Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

Front

What is an algebraic expression?

Back

An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that can include numbers, variables (like x or y), and operations (like addition or subtraction).

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.

Front

What are like terms?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 3x and 5x are like terms.

Front

What is the coefficient in an algebraic term?

Back

The coefficient is the numerical factor in a term. For example, in 4x, 4 is the coefficient.

Front

Simplify: 10y - 8y + y + 15 - 6

Back

3y + 7

Front

Simplify: 3x + 6x + 9 + 3

Back

9x + 12

Front

Simplify: x + x + x + x + 1

Back

4x + 1

Front

What is the constant term in an algebraic expression?

Back

The constant term is a term that does not contain any variables. For example, in 2x + 5, 5 is the constant term.

Front

How do you combine like terms?

Back

To combine like terms, add or subtract their coefficients while keeping the variable part the same.

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 parenthesis.