Section 3.3: Simplification
Essential Ideas

  • Simplify a Polynomial
    A polynomial is simplified if all operations are completed according to the order of operations agreement, all similar terms have been combined, and the terms of the polynomial are written in descending degree.

  • Simplify
    To simplify means to carry out all operations, according to the order of operations agreement, and to write the answer in a specified form:
    if it is a numerical expression, write as a single number;
    if it is a numerical expression including a fraction, write as a single number or as a reduced fraction;
    if it is a polynomial (or an algebraic expression), write the answer with similar terms combined and in the order of descending degree.

  • Evaluate
    To evaluate an algebraic expression means to replace the variables by specified values and then to simplify the resulting numerical expression.

  • You need to make an effort to distinguish the difference of the meaning of the words simplify and evaluate.