Effectiveness of Simplifying Algebraic Expressions to Its Simplest Form

EFFECTIVENESS OF SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS TO ITS SIMPLEST FORM

I. INTRODUCTION

        Many mathematical algorithms are performed so routinely that sometimes everyone do not think about why these things need to do or why the method works. One example of this is simplifying algebraic expression to its simplest form. But, it is really helpful to do this procedure? What is really happening when an algebraic expression is simplified? According to the research, it can help everyone to lessen the burden of calculating large numbers. Sometimes what's simple for some is hard for other people, and so simple seems like a pretty subjective word. But when it comes to algebra, the simplest form of an expression is very well defined and is very specific- there's really nothing that subjective about it.

        “Simplest form”, in its own definition it means that you are finding the smallest, easiest way to solve an algebraic expression. In addition, an expression is in simplest form when it is easiest to use. There are common ways to simplify an expression, it is; combining like terms, factoring, expanding (the opposite of factoring) can also sometimes help, clear out fractions by multiplying, recognizing a pattern you have seen before, like the difference of squares and many more.

        Also, when we say “simplify the expression” we mean to make the expression simpler to understand or look at without changing the value of the expression. Simplifying an algebraic expression means to reduce the expression to a simpler form. Often, this is accomplished by combining like terms and applying appropriate properties and operations consistent with order of operation conventions. Though an algebraic expression can often be rewritten in several simpler forms, usually the goal is to write an algebraic expression in the simplest form.