Algebra Expressions

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What is an algebraic expression?

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An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that can include numbers, variables, and operation symbols. For example, 3x + 5 is an algebraic expression.

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What does it mean to simplify an expression?

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To simplify an expression means to combine like terms and reduce it to its simplest form.

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What are like terms?

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Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 2x and 3x are like terms.

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How do you combine like terms?

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To combine like terms, add or subtract their coefficients while keeping the variable part the same. For example, 2x + 3x = 5x.

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What is the distributive property?

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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 parenthesis.

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What is a coefficient in an algebraic expression?

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A coefficient is a numerical factor that multiplies a variable. For example, in 4x, 4 is the coefficient.

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What does it mean to evaluate an expression?

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

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What is a variable in algebra?

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A variable is a symbol, usually a letter, that represents an unknown value. For example, x and y are common variables.

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What is the difference between an equation and an expression?

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An expression is a combination of numbers, variables, and operations without an equality sign, while an equation states that two expressions are equal.

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How do you solve for a variable in an equation?

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To solve for a variable, isolate the variable on one side of the equation using inverse operations.