Combining Like Terms 101

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 is a like term?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable(s) raised to the same power. For example, 3x and 5x are like terms, while 3x and 4y are not.

Front

How do you simplify the expression v + v + v + v + v?

Back

You combine the like terms to get 5v.

Front

What is the result of simplifying the expression 6x + 12x + 3y?

Back

The result is 18x + 3y.

Front

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

Back

Combine like terms to get 2a + 2b + 4.

Front

What is the simplified form of 4q + 4t + 3q + t?

Back

The simplified form is 7q + 5t.

Front

How do you simplify the expression 15x + 19 + 2x - 4?

Back

Combine like terms to get 17x + 15.

Front

What is the first step in combining like terms?

Back

Identify and group the like terms in the expression.

Front

Can constants be combined with variable terms?

Back

No, constants can only be combined with other constants, while variable terms can only be combined with like variable terms.

Front

What is the importance of combining like terms in algebra?

Back

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