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 the expression 1 + (a + 3)3?

Back

You apply the distributive property: 1 + (a + 3)3 = 1 + 3a + 9 = 3a + 10.

Front

What is the result of simplifying 5(y + 6) + 4?

Back

Using the distributive property: 5y + 30 + 4 = 5y + 34.

Front

How do you simplify the expression x + 2(x + 3)?

Back

Distributing gives: x + 2x + 6 = 3x + 6.

Front

What is the simplified form of 4(x + 3) - 5?

Back

Distributing gives: 4x + 12 - 5 = 4x + 7.

Front

How do you simplify 6(7 + x) + 5x?

Back

Distributing gives: 42 + 6x + 5x = 11x + 42.

Front

What is the first step in simplifying an expression?

Back

Identify and apply the distributive property where applicable.

Front

What does it mean to combine like terms?

Back

Combining like terms means to add or subtract terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

Front

What is a like term?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable and exponent, such as 3x and 5x.

Front

What is the difference between an expression and an equation?

Back

An expression is a combination of numbers and variables without an equality sign, while an equation states that two expressions are equal.