Simplifying expressions
Simplify expressions by combining like terms and distributing.
Objective
Simplify expressions by combining like terms and distributing.
What it means
Simplifying means rewriting an expression with as few terms as possible by combining like terms and applying the distributive property.
Key terms
- Like terms
- Terms with the same variable raised to the same power.
- Distributive property
- a(b + c) = ab + ac.
Rules to remember
- Only add or subtract the coefficients of like terms.
- Distribute a factor to every term inside parentheses before combining.
Step by step
- 1DistributeMultiply any factor outside parentheses into each term inside.
- 2Group like termsFind terms with the same variable part.
- 3CombineAdd or subtract their coefficients.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to distribute the negative sign to every term.
- Combining terms that are not actually alike (e.g. x and x^2).
Tips
- Underline like terms in matching colors before combining.