Simplifying Expressions

Front

What is the distributive property in algebra?

Back

The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac, meaning you can distribute a factor across a sum.

Front

How do you simplify an expression with parentheses?

Back

To simplify an expression with parentheses, apply the distributive property and combine 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, allowing them to be combined.

Front

What is the first step in simplifying the expression 7 + 3(1 - 2x)?

Back

The first step is to apply the distributive property: 3 * 1 and 3 * (-2x), resulting in 7 + 3 - 6x.

Front

How do you combine like terms in the expression 3 - 2a + 3a + 5a?

Back

Combine the coefficients of like terms: -2a + 3a + 5a = (3 - 2 + 5)a = 6a.

Front

What is the result of simplifying the expression 6(2a + 5b) + 3(a - 8b)?

Back

Distributing gives 12a + 30b + 3a - 24b, which simplifies to 15a + 6b.

Front

How do you simplify the expression 7v + 2 + 12 + 2v?

Back

Combine like terms: 7v + 2v = 9v and 2 + 12 = 14, resulting in 9v + 14.

Front

What is the process to simplify 8(2x + 3) - 13?

Back

Distribute 8 to get 16x + 24, then subtract 13 to get 16x + 11.

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 applying operations.

Front

What is a coefficient in an algebraic expression?

Back

A coefficient is a numerical factor that multiplies a variable, such as the 3 in 3x.