Distribute and Combine Like Terms

Front

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

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

What is a like term?

Back

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

Front

What is the first step in simplifying an expression?

Back

The first step is to identify and group like terms together.

Front

Simplify the expression: -7x + 5(1 - 8x)

Back

5 - 47x

Front

Simplify the expression: 7 + 3(1 - 2x)

Back

10 - 6x

Front

What does the distributive property state?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

-6x + 39

Front

What is the result of multiplying a term by a negative number?

Back

Multiplying a term by a negative number changes its sign. For example, -2x becomes 2x when multiplied by -1.

Front

Simplify the expression: -2x - 4(4x - 8)

Back

-18x + 32

Front

What is the purpose of parentheses in an expression?

Back

Parentheses indicate which operations should be performed first according to the order of operations.