Simplifying Expressions: Combining Like Terms

Front

What are like terms in an algebraic expression?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 3x and 5x are like terms, while 3x and 4y are not.

Front

How do you combine like terms in an expression?

Back

To combine like terms, you add or subtract the coefficients of the terms that have the same variable. For example, in the expression 2x + 3x, you combine them to get 5x.

Front

What is the first step in simplifying an expression with like terms?

Back

The first step is to identify and group all the like terms together.

Front

What is the result of simplifying the expression: 4x + 2 - 3x + 5?

Back

The result is x + 7.

Front

What does it mean to simplify an expression?

Back

To simplify an expression means to reduce it to its simplest form by combining like terms and performing any necessary arithmetic operations.

Front

What is the coefficient in the term 7y?

Back

The coefficient in the term 7y is 7, which is the number multiplying the variable y.

Front

How do you handle constants when combining like terms?

Back

Constants are combined by adding or subtracting them just like numerical coefficients. For example, in the expression 5 + 3 - 2, you combine the constants to get 6.

Front

What is the simplified form of the expression: 3x + 4y - 2x + y?

Back

The simplified form is x + 5y.

Front

Can you combine terms with different variables? Why or why not?

Back

No, you cannot combine terms with different variables because they represent different quantities. For example, 2x and 3y cannot be combined.

Front

What is the simplified expression for: 10 - 3 + 2?

Back

The simplified expression is 9.