Identifying and Combining Like Terms in Algebraic Expressions

In this video, Jeff Jacobsen introduces algebraic expressions, focusing on key vocabulary such as terms, like terms, and constants. He provides examples to identify and simplify expressions by combining like terms and using the distributive property. The video aims to help students understand the structure of algebraic expressions and how to manipulate them for simplification.

What distinguishes an algebraic expression from an equation?

• The application of exponents

• The inclusion of constants

• The use of variables

• The presence of an equal sign

What are 'like terms' in an algebraic expression?

• Terms that include different operations

• Terms that are all constants

• Terms with the same variables and exponents

• Terms with different variables

How can subtraction be represented to simplify identifying terms?

• By leaving it as is

• By converting it into addition of the opposite

• By converting it into multiplication

• By ignoring it completely

In the expression '9x - 2 + 7 - x', which are the like terms?

• 9x and -2

• 7 and -x

• -2 and 7

• 9x and -x

What strategy involves circling parts of the expression?

• Distributive property

• Commutative property

• Circling subtraction parts

• Associative property

What is the first step in simplifying algebraic expressions?

• Combine like terms

• None of the above

• Identify constants

• Eliminate parentheses

What does it mean for an expression to be in its simplest form?

• It does not include any constants

• All terms are multiplied

• It contains only one variable

• It has no like terms and no parentheses

How do you handle negative signs when simplifying expressions?

• Include them with the term that follows

• Ignore them

• Separate them from the terms

• Convert them into positive signs

What role does the distributive property play in simplification?

• It is used to eliminate parentheses

• It helps to add like terms

• It combines different variables

• It simplifies constants

When simplifying, what should you do if you encounter parentheses?

• Ignore them until the last step

• Convert them into exponents

• Combine the terms inside first

• Use the distributive property if necessary