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

Front

How do you simplify the expression 3 + 5x + 8 - 2x?

Back

You combine like terms: 3 + 8 = 11 and 5x - 2x = 3x, resulting in 11 + 3x.

Front

What is the simplified form of -6 + 2a + 1 + 2a?

Back

Combine like terms: -6 + 1 = -5 and 2a + 2a = 4a, resulting in -5 + 4a.

Front

How do you simplify the expression 2x + 1 + 7x?

Back

Combine like terms: 2x + 7x = 9x, so the simplified expression is 9x + 1.

Front

What is the result of simplifying 5x + 3x - 9?

Back

Combine like terms: 5x + 3x = 8x, so the simplified expression is 8x - 9.

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 cannot be combined with variable terms. Only like terms can be combined.

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.

Front

How do you identify like terms in an expression?

Back

Look for terms that have the same variable and exponent. For example, 4x^2 and 2x^2 are like terms.