|
MULTIPLYING
a) the ORDER
of the terms does not matter
b) the GROUPING of the terms
does not matter
3 . [(-5) .
6] = [3 . (-5)] . 6 = 6
. (-5) . 3
Therefore, the algebraic expression:
17 . (-x . 4)
... can be re-written as:
[17 . (-x)] . 4
>> re-grouped
17 . (-x) .
4 >>un-grouped!
DIVIDING
| N.B. ALL division expressions can be re-written as
multiplication by MULTIPLYING BY THE RECIPROCAL. To find the
reciprocal of a number, simply flip the numerator and denominator.
A number multiplied by its RECIPROCAL will always equal 1. |
| THE RULES OF MULTIPLICATION DO
NOT APPLY!! |
| ORDER MATTERS (which
is begin divided by which?): |
| 3 / 6 does NOT = 6 / 3 |
| GROUPING MATTERS: |
| 36 / (2 / 3) does NOT = (36 / 2) / 3 |
| Understanding these rules will help you simplify
complex expressions involving parentheses |
|