Combining Like Terms

Front

What does it mean to combine like terms in an algebraic 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 algebraic 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 5a + 2b - 3a + 4?

Back

You combine like terms: (5a - 3a) + 2b + 4 = 2a + 2b + 4.

Front

What is the result of simplifying the expression 3x - 5x?

Back

The result is -2x.

Front

How do you simplify the expression 10x + 15 + 3x + 2?

Back

Combine like terms: (10x + 3x) + (15 + 2) = 13x + 17.

Front

What is the simplified form of 3n + 5p + 2 + n?

Back

The simplified form is 4n + 5p + 2.

Front

How do you simplify the expression n - 10 + 9n - 3?

Back

Combine like terms: (n + 9n) + (-10 - 3) = 10n - 13.

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. They are separate types of 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.