2-1 Combine like terms to solve equations

Front

What does it mean to combine like terms in an equation?

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

Solve: -4x + -2x = ?

Back

-6x; x = 2 when -6x = -12.

Front

Solve: x + 4x = ?

Back

5x; x = 5 when 5x = 25.

Front

Solve: 3x + 2x = ?

Back

5x; x = 8 when 5x = 40.

Front

Solve: 3x + 9x = ?

Back

12x; x = 5 when 12x = 60.

Front

Solve: 8x - 2x = ?

Back

6x; x = 2 when 6x = 12.

Front

What is a variable in an equation?

Back

A variable is a symbol, often represented by a letter, that stands for an unknown value.

Front

What is a coefficient?

Back

A coefficient is a numerical factor in a term of an algebraic expression, indicating how many times the variable is multiplied.

Front

What is the first step in solving an equation with like terms?

Back

The first step is to combine all like terms on one side of the equation.

Front

What does it mean to isolate the variable?

Back

Isolating the variable means to manipulate the equation so that the variable is on one side and all other terms are on the opposite side.