Algebra Tiles - Combining Like Terms (Addition)

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What are algebra tiles?

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Algebra tiles are physical or virtual manipulatives used to represent algebraic expressions and perform operations like addition and subtraction. They typically include tiles for positive and negative units, as well as tiles for variables.

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What does it mean to combine like terms?

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Combining like terms means to simplify an expression by adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

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How do you represent the expression 3x + 2x using algebra tiles?

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You would use three tiles representing 'x' and two more tiles representing 'x'. When combined, they represent 5x.

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What is the result of combining the terms 4a + 3a?

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The result is 7a.

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If you have 5x + 2y + 3x, how do you combine like terms?

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Combine the 'x' terms: 5x + 3x = 8x. The expression simplifies to 8x + 2y.

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What is the purpose of using algebra tiles in combining like terms?

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Algebra tiles help visualize the process of combining like terms, making it easier to understand how different terms relate to each other.

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How would you represent the expression 2x - 3 using algebra tiles?

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You would use two 'x' tiles and three negative unit tiles to represent -3.

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What is the first step in combining like terms?

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Identify and group the like terms in the expression.

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Can you combine the terms 2x^2 and 3x? Why or why not?

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No, you cannot combine them because they are not like terms; they have different variable powers.

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What does the expression 7 + 2x - 4 + 3x simplify to?

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It simplifies to 3 + 5x.