Combine 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.

Front

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

Back

You combine the coefficients of the like terms: 3x + 2x = (3 + 2)x = 5x.

Front

What is the result of simplifying the expression 2x + 1 + 7x?

Back

You combine the like terms: 2x + 7x = 9x, so the expression simplifies to 9x + 1.

Front

How do you simplify the expression (5 + 4x) + (2x - 8)?

Back

First, combine like terms: 4x + 2x = 6x and 5 - 8 = -3, so the expression simplifies to 6x - 3.

Front

What is the simplified form of -9n + 12n + 7?

Back

Combine the like terms: -9n + 12n = 3n, so the expression simplifies to 3n + 7.

Front

What is the importance of combining like terms in algebra?

Back

Combining like terms is important because it simplifies expressions, making them easier to work with and understand.

Front

Can constants be combined in algebraic expressions?

Back

Yes, constants can be combined as they are like terms. For example, in the expression 5 + 3, both are constants and can be combined to give 8.

Front

What is the first step in simplifying an algebraic expression?

Back

The first step is to identify and group like terms together.

Front

How do you identify like terms in an expression?

Back

Like terms can be identified by looking for terms that have the same variable and exponent.