A1.10A - Combining Like Terms

Front

What are like terms in algebra?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 3x and 5x are like terms, while 3x and 4y are not.

Front

How do you combine like terms?

Back

To combine like terms, add or subtract the coefficients of the terms that are alike. For example, 3x + 5x = (3 + 5)x = 8x.

Front

What is the expression for Johnny's purchases?

Back

3b + 2n + 2d, where b = burgers, n = nachos, d = drinks.

Front

What is the expression for Daisy's purchases?

Back

2b + 2n + 1d, where b = burgers, n = nachos, d = drinks.

Front

What is the total expression for both Johnny and Daisy's purchases?

Back

5b + 4n + 3, which combines both expressions.

Front

What does it mean to simplify an expression?

Back

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

Front

What is the simplified form of (x^2 + x - 2) + (-2x^2 - 9x - 7)?

Back

The simplified form is -x^2 - 8x - 9.

Front

What is a coefficient in algebra?

Back

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

Front

What is a variable in algebra?

Back

A variable is a symbol, often a letter, that represents a number in an expression or equation.

Front

What is the difference between an expression and an equation?

Back

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