Front

What does it mean to combine like terms in an algebraic expression?

Back

Combining like terms means to simplify an expression by adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

Front

What are like terms?

Back

Like terms are terms in an algebraic expression that have the same variable and exponent. For example, 3x and 5x are like terms, while 3x and 4y are not.

Front

How do you simplify the expression 3x + 2x?

Back

You combine the coefficients of the like terms: 3x + 2x = (3 + 2)x = 5x.

Front

What is the first step in simplifying the expression -5 + 4x + 2x - 8?

Back

The first step is to combine the like terms, which are the x terms (4x and 2x) and the constant terms (-5 and -8).

Front

What is the simplified form of -3.2x + 5 - 4 + 2.2x?

Back

Combine the like terms: (-3.2x + 2.2x) + (5 - 4) = -x + 1.

Front

How do you simplify the expression 3 - 5x + 8 - 2x?

Back

Combine like terms: (-5x - 2x) + (3 + 8) = -7x + 11.

Front

What is the result of combining the like terms in the expression 5x + 3y + 5 + 4x + 3y + y + 8?

Back

Combine like terms: (5x + 4x) + (3y + 3y + y) + (5 + 8) = 9x + 7y + 13.

Front

What is a coefficient in an algebraic expression?

Back

A coefficient is a numerical factor that multiplies a variable. For example, in 4x, 4 is the coefficient.

Front

What is a constant in an algebraic expression?

Back

A constant is a fixed value that does not change. For example, in the expression 3x + 5, the number 5 is a constant.

Front

What is the importance of combining like terms in algebra?

Back

Combining like terms simplifies expressions, making them easier to work with and understand, especially when solving equations.