Simplify Algebraic Expressions

Front

What is an algebraic expression?

Back

An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that can include numbers, variables, and operation symbols. For example, 3x + 5 is an algebraic expression.

Front

What does it mean to simplify an algebraic expression?

Back

To simplify an algebraic expression means to combine like terms and reduce it to its simplest form.

Front

What are like terms?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 3x and 5x are like terms.

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 parentheses.

Front

What is the value of 9 + 2(5 - 3) - 6?

Back

7

Front

How do you add algebraic expressions?

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To add algebraic expressions, combine like terms. For example, (12x + 5) + (3x - 7) = 15x - 2.

Front

What is the result of subtracting algebraic expressions?

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To subtract algebraic expressions, distribute the negative sign and then combine like terms. For example, (-x - 2) - (4x + 3) = -5x - 5.

Front

What is the value of 7y + 15 - 7y - 8?

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7

Front

How do you evaluate an algebraic expression?

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To evaluate an algebraic expression, substitute the values of the variables and perform the operations. For example, for 5a + 7b with a=4 and b=3, the value is 41.

Front

What is a variable in algebra?

Back

A variable is a symbol, usually a letter, that represents an unknown value. For example, in the expression 2x + 3, x is the variable.