Simplifying Expressions

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What does it mean to simplify an expression in algebra?

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To simplify an expression means to combine like terms and reduce it to its simplest form, making it easier to work with.

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What are like terms in an algebraic expression?

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Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 3a and 5a are like terms.

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How do you combine like terms?

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To combine like terms, you add or subtract the coefficients of the terms that have the same variable. For example, 5a + 2a = 7a.

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What is the Commutative Property of Addition?

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The Commutative Property of Addition states that changing the order of the addends does not change the sum. For example, a + b = b + a.

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What is the Commutative Property of Multiplication?

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The Commutative Property of Multiplication states that changing the order of the factors does not change the product. For example, ab = ba.

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What is the Associative Property of Addition?

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The Associative Property of Addition states that the way in which numbers are grouped does not change their sum. For example, (a + b) + c = a + (b + c).

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What is the Associative Property of Multiplication?

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The Associative Property of Multiplication states that the way in which numbers are grouped does not change their product. For example, (ab)c = a(bc).

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How do you add two algebraic expressions?

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To add two algebraic expressions, combine like terms from both expressions. For example, (x + 5) + (2x + 10) = 3x + 15.

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What is a coefficient in an algebraic expression?

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

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What is a constant in an algebraic expression?

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A constant is a fixed value that does not change. For example, in the expression 3x + 4, the number 4 is a constant.