Expressions and the Distributive Property

Front

What is an expression in mathematics?

Back

An expression is a combination of numbers, variables, and operators (such as +, -, *, /) that represents a value.

Front

What does it mean to simplify an expression?

Back

To simplify an expression means to reduce it to its simplest form by combining like terms and eliminating unnecessary parts.

Front

What is the distributive property?

Back

The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac, meaning you can distribute a number across a sum.

Front

What is a coefficient in an expression?

Back

A coefficient is a numerical factor that multiplies a variable in an expression.

Front

What are like terms?

Back

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

Front

Simplify the expression: 2x + 3x.

Back

5x.

Front

What is the result of applying the distributive property to 4(2 + 3)?

Back

20.

Front

What is the difference between an expression and an equation?

Back

An expression does not have an equality sign, while an equation does.

Front

What does it mean to evaluate an expression?

Back

To evaluate an expression means to calculate its value by substituting variables with numbers.

Front

What is the first step in simplifying the expression 5x + 3 - 2x?

Back

Combine like terms: 5x - 2x = 3x.