Combine Like Terms with Distributive Property

Front

What is the Distributive Property?

Back

The Distributive Property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac. It allows you to multiply a single term by each term inside a set of parentheses.

Front

Simplify: 8a - 2(7a - 3)

Back

-6a + 6

Front

When using the Distributive Property, what should you do first?

Back

You want to multiply the coefficients, then the variables, and then combine any like terms.

Front

Simplify: -6x + 4(-x - 3)

Back

-10x - 12

Front

What does it mean to combine like terms?

Back

Combining like terms means to add or subtract terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

Front

Simplify: -8 + 9(5 + 2x)

Back

18x + 37

Front

What is a coefficient in an algebraic expression?

Back

A coefficient is a numerical factor that multiplies a variable in an algebraic expression.

Front

Simplify: -2(x + 4) - 3(a - 6)

Back

-2x - 3a + 10

Front

What is a variable in mathematics?

Back

A variable is a symbol, often a letter, that represents a number in an expression or equation.

Front

What is the first step in simplifying an expression using the Distributive Property?

Back

Multiply the term outside the parentheses by each term inside the parentheses.