Combining Like Terms

Front

What does it mean to combine like terms in an 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 is a like term?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable(s) raised to the same power. For example, 3x and 5x are like terms, while 3x and 4y are not.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

What is the simplified form of 2x + 1 + 7x?

Back

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

Front

How do you simplify the expression x + y + 2y - 4?

Back

Combine like terms: y + 2y = 3y, so the simplified expression is x + 3y - 4.

Front

What is the result of simplifying -2x + 11 + 6x?

Back

Combine like terms: -2x + 6x = 4x, so the simplified expression is 4x + 11.

Front

How do you simplify the expression 7v + 2 + 12 + 2v?

Back

Combine like terms: 7v + 2v = 9v and 2 + 12 = 14, so the simplified expression is 9v + 14.

Front

What is the first step in combining like terms?

Back

Identify and group the like terms in the expression.

Front

Can constants be combined with variable terms?

Back

No, constants cannot be combined with variable terms. Only like terms can be combined.

Front

What is the importance of combining like terms in algebra?

Back

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