Before you start working on expressions be sure that adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing whole numbers, decimals, and fractions are not difficult for you. If they are go back and review any of the above that you are unsure of.

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Expressions consists of:

variables (another name for letters) - always

h = variable

a coefficient (the number in front of a variable)- sometimes

2k coeffient and variable

an operation sign (tells you what to do) sometimes

+ - x /

a constant (number that stands alone - sometimes

c + 6

equal sign - never

Variables can be simplified c + c + c becomes 3c

Notice the variable is never capitalized.

3(h + 5) becomes 3h = 5

m (a + 4) becomes am + 4m

z (9 - n) becomes 9z - nz

4g + 6 g becomes 10 g

19b - 8b becomes 11b

If d is 7 then 4d becomes 4 x 7 = 28

Easy isn't?