Algebraic Expressions

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MATH REVIEW: USEFUL MATH FOR EVERYONE

SECTION 2.4. ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

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Let's try another example.

60 inches/1 measuring stick = x cm/measuring stick

We know from a table that 1 inch = 2.54 cm. So...

60 in/1 stick * 2.54 cm/1 in = 152.4 cm/1 stick = 152.4 cm/stick

This works just as well for denominators greater than 1, or for when you need to convert the denominator.

Here's an example with a denominator greater than 1:

1 forest = 40 trees

20 forest/45 glade = x trees/45 glade

20 forest/45 glade * 40 trees/1 forest = 800 trees/45 glade, and if you want...

800 trees/45 glade = 17.8 trees/glade or 178 trees/10 glade

Remember how to get that?

An example converting the units of the denominator:

40 dots/1 inch = x dots/cm
40 dots/1 inch * 1 inch/2.54 cm = 40 dots/2.54 cm = 15.75 dots/cm

This method of unit conversion is very helpful when setting up equations. If you do it this way, you can check to see if your equation is set up correctly by looking to see if you end up with the units you want.

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