Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

Front

What is an algebraic expression?

Back

An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that can include numbers, variables, and operation symbols. It does not have an equality sign.

Front

What are terms in an algebraic expression?

Back

Terms are the individual components of an algebraic expression separated by plus or minus signs. Each term can be a constant, a variable, or a product of constants and variables.

Front

How do you identify like terms in an algebraic expression?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 2x and 3x are like terms, while 2x and 2x^2 are not.

Front

What is the process of simplifying an algebraic expression?

Back

Simplifying an algebraic expression involves combining like terms and performing any arithmetic operations to reduce the expression to its simplest form.

Front

What does it mean to combine like terms?

Back

Combining like terms means adding or subtracting the coefficients of terms that have the same variable and exponent.

Front

What is a variable in an algebraic expression?

Back

A variable is a symbol, usually a letter, that represents an unknown value in an algebraic expression.

Front

How do you determine the number of terms in an algebraic expression?

Back

To determine the number of terms in an algebraic expression, count the individual terms separated by plus or minus signs.

Front

What is the significance of coefficients in algebraic expressions?

Back

Coefficients are the numerical factors in front of variables in an algebraic expression. They indicate how many times the variable is multiplied.

Front

What is the difference between a constant and a variable?

Back

A constant is a fixed value that does not change, while a variable represents an unknown value that can change.

Front

How do you simplify the expression 9y - 4 - 11y + 7?

Back

Combine like terms: (9y - 11y) + (-4 + 7) = -2y + 3.