Math assignment, pre algebra

Read the following instructions in order to complete this assignment, and review the example of how to complete the math required for this assignment:

Use the properties of real numbers to simplify the following expressions: 

 

2a(a – 5) + 4(a – 5) 

 

2w – 3 + 3(w – 4) – 5(w – 6) 

 

0.05(0.3m + 35n) – 0.8(-0.09n – 22m)

 

Write a two to three page paper that is formatted in APA style and according to the Math Writing Guide. Format your math work as shown in the Instructor Guidance and be concise in your reasoning. In the body of your essay, please make sure to include:

 

Your solution to the above problem, making sure to include all mathematical work.

 

Plan the logic necessary to complete the problem before you begin writing. For examples of the math required for this assignment, please review Elementary and Intermediate Algebra and the example of how to complete the math required for this assignment.

 

Show every step of the process of simplifying and identify which property of real numbers was used in each step of your work.  Please include your math work on the left; the properties used on the right.

 

A discussion of why the properties of real numbers are important to know when working with algebra. In what ways are they useful for simplifying algebraic expressions?

 

The incorporation of the following five math vocabulary words into the text of your paper. Use bold font to emphasize the words in your writing (Do not write definitions for the words; use them appropriately in sentences describing your math work.):

 

Simplify

 

Like terms

 

Coefficient

 

Distribution

 

Removing parentheses

For information regarding APA samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center, within the Learning Resources tab on the left navigation toolbar.

 

Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.

 

INSTRUCTORGUIDANCE EXAMPLE: Week One Assignment

[The introductory paragraph must be written by each individual student and the content will vary

depending on what the student decides to focus on in the general information of the topic. The

following paragraph is not an introduction to the paper but rather the discussion called for in

part 2 of the instructions.]

The properties of algebra are important to know and understand how they work because in

simplifying and solving methods one must be able to properly move terms around and put

expressions and equations into the simplest form possible. The distributive property,

sometimes called distribution is used to apply multiplication across two or more terms inside of

parentheses and results in the removal of the

parentheses.

The commutative property allows us to move terms to different locations within expressions,

while the associative property is used to group like terms together so they can all be combined.

I will now demonstrate how the properties of real numbers are used while I simplify the

following expressions. The math work will be aligned on the left while the discussion of

properties is on the right side of each line.

[Notice that these expressions are not the same as in the assignment, although they are similar

enough to demonstrated everything which is needed in the actual assignment.]

A) 3a(a – 7) + 6(a –7) The given expression

3a
2
– 21a + 6a – 42 The distributive property removes the parentheses.

3a
2
– 15a – 42 Like terms are combined by adding coefficients.

This expression is now fully simplified.

In this example it was not necessary to change the order of any of the terms as the like terms

were already together in the middle of the expression in step 2.

B) 5w – 7 + 7(w – 3) – 4(w – 9) The given expression

5w – 7 + 7w – 21 – 4w + 36 The distributive property removes the parentheses.

5w + 7w – 4w – 7 – 21 + 36 Like terms are arranged together using the

commutative property to switch places.

12w – 4w – 28 + 36 Two of the variable terms are added and two

of the constant terms are also added.

8w + 8 The remaining pairs of like terms are added.

This expression is now fully simplified.

C) 0.03(0.7m + 24n) – 0.9(-0.06n – 18m) The given expression

0.021m + 0.72n + 0.054n + 16.2m The distributive property removes the

parentheses.

0.021m + 16.2m + 0.72n + 0.054n Like terms are arranged together using the

commutative property.

16.221m + 0.774n Like terms are combined by adding coefficients.

This one only looked more complicated because of the decimal numbers. The basic steps are not

any different from the other examples.

[The conclusion paragraph must be written by each individual student and the content will vary

depending on what the student decides to include in their summary. NOTE: this example does

not demonstrate APA format for a paper. The student is responsible for the proper formatting of

his or her own work.]

Tipsfor Writing in Math Classes

In addition to the weekly homework, lab, and discussion posts, the Math courses at Ashford also include

written assignments. Do not let this intimidate you. While this may be unlike other math classes in the

past, the purpose of this is let you examine a math concept that has a direct correlation to the use of

mathematics in the “real world,” and to have you explain how and why you solved a problem in a

particular way, allowing you to further develop your critical thinking skills with regard to mathematics.

The purpose of this short “guide” is to prepare you for completing these writing assignments, since the

format will be slightly different than the other writing assignments you have here at Ashford. However,

the basic 5 paragraph essay should still be the basis for your written assignments in Math.

Introduction:

Your introduction needs to do three main things:

 Introduce the specific concept examined in the assignment (i.e. inequalities, Pythagorean

quadratics, etc).

 Introduce or reference the specific question or real world application being asked (i.e. BMI,

navigation)

 Have a clear statement that describes how the concept examined in the assignment is important to

a “real world” setting.

As with all introductions, this should be about 5-6 sentences in length.

Body Paragraphs:

This is where your assignment diverges from a more traditional essay. Here is where you will solve the

specific problem being asked, and explain how and why this is important.

In order to do this, you will need to:

 Restate the problem in your own words. Solve the problem demonstrating your understanding of

the concepts examined in the essay, making sure to include each mathematical step (in other

words, show your work). This will count as a “paragraph.”

If there is a visual that you used that would like to include, you may attach a scanned

copy of it separately, and reference it here (i.e. see attached visual). Please note that this

visual must be created by you and cannot be a scanned copy of the text or other class

wide visual.

 Include a discussion that incorporates the answers of each additional question asked in the

prompt. Depending on the questions asked, this will usually be 2 paragraphs in length.

 In your discussion, make sure to incorporate the weekly vocabulary terms listed in the

assignment, and place these in bold type. These should be fully integrated into your discussion,

and should not just be definitions.

Conclusion

Your conclusion should be a paragraph (at least 5 sentences) that includes the following:

 An application of the concept examined to the particular problem solved

 A summary of the problem and your method of solving it

 A statement of what you learned

 A statement of how this concept can be used in the real world.

APA format:

All assignments submitted at Ashford must be in APA format. Therefore, please make sure to include a

properly formatted reference and title page, and make sure your paper is in an APA font, such as 12 pt.

Courier New or Times New Roman. With regard to internal citations, you don’t need to cite the textbook

if the problem you are solving is from the textbook, but you will need to cite any outside sources. Please

make sure that the text is listed in your reference section however, along with any other sources you used

in working on the assignment.

Plagiarism:

Plagiarism, or the use of another person’s words are thoughts, is academically and intellectually dishonest

and not permitted at Ashford. Please make sure everything you turn in is new and original work, and is

written in your own words. Copy and pasting portions of your discussion off the internet will result in

automatically failing the assignment.