q24. Why should you explain your reasoning?

Answer: Reasoning shows why a method works, not just what answer was obtained.

Q25. How do mistakes help learning?

Answer: Analyzing a mistake identifies the misunderstood rule or step and helps prevent repetition.

Q26. When is a calculator useful?

Answer: A calculator helps with lengthy arithmetic after the mathematical setup is understood and estimated.

Q27. Why compare more than one strategy?

Answer: Different strategies may make a problem easier and provide a way to verify the result.

Q28. What is mathematical communication?

Answer: It is presenting ideas clearly with words, symbols, diagrams, tables, graphs, and justified steps.

Q29. What is mathematical modelling?

Answer: It is representing a real situation with mathematics, testing the model, and revising it if needed.

Q30. Why should assumptions be stated?

Answer: Assumptions show the conditions the model depends on and help readers judge whether it is reasonable.