FOR YOUR EYES ONLY

LOGAN BUSH SECRET CODE

FOR SYMPLIFYING VARIABLE EXPRESSIONS

FOR:

LOGAN SCHWENNSEN BUSH

25/OCT/2015
EDDIE MILLER

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LOGANS STUDY GUIDE FOR VARIABLE EXPRESSIONS

In order to solve algebra equations you must first understand how to Simplify Variable
Expressions. A Variable Expression does NOT contain an EQUAL SIGN (=). The scope of this
instruction set is limited to simplifying VARIABLE EXPRESSIONS. Simplification is the first step in
solving algebraic equations.
A Variable Expression can be any mixture of variables, with and without coefficients or
exponents, mathematical operators, decimal, whole number, or fractional constants, and all
mathematic symbols. Your learning objective is the PROCESS of SIMPLIFYING the Variable
Expression, it cannot be solved at this point in time. You will soon learn how to solve the
variable expressions by setting them equal to Zero. For the time being please verbally refer to
the expressions as a Variable Expression (if they contain any variable) or simply an Expression if
they contain no variable.

Please keep in mind the critical importance of the process for simplifying a variable expression.
Albert Einstein spent 20 years of his life simplifying thousands of variable expressions and
condensing them into a single simplified equation which mathematically describes all energy in
the universe.
Remember he had no computers or calculators or any type of automated assistance. His only
computer was his mind. His tools were paper, pencil, slide rules, and very crude mechanical
instruments. Your learning quest is the process only. In order to solve complex equations it is
imperative that you develop SUPER Work habits, show every step along the way, and think
clearly and concisely just like Einstein did 75 years ago.
SYNONYMS FOR WORDS USED ABOVE
Variable: changeable, changing, varying, shifting, fluctuating, irregular, inconstant, inconsistent,
fluid, unsteady, unstable, unsettled, fitful, mutable, protean, wavering
Process: procedure, operation, action, activity, exercise, affair, business, job, task, undertaking
Simplify: make simple/simpler, make easy/easier to understand, make plainer, clarify, make
more comprehensible/intelligible; paraphrase
Imperative: vitally important, of vital importance, all-important, vital, crucial, critical, essential,
necessary, indispensable, urgent
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LOGANS STUDY GUIDE FOR VARIABLE EXPRESSIONS

DEFINITIONS:

You already know the above inside out. I included it only for the sake of completeness. The
remainder of this study guide contains the secret tips for learning the process correctly. ALL
Mathematics ACROSS THE UNIVERSE is based on the PEMDAS/LR Method, which again you
already know.

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PROPERTIES OF EXPRESSIONS AND EQUATIONS:
It is important that you understand the reasoning behind the process of simplifying expressions.
All of what you have learned so far concerning simplifying expressions is merely the collecting
(gathering or grouping) of like terms in an expression. The rules for collecting the terms, such
as writing all the variables first and solving the constants mathematical operations are based on
the COMMUTATIVE and ASSOCIATIVE Properties of Mathematics. It is very important that you
understand we are switching the terms around based on a set of mathematical rules which
everyone in the universe abides by. We are not just moving stuff around willy-nilly. We are
working from a set of rules (rule-set) that all mathematicians use around the world. As an
example, all the teams in the NFL abide (follow) the same set of rules used by the officials at the
game, just like all the mathematicians follow the same rule-set that you are following.

There are more properties than the two above, however we are mainly using the Commutative
(changing the order) property of addition or multiplication, and the Associative (changing the
groupings) property of addition or multiplication.

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LOGANS STUDY GUIDE FOR VARIABLE EXPRESSIONS

SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS
Simplifying an algebraic expression implies writing it in the most compact or efficient manner,
without changing the value of the expression. This mainly involves collecting like terms. The like
terms rule is a process where the arithmetic operations (add/subtract/multiply/divide) are
performed on all LIKE terms. Like Terms are all constants, and variables with the same name and
exponent. The like rule dictates that only like terms can be added together.

LIKE (Similar) Terms with Variables

Like terms are those terms which contain the same powers of same variables. They can have
different coefficients, but that is the only difference. The exponent value must be the same or
the term is NOT ALIKE. If there are NO exponents listed then the exponent value is 1 on all of the
variables. Any number or variable raised to the 1 st Power (Power of 1) is the same number, and
the same as multiplying the number or variable by 1. Always ascertain (make certain) that the
variables are identical in name and power before grouping them together and performing
arithmetic operations.
And remember, any Constant (Number) or variable with a ZERO exponent is equal to ZERO. Also
any number or variable multiplied by a ZERO Exponent Constant (Number) or Variable is also
ZERO.

Examples:
3x, x, 2x LIKE Terms: the x variable names AND the Exponents are identical.
2x2, 5x2, x2 LIKE Terms: the x variable names AND the Exponents are identical.
xy2, 3y2x, 3xy2 LIKE Terms: the variable names AND the Exponents are identical.
Note the Exponents on the terms are Identical: xy2 = y2x x y2 = y2 x
xy2, x2y

NOT LIKE terms: the variable names AND the Exponents are NOT identical.

Note the Exponents on the terms are NOT identical: xy2 y2x

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LOGANS STUDY GUIDE FOR VARIABLE EXPRESSIONS

COLLECTING AND COMBINING LIKE TERMS

Example: 3y + 5y +12 + 2 + 4y + 17
Collecting:

(3y + 4y + 5y) + (2 + 12 + 17)

Group the Like Terms in Order by Name/Power

3y = (3)y and 4y = (4)y and 5y = (5)y so the Coefficients of Like Variables can be added and the
Constants can be added.
Combining:

(3 + 4 + 5)y + (2 + 12 + 17) = 12y + 31

You are required to show all of your work for each line when simplifying the variable
expression. In the above example you would show the following 3 lines for your work:

(3y + 4y + 5y) + (2 + 12 + 17)

(3 + 4 + 5)y + (2 + 12 + 17)
12y + 31
Logan please keep in mind that you are learning the mathematical PROCESS of Simplifying
Variable Expressions. ONLY PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT! The objective is NOT to know
the answer immediately, but instead to learn the steps involved so you can simplify very complex
variable expressions which you will be faced with soon. When you MASTER the Process then you
can begin condensing (reducing) your actions within steps to perform more operations at once,
such as merging (including together) the Collection and Combining steps simultaneously (at the
same time). PROCESS is VERY IMPORTANT. I still write down every step when I simplify a variable
expression. Albert Einstein wrote over 50,000 pages of work in his lifetime and each expression
and/or equation included every step of work so it could be comprehended (understood) by
others.
It is imperative (absolutely necessary) that you use the correct mathematical properties
(associative, commutative, and distributive) combined with the PEMDAS/LR Methodology (Steps
in a Process) and then perform the precise sequence of steps to collect/combine all of the terms
in the variable expression. You already are thinking in Math because you have a Math Brain and
you told me you love Math. The only difficult part of the above is to resist the urge to
immediately think you have the answer. Once again, you are learning a new Math process and
the methodology of that process is the most critical (important) component (part).
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The methodology should NOT encumber (impede or restrain) you from using your intelligence
first. There will always be trick questions to separate the men from the boys or the wheat
from the chaffe. (The CHAFFE is the outer shell of the grain) If you immediately spot something
in the expression which can be quickly eliminated, such as a multiplication by ZERO or ONE, then
you should perform that task first by simply crossing out the term and writing a zero or one
above it. See below:

4(1.6s + 11.22b + 19f) 0

Although the expression may look complex at first sight, it can be simplified quickly by
recognizing the ZERO multiplication factor. The entire expression is multiplied by zero so
the net result is ZERO which is the answer. Regardless of whether the multiplicative
constant is before or after the parenthesis, or both, all terms are multiplied by the factors
immediately outside the parenthesis, beginning or end or both.
4(1.6s + 11.22b + 19f) 0 = 4(1.6s + 11.22b + 19f)0
(4 0) (1.6s + 11.22b + 19f) = 0 (1.6s + 11.22b + 19f) = 0
Final Answer: 0
You would be correct if you looked at the expression and immediately spotted the entire
expression being multiplied by zero. At that point you could write down the zero answer. Since
we are learning the process you would only be required to write down the following line of work:

(4 0) (1.6s + 11.22b + 19f) = 0

The following are also all correct:
(12s +12b +12c) (3) = 3(12s +12b +12c) = 36s + 36b + 36c
122 + 5(16a + 12b + 9c)0 = 122 + (5 0) (16a + 12b + 9c) = 122 + 0 = 122
11.2t + 818 1(11.2t + 1.2t)0 = 11.2t + 818 (1 0) (11.2t + 1.2t) = 11.2t + 818 0 = 11.2t + 818
(8d + 8d + 4) = ( ) (8d + 8d + 4) = (8d + 8d + 4) = 2d + 2d + 1 = 4d +1
12.7751(2.99t)0 = (12.7751 0) 2.99t = 0
(17.7a + 46 0.17)(1-1) = 0 (17.7a + 46 0.17) = 0

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EDDIE MILLER

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LOGANS STUDY GUIDE FOR VARIABLE EXPRESSIONS

TIPS TO REMEMBER WHILE SIMPLYFYING VARIABLE EQUATIONS
Variable NAMES and EXPONENTS
The variable name term and exponent value must match identically to combine terms with
addition or subtraction. That is to say y, 2y, 0.3y, y, and 2y1 may all be added together or
subtracted (combined) depending on the arithmetic operator. The names of the variables are
identical AND the exponent value is identical. Remember that an exponent of 0 is 0, and an
exponent of 1 is by definition the default when there is NO EXPONENT listed. A variable or
constant raised to the positive plus first power equals the same variable or constant. It is
identical to multiplying the variable or constant by 1. I know you already know that.
So x+1 = x = (x1 1) = 1 x1 = 1x1. If the coefficient of x, which is 1 by default, was not equal to
1, then the variable would be multiplied by the coefficient. As a result x, x2, x3, x45, and 2x5 are
all different exponents and CANNOT be combined.
YOU DO NOT NEED TO KNOW ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH YET, BUT SOON
Just an FYI (For Your Information), I also included the word POSITIVE above because there are
signs on all numbers as well. You have only experienced POSITIVE NUMBERS. There are also
NEGATIVE NUMBERS and NEGATIVE EXPONENTS. By definition, if there is NO SIGN on any
number or variable it is positive, or Plus. It is not incorrect to say 10 +1 however it is unnecessary
by definition since all numbers and variables without a NEGATIVE - (Minus Sign) are by
definition positive. You just dont need the plus sign because it is assumed. As such, again FYI,
x+1 x-1 and x x-1. The Polarity (+ or -) of the variable or number will be very important in a
month or so. The value of a negative exponent is not equal to the same value of a positive
exponent. As an example, 10+1 = 10, BUT it does NOT EQUAL 10-1 which equals 0.10 You will see
how straightforward this is later. Instead of multiplying the negative exponent you simply divide
by the absolute value or multiply it by the reciprocal of the absolute value. Notice any similarities
to fractions and division?
GROUPING PARENTHESES ( and )
You, Mr. Math Brain Logan, need to be cognizant (aware or knowing) of the properties of the
parentheses grouping symbols. ANY variables or constants immediately outside the parenthesis,
on either side, are required to be multiplied by EVERY TERM inside the parenthesis. You have
missed a few simplifications because you did NOT multiple every term on the inside by the
constant or variable immediately to the outside, left or right, of the parenthesis grouping. It is
crucial (fundamental or very important) that you acquire (obtain or attain) the PERFECT
PRACTICE METHODOLOGY (fundamental steps in a process).
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LOGANS STUDY GUIDE FOR VARIABLE EXPRESSIONS

GROUPING PARENTHESES
(Continued)
Parenthesis ( is the singular noun. Parentheses ( ) is the plural noun. I included that in case
you discovered the different spellings above.
Examples:
2(3 + y) = (2 3) + (2 y) = 6 + 2y
2(3 + y)5 = (2 5 3) + (2 5 y) Multiply every term on the inside by the product of the two
terms immediately on the outside. Not many expressions will include a trailing (behind) term
following the right side parenthesis. It is irregular (opposite of regular).
2(4a +3b +17+ b) = (2 4a) + (2 3b) + (2 b) = 8a + 6b + 1b = 8a + 7b
6c(17 23 + 4) = 6c(17 8 + 4) + 6c(4) = 6c(134 + 6) = 6c 140 = 840c Use PEMDAS/LR to
simplify the internal parentheses expression, then work outward to multiply all the remaining
terms by the variable 6c.
(24 + 4) (3s 7 +2) = (16 + 4) (3s -7 + 2) = 20(3s -7 +2) = 20(3s - 5) = 60s -100 Use PEMDAS/LR to
simplify the LEFT internal parentheses expression, then simplify the RIGHT internal parentheses
expression, then work outward to multiply all the remaining terms by the constant 20 (from the
Left Grouping).
Soon you will see nested parentheses where there may be 2 or more sets of parentheses
enclosed inside of each other. In order to simplify them correctly you must adhere (follow
closely) to the rules of PEMDAS/LR and locate the set of innermost parentheses, and then work
from the inside out. The rule is the innermost set of parentheses is simplified first and then each
level of parentheses of the nest is then computed in order. It can become very complicated very
quickly so developing the correct perfect practices now will empower (assist) you to simplify
complex expressions and eventually complex equations.
You have a very precision oriented mind so you will enjoy long complex expressions.

Please tune your mind to Math and simplify the 30 attached expressions.
Please complete the task in less than 1 HOUR. Look closely and keep your
mind open like a parachute.
25/OCT/2015
EDDIE MILLER

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