Simplifying Algebraic Expressions by Combining Like Terms and Distributive Property

Front

What is a variable in algebra?

Back

A symbol, often a letter, that represents an unknown value in an expression or equation.

Front

Can x terms and y terms be combined in algebraic expressions?

Back

No, x terms and y terms cannot be added or subtracted together because they are not like terms.

Front

What is the distributive property?

Back

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

Front

Simplify the expression: 4(-x - 6)

Back

-4x - 24

Front

What does it mean to combine like terms?

Back

Combining like terms involves adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

Front

Simplify the expression: 2x + 7(x - 5) - 4

Back

9x - 39

Front

What is the result of simplifying 16w - 7 - 5w - 11 + 4(w - 5)?

Back

15w - 38

Front

What are like terms?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

Front

What is the first step in simplifying an expression using the distributive property?

Back

Multiply the term outside the parentheses by each term inside the parentheses.

Front

If an expression is 3x + 4y - 2x + 5y, what is the simplified form?

Back

x + 9y