Simplifying Algebraic Expressions Combining Like Terms

"I can simplify algebraic expressions by combining like terms." Learning Objectives By the end of class today, you should be able to say: "I can simplify algebraic expressions by combining like terms." In this presentation, you will learn about: the parts of an algebraic expression what "like terms" are how to simplify algebraic expressions by combining like terms

Algebraic Expressions: A Closer Look An algebraic expression can be broken into different parts, including terms, variables, coefficients, and constants.

An Algebraic Expression Dissected 5x + 3y -8 5x + 3y - 8 terms (numbers, variables, or the product of a number and a variable)

Make it Simple! To simplify an algebraic expression means to make it simpler. In other words, rewrite the expression in the most compact way, without changing the value of the expression.  It's like organizing the expression and making it neater!

Like Terms 3x, -2x 3x, 3y -2, 5 -2, 5x 9n2, 3n2 9n2, 2n 100, 1 Like terms have exactly the same variable factors LIKE TERMS 3x, -2x -2, 5 9n2, 3n2 100, 1 4n, 5n 3xy, 4yx  NOT LIKE TERMS 3x, 3y -2, 5x 9n2, 2n 2a2b, 3ab2  

Simplifying by Combining Like Terms Consider the following algebraic expression:   3a + 10 + 5b + 6a – 7 – 2b

Simplifying by Combining Like Terms   Consider the following algebraic expression: 3a + 10 + 5b + 6a – 7 – 2b

Simplifying by Combining Like Terms   Consider the following algebraic expression: 3a + 10 + 5b + 6a – 7 – 2b

Simplifying by Combining Like Terms   Consider the following algebraic expression: 3a + 10 + 5b + 6a – 7 – 2b

Simplifying by Combining Like Terms To add the like terms, simply add the coefficients.   3a + 10 + 5b + 6a – 7 – 2b 9a

Simplifying by Combining Like Terms To add the like terms, simply add the coefficients.   3a + 10 + 5b + 6a – 7 – 2b 9a + 3b

Simplifying by Combining Like Terms To add the like terms, simply add the coefficients.   3a + 10 + 5b + 6a – 7 – 2b 9a + 3b + 3

3a + 10 + 5b + 6a – 7 – 2b 9a + 3b + 3 In other words... To add the like terms, simply add the coefficients.   3a + 10 + 5b + 6a – 7 – 2b 9a + 3b + 3

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