Combining Like Terms and Distributive Property

Front

What does it mean to combine like terms in algebra?

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 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 apply the distributive property to the expression -4(8r + 3)?

Back

You multiply -4 by each term inside the parentheses: -4 * 8r = -32r and -4 * 3 = -12, resulting in -32r - 12.

Front

What is the result of combining the terms -6k and 7k?

Back

Combining -6k and 7k gives you k, since -6 + 7 = 1.

Front

How do you simplify the expression -3(-10x - 5) using the distributive property?

Back

You distribute -3 to both terms: -3 * -10x = 30x and -3 * -5 = 15, resulting in 30x + 15.

Front

What is the result of combining the terms 3x and -5x?

Back

Combining 3x and -5x gives you -2x, since 3 - 5 = -2.

Front

What is a like term?

Back

A like term is a term that has the same variable(s) raised to the same power as another term.

Front

Can you combine the terms 2xy and 3x?

Back

No, you cannot combine 2xy and 3x because they are not like terms; they have different variable compositions.

Front

What is the first step in applying the distributive property?

Back

The first step is to identify the term outside the parentheses that you will distribute to each term inside the parentheses.

Front

How do you simplify the expression 5y + 2y + 3?

Back

You combine the like terms 5y and 2y to get 7y, resulting in 7y + 3.