New York City SHSAT 2017

EXPRESSIONS

An algebraic expression on the SHSAT is likely to look something like this:

(11 + 3x) − (5 − 2x) =

It would, of course, be followed by five answer choices. In addition to algebra, this problem tests your knowledge of odds and

evens and the order of operations (PEMDAS). It’s not uncommon for algebra problems to contain elements of arithmetic, but there

are certain algebraic concepts you need to know for the test.

The main thing that you need to remember about expressions on the SHSAT exam is that you can combine only “like terms.”

For example, to combine monomials or polynomials, simply add or subtract the coefficients of terms that have the exact same

variable. When completing the addition or subtraction, do not change the variables.

Remember, you cannot combine

Now, try the following sample problem.

Exercise

i. (11 + 3x) − (5 − 2x) =

(A) 6 + x

(B) 6 + 5x

(C) 13 + 6x

(D) 14 + x

(E) 16 + 5x