Combine Like Terms

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 combine the like terms 6x and 2x?

Back

You add the coefficients of the like terms: 6x + 2x = (6 + 2)x = 8x.

Front

What is the result of combining the terms 1 and 4 in the expression 6x + 1 + 4?

Back

The result is 5, so the expression simplifies to 6x + 5.

Front

What is the simplified form of the expression -4x - 10x?

Back

The simplified form is -14x.

Front

How do you simplify the expression 2x + 1 + 7x?

Back

Combine like terms: 2x + 7x = 9x, so the expression simplifies to 9x + 1.

Front

What is the simplified form of the expression 8y + 5 - 2y?

Back

Combine like terms: 8y - 2y = 6y, so the expression simplifies to 6y + 5.

Front

How do you simplify the expression n - 10 + 9n - 3?

Back

Combine like terms: n + 9n = 10n and -10 - 3 = -13, so the expression simplifies to 10n - 13.

Front

What is the first step in simplifying an algebraic expression?

Back

The first step is to identify and group like terms.

Front

Why is it important to combine like terms?

Back

Combining like terms simplifies expressions, making them easier to work with and solve.