Combining Like Terms

Front

What does it mean to combine like terms in an expression?

Back

Combining like terms means to simplify an expression by adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

Front

What are like terms?

Back

Like terms are terms in an expression that have the same variable and exponent. For example, 3x and 6x are like terms, while 3x and 4y are not.

Front

How do you simplify the expression 3x + 6x?

Back

You combine the coefficients of the like terms: 3x + 6x = (3 + 6)x = 9x.

Front

What is the result of simplifying the expression 13a - 8a?

Back

The result is 5a, as you combine the coefficients: (13 - 8)a = 5a.

Front

How do you simplify the expression 3 + 5x + 8 - 2x?

Back

First, combine the constant terms (3 + 8 = 11) and then combine the like terms (5x - 2x = 3x), resulting in 11 + 3x.

Front

What is the first step in combining like terms?

Back

The first step is to identify all the like terms in the expression.

Front

Can you combine terms that are not like terms?

Back

No, you cannot combine terms that are not like terms. Each term must have the same variable and exponent to be combined.

Front

What is the simplified form of the expression 15x + 18?

Back

The expression is already in its simplest form, as there are no like terms to combine.

Front

What is the simplified form of the expression 6x + 1?

Back

The expression is also in its simplest form, as there are no like terms to combine.

Front

What is the importance of combining like terms in algebra?

Back

Combining like terms is important because it simplifies expressions, making them easier to work with and understand.