Exploring Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions

This video tutorial covers the process of adding and subtracting algebraic expressions. It begins with a review of combining like terms and emphasizes the importance of arranging terms with variables first. The tutorial then explains how to handle subtraction by distributing the negative sign before combining like terms. Several example problems are worked through, demonstrating both addition and subtraction of expressions, with a focus on careful attention to signs to avoid errors.

What is the first step in adding expressions?

• Distribute the negative sign

• Combine like terms

• Simplify the constants

• Factor the expression

When adding expressions, where should the term with the variable be placed?

• It doesn't matter

• In the middle

• At the end

• At the beginning

What is the result of combining -4K and 12K?

• 0K

• 16K

• 8K

• 4K

What is the result of combining -8x and 5?

• -3x

• 3x

• -3

• 3

What must be done before combining like terms when subtracting expressions?

• Combine constants

• Simplify the variables

• Factor the expression

• Distribute the negative sign

What is the result of distributing the negative in 8n + 3 - 7n - 6?

• n - 3

• n + 3

• -n - 3

• -n + 3

What is the result of distributing the negative in 5x - 7 + 2x + 6?

• 7x - 1

• -7x - 1

• 7x + 1

• -7x + 1

What is the result of combining -3 and -1?

• 4

• 2

• -4

• -2

What is the result of combining -6x and x?

• -7x

• 7x

• -5x

• 5x

What is the result of combining -4x and 6x?

• 10x

• -2x

• -10x

• 2x