Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

Front

What is a constant in an algebraic expression?

Back

A constant is a fixed value that does not change. In the expression 2x + 4 + x - 5x, the constant is 4.

Front

What is a term in an algebraic expression?

Back

A term is a single mathematical expression that can be a number, a variable, or a combination of both. In the expression 2x + 4 + x - 5x, there are 4 terms: 2x, 4, x, and -5x.

Front

How do you simplify the expression 6n - 7n - 4 + n?

Back

Combine like terms: 6n - 7n + n = 0n - 4 = -4.

Front

What is a coefficient in an algebraic expression?

Back

A coefficient is a numerical factor in a term. In the expression -3x, -3 is the coefficient.

Front

What are like terms in an algebraic expression?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. In the expression 5 - 3y + 2x - 5y + x - 2 + 3x^2, the like terms are -3y and -5y, and 2x and x.

Front

How many terms are in the expression 2x + 4 + x - 5x?

Back

There are 4 terms in the expression: 2x, 4, x, and -5x.

Front

What is the process of combining like terms?

Back

Combining like terms involves adding or subtracting the coefficients of terms that have the same variable. For example, in 2x + 3x, you combine to get 5x.

Front

What is the simplified form of the expression 8 + 7 - 3x + 9y - x?

Back

Combine like terms: 15 - 4x + 9y.

Front

What is the difference between a variable and a constant?

Back

A variable is a symbol that represents an unknown value, while a constant is a fixed value. For example, in 3x + 5, x is a variable and 5 is a constant.

Front

What does it mean to simplify an algebraic expression?

Back

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