Combining Like Terms and Distributing

The video tutorial explains how to combine like terms in algebraic expressions by first eliminating parentheses through distribution. It provides two examples: the first involves distributing a constant and combining like terms, while the second example deals with more complex distribution involving negative signs. The tutorial emphasizes careful handling of signs and constants, aiming to simplify expressions to their final form.

Why is it necessary to eliminate parentheses before combining like terms?

• To make the expression longer

• To simplify the expression

• To add more variables

• To change the coefficients

In the first example, what is the result of distributing 3 in the expression 3(x - 4)?

• 3x - 4

• 3x + 4

• 3x - 12

• 3x + 12

Which terms are considered like terms in the expression 3x - 4x + 5?

• 3x and 4

• -4x and 5

• 3x and 5

• 3x and -4x

What is the simplified form of the expression -1x - 7?

• x - 7

• -x - 7

• x + 7

• -x + 7

In the second example, what is the result of distributing 4 in the expression 4(3y - 1)?

• 12y + 1

• 12y - 1

• 12y - 4

• 12y + 4

Why must we be careful when distributing with a minus sign?

• It changes the variable

• It affects the sign of the terms

• It adds more terms

• It simplifies the expression

What are the like terms in the expression 12y - 10y?

• 12y and 10y

• 12y and -10y

• 12y and 4

• 10y and 4

What is the result of combining the constants -4 and -20?

• 16

• -16

• -24

• 24

How should the expression be written instead of using + -24?

• - 24

• + 24

• - +24

• + -24