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(s) and exponent(s). For example, 3x and 5x are like terms, while 3x and 4y are not.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

What is the result of combining the terms d + d + d + 3 + 2?

Back

The result is 3d + 5.

Front

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

Back

Combine like terms: (7v + 2v) + (2 + 12) = 9v + 14.

Front

What is the simplified form of -x^2 + 7x - 10 + 4x^2 - 6x + 8?

Back

The simplified form is 3x^2 + x - 2.

Front

How do you combine the terms 3x + 2x + 11y - 7y?

Back

Combine like terms: (3x + 2x) + (11y - 7y) = 5x + 4y.

Front

What is the first step in combining like terms?

Back

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

Front

Why is it important to combine like terms in algebra?

Back

Combining like terms simplifies expressions, making them easier to work with and solve.

Front

Can constants be combined with variable terms?

Back

No, constants cannot be combined with variable terms. They are considered separate terms.