Simplifying using Distributive Property and Combining 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 two or more terms inside a set of parentheses.

Front

Simplify the expression: 2(x + 3)

Back

2x + 6

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, while 3x and 3y are not.

Front

Combine like terms: 4a + 3a - 2b + 5b

Back

7a + 3b

Front

Simplify the expression: 5(2x + 3) - 4

Back

10x + 15 - 4 = 10x + 11

Front

What does it mean to simplify an expression?

Back

To simplify an expression means to combine like terms and perform any operations to make the expression as simple as possible.

Front

Use distribution to simplify: 3(x + 4)

Back

3x + 12

Front

Combine like terms: 7y + 2 - 3y + 5

Back

4y + 7

Front

Back

4x + 2 - 2 = 4x

Front

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

Back

The first step is to multiply the term outside the parentheses by each term inside the parentheses.