Combining Like Terms and Distributive Property

Front

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

Back

Combining like terms involves adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. This simplifies the expression.

Front

What is the distributive property?

Back

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

Front

How do you simplify the expression 5a + 2b - 3a + 4?

Back

Combine like terms: (5a - 3a) + 2b + 4 = 2a + 2b + 4.

Front

What is the result of applying the distributive property to 8(5f - 7)?

Back

8(5f - 7) = 40f - 56.

Front

How do you simplify the expression -2x - 4(4x - 8)?

Back

Distribute -4: -2x - 16x + 32 = -18x + 32.

Front

What is the equivalent expression for -8 - 9(5 + 2x)?

Back

Distribute -9: -8 - 45 - 18x = -18x - 53.

Front

What are like terms?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable(s) raised to the same power, such as 3x and 5x.

Front

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

Back

Identify and group the like terms together.

Front

How do you apply the distributive property to an expression with subtraction?

Back

Distribute the factor across both terms in the parentheses, changing the sign of the second term if necessary.

Front

What is the simplified form of 8(5f - 7) + 3f?

Back

Combine like terms: 40f - 56 + 3f = 43f - 56.