add and subtract linear expressions

A linear expression is an algebraic expression in which each term is either a constant or the product of a constant and a single variable raised to the first power.

To add linear expressions, combine like terms by adding the coefficients of the same variable.

$$-3x + 2$$ .

$$5x + 9$$ .

To subtract linear expressions, distribute the negative sign and then combine like terms.

$$-5x + 5$$ .

$$-2a + 2$$ .

$$x + 1$$ .

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power, allowing them to be combined.

The coefficient is 3, which is the number multiplying the variable x.