Simplifying Expressions: Distribution and Combining Like Terms

This lesson teaches how to simplify expressions using distribution and combining like terms. It covers examples of expressions that can and cannot be simplified, explains how to find the perimeter of a rectangle using distribution, and highlights common mistakes in distribution. The lesson concludes with an advanced example involving negative distribution and a summary of key points.

Which of the following expressions cannot be simplified further?

• 3X + 7

• 3(X + 2)

• 4X + 5 + 2X

• 2(X + 3)

What is the correct simplified form of 3(X + 5)?

• 3X + 5

• 3X + 15

• 3X + 10

• 3X + 20

How do you calculate the perimeter of a rectangle?

• 2 times the length plus 2 times the width

• Multiply the length by the width

• Add the length and width

• Length plus width squared

What is the simplified form of the expression 8 - 3(X - 4)?

• 8 - 3X - 12

• 8 - 3X + 12

• 8 + 3X - 12

• 8 + 3X + 12

When distributing a negative number, what happens to the signs of the terms inside the parentheses?

• They all become negative

• They all become positive

• They remain the same

• They switch signs