Simplifying Expressions

Front

What is the distributive property in algebra?

Back

The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac, meaning you can distribute a factor across a sum.

Front

How do you simplify the expression 4(x + 3) - 5?

Back

You apply the distributive property: 4x + 12 - 5 = 4x + 7.

Front

What is the process to combine like terms in an expression?

Back

To combine like terms, identify terms that have the same variable raised to the same power and add or subtract their coefficients.

Front

Simplify the expression: 6b + 7b - 10.

Back

Combine like terms: 6b + 7b = 13b, so the simplified expression is 13b - 10.

Front

What does it mean to simplify an expression?

Back

Simplifying an expression means to reduce it to its simplest form by combining like terms and applying operations.

Front

How do you simplify the expression 9z - 21 - 3z + 10?

Back

Combine like terms: (9z - 3z) + (-21 + 10) = 6z - 11.

Front

What is the result of simplifying the expression 7 + 3(1 - 2x)?

Back

Apply the distributive property: 7 + 3 - 6x = 10 - 6x.

Front

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

Back

Combine like terms: (-2a + 3a + 5a) + 3 = 6a + 3.

Front

What is a 'like term' in algebra?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power, allowing them to be combined.

Front

What is the importance of simplifying expressions in algebra?

Back

Simplifying expressions makes it easier to solve equations and understand relationships between variables.