Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
Simplify algebraic expressions by combining like terms. Like terms are terms with the same variable or variables.
Example 1: One variable
-x - 6 + 5x Simplified: -x and 5x are like terms, so combine them. -x - 6 + 5x = 4x - 6 The answer is
-x and 5x are like terms, so combine them. -x - 6 + 5x = 4x - 6
The answer is
Example 2: Two variables
3y + 4 - y + 4x - 6 Simplified: Combine the x and y terms and the constants. 3y + 4 - y + 4x - 6 = 4x + (3y - y) + (4 - 6) = 4x + 2y + -2 = This simplifies to 4x + 2y - 2 The answer is
Combine the x and y terms and the constants.
Example 3:
Simplify the expression and order your answer based on alphabetical letter and magnitude. 4x2 - 3y + x - 2x2 - 2 - 3y + 7 Simplified: Combine the terms and simplify. 4x2 - 3y + x - 2x2 - 2 - 3y + 7 = (4x2 - 2x2) + x + (-3y - 3y) + (-2 + 7) = 2x2 + x + (-6y) + 5 = This simplifies to 2x2 + x - 6y + 5 The answer is
Combine the terms and simplify.
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