Simplify Expressions Study Guide

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: -3(2c - 5)

Back

-6c + 15

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 parentheses.

Front

What is factoring in algebra?

Back

Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into simpler components (factors) that, when multiplied together, give the original expression.

Front

Factor the expression: 15x - 40

Back

5(3x - 8)

Front

Simplify the expression: -9(14p - 8) - 4p

Back

-130p + 72

Front

What are like terms?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. They can be combined by adding or subtracting their coefficients.

Front

Simplify the expression: 19 - (3 - 5b)

Back

16 + 5b

Front

What is a coefficient?

Back

A coefficient is a numerical factor in a term of an algebraic expression. For example, in 4x, 4 is the coefficient.

Front

What is the difference between an expression and an equation?

Back

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