Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

Front

What is the process of simplifying an algebraic expression?

Back

The process of simplifying an algebraic expression involves combining like terms, applying the distributive property, and reducing the expression to its simplest form.

Front

Define '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

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 each term inside a set of parentheses.

Front

Simplify the expression: 2(x + 3) + 4.

Back

2(x + 3) + 4 = 2x + 6 + 4 = 2x + 10.

Front

What does it mean to combine like terms?

Back

Combining like terms means to add or subtract coefficients of terms that have the same variable and exponent.

Front

Simplify the expression: 3a + 4a - 2a.

Back

3a + 4a - 2a = (3 + 4 - 2)a = 5a.

Front

What is the result of subtracting two algebraic expressions?

Back

To subtract two algebraic expressions, distribute the negative sign to the second expression and then combine like terms.

Front

Simplify the expression: (5x + 3) - (2x + 1).

Back

(5x + 3) - (2x + 1) = 5x + 3 - 2x - 1 = 3x + 2.

Front

What is the result of multiplying an expression by zero?

Back

Multiplying any expression by zero results in zero.

Front

Simplify the expression: 4(2y - 3) + 5y.

Back

4(2y - 3) + 5y = 8y - 12 + 5y = 13y - 12.