Two of the terms involve \(x\) and two involve \(y\). Now we can combine the \(x\) terms and combine the \(y\) terms to get \(3x + 2y\).

Removing brackets is to multiply the term outside the brackets by each term inside - also known as the distributive law. Use FOIL to remove a pair of brackets then simplify by collecting like terms.

SANTA CRUZ – Instead of shooting paint-ball guns with friends or loafing at home, 15-year-old Nash McQuaide has spent a chunk of summer break hunkered down trying to solve algebraic equations.

Parsing algebraic expressions is always a pain. If you need to compute, say, 2+4*2, the answer should be the same as (2 + (4 *2)), not ((2 + 4) * 2) — in other words, the right answer is 10, not 12.

Algebra can be demystified with the right approach. Transforming word problems into mathematical expressions is crucial, alongside using formula sheets and colour-coding equations for clarity.

You scrambled up a Rubik's cube, and now you want to put it back in order. What sequence of moves should you make? Surprise: You can answer this question with modern algebra. Most folks who have been ...

A UNSW Sydney mathematician has discovered a new method to tackle algebra's oldest challenge—solving higher polynomial equations. Polynomials are equations involving a variable raised to powers, such ...

Courtney Gibbons is affiliated with the Association for Women in Mathematics and the American Mathematical Society. You might remember learning about the quadratic formula to figure out the solutions ...