Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

Front

What is an algebraic expression?

Back

An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that can include numbers, variables, and operation symbols. For example, 2x + 3 is an algebraic expression.

Front

What are like terms?

Back

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

Front

How do you combine like terms?

Back

To combine like terms, add or subtract their coefficients. For example, 3x + 5x = (3 + 5)x = 8x.

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.

Front

Simplify: 2r + 16

Back

r + r + 9 + 7.

Front

What is the coefficient in an algebraic expression?

Back

The coefficient is the numerical factor in front of a variable. For example, in 4x, 4 is the coefficient.

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 unnecessary parentheses.

Front

Simplify: 3f + 4f + 5f + 6f - 7f

Back

11f.

Front

What is the result of subtracting like terms?

Back

When you subtract like terms, you subtract their coefficients. For example, 5x - 2x = (5 - 2)x = 3x.

Front

Simplify: 5x - 6x - 8x + 7

Back

-9x + 7.