Combining Like Terms with the Distributive Property

Mrs. Feld explains the distributive property and combining like terms in algebra. She provides three examples, demonstrating how to apply the distributive property and then combine like terms to simplify expressions. The lesson emphasizes the importance of understanding the signs of terms when combining them and provides step-by-step guidance for each example.

What is the first step in using the distributive property?

• Multiply the number outside the parentheses by each term inside the parentheses

• Divide the number outside the parentheses by each term inside the parentheses

• Subtract the numbers inside the parentheses

• Add the numbers inside the parentheses

In the first example, what do you get when you multiply 4 by X?

• 4

• 4X

• X

• 4+X

What is the result of combining 4X and 2X?

• 2X

• 4X

• 6X

• 8X

What is the final answer for the first example problem?

• 4X + 20

• 6X - 20

• 4X - 20

• 6X + 20

In the second example, what is the result of multiplying 5 by 2?

• 15

• 7

• 20

• 10

What do you get when you combine -5P and -3P?

• -8P

• 8P

• 2P

• -2P

Why do we use the distributive property first?

• Because it simplifies the problem

• Because it is the easiest step

• Because there is a variable in the parentheses

• Because it is the last step

In the third example, what is the result of multiplying 2 by Y?

• 2Y

• Y

• 4Y

• 2

What is the result of combining 2Y and -4Y?

• 2Y

• -2Y

• -6Y

• 6Y

What is the final simplified form of the third example problem?

• 2Y + 8

• 2Y - 8

• -2Y - 8

• -2Y + 8