Solving Equations with Combining Like Terms and Dist Prop

Front

What are like terms in algebra?

Back

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

Front

How do you combine like terms?

Back

To combine like terms, add or subtract the coefficients of the terms that are alike. For example, 3x + 5x = 8x.

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 parenthesis.

Front

Solve: 2(x + 3) = 14. What is x?

Back

x = 4.

Front

What is the first step in solving an equation?

Back

The first step is to simplify both sides of the equation, if possible, by combining like terms.

Front

Solve: 3x + 5 = 20. What is x?

Back

x = 5.

Front

What does it mean to isolate the variable?

Back

Isolating the variable means to get the variable alone on one side of the equation.

Front

Solve: 4x - 2 = 10. What is x?

Back

x = 3.

Front

What is the purpose of using parentheses in equations?

Back

Parentheses indicate which operations should be performed first according to the order of operations.

Front

Solve: 5(x - 2) = 15. What is x?

Back

x = 5.