1. Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
Combining Like Terms

2. "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

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

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

5. 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!

6. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14. 3a + 10 + 5b + 6a – 7 – 2b 9a + 3b + 3 In other words...
To add the like terms, simply add the coefficients.
3a b + 6a – 7 – 2b
9a + 3b + 3

15. Common Mistakes

16. We Try Together!

17. I Try It!

18. You try with a Shoulder Partner

19. You try INDEPENDENTLY!!!