Simplifying Expressions/Combining Like Terms

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What is the process of simplifying expressions in algebra?

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The process of simplifying expressions involves combining like terms, reducing fractions, and performing operations to rewrite the expression in a simpler form.

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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, 3x and 5x are like terms, while 3x and 2y are not.

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How do you combine like terms?

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To combine like terms, add or subtract the coefficients of the terms that have the same variable. For example, 3x + 5x = (3 + 5)x = 8x.

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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 expression. For example, in 4m, the coefficient is 4.

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What is a constant in an algebraic expression?

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A constant is a term that does not contain any variables. For example, in the expression 3x + 2y + 7, the constant is 7.

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How do you identify the coefficient of a variable in an expression?

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The coefficient of a variable is the number that is multiplied by the variable. For example, in 4m + n + 2, the coefficient of m is 4 and the coefficient of n is 1.

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What is the result of simplifying the expression 3x - 5x?

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The result is -2x, as you combine the like terms by subtracting the coefficients: (3 - 5)x = -2x.

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How do you simplify the expression n - 10 + 9n - 3?

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Combine like terms: n + 9n = 10n and -10 - 3 = -13, resulting in 10n - 13.

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What is the simplified form of the expression 2x + 1 + 7x - 8?

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The simplified form is 9x - 7, as you combine like terms: 2x + 7x = 9x and 1 - 8 = -7.

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What is the importance of simplifying expressions in algebra?

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Simplifying expressions makes it easier to solve equations, understand relationships between variables, and perform calculations.