Combining like terms and the Distributive Property

Front

What is the Distributive Property?

Back

The Distributive Property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac. It allows you to multiply a single term by two or more terms inside a set of parentheses.

Front

How do you combine like terms?

Back

To combine like terms, you add or subtract the coefficients of terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

Front

Simplify: 2(3x + 4)

Back

6x + 8

Front

Simplify: 5y + 3y - 2y

Back

6y

Front

What are like terms?

Back

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

Front

Simplify: 4a + 2b + 3a

Back

7a + 2b

Front

What is a coefficient?

Back

A coefficient is a numerical factor in a term. For example, in 5x, 5 is the coefficient.

Front

Distribute and simplify: 3(2x + 5) + 4x

Back

10x + 15

Front

Combine like terms: 7m + 2 - 3m + 4

Back

4m + 6

Front

What does it mean to simplify an expression?

Back

To simplify an expression means to combine like terms and perform any operations to make the expression as concise as possible.