1. 1.2 Distributive Property & Combining Like Terms
How can “Combining Like Terms” and the
“Distributive Property” be used to simplify expressions?

2. 8 Constant 7 x 2 Exponent Like terms: Rules:
Same Variable and same exponent
Coefficients can be different
3. Constants are like terms (ie. like 5 and 3 )
Like Terms
Unlike Terms
-3x and 2x
5x2 and 2x
The exponents
are different.
3.2 and n
Only one term
contains a
variable
6a and 6b
The variables
are different
w and w 7
5 and 1.8 7 x
Coefficient
Variable
Constant
Exponent

3. Identify like terms in the list.
3t 5w2 7t 9v w2 8v
Look for like variables with like powers.
3t 5w2 7t 9v w2 8v
Like terms: (3t and 7t) (5w2 and 4w2) (9v and 8v)

4. Simplify.
A. 6t – 4t
6t – 4t
6t and 4t are like terms. 2t
Subtract the coefficients.
B. 45x – 37 – x + 4

5. Write an expression using the side lengths. 2x + 3 + 3x + 2 + x
Geometry Application
Write an expression for the perimeter of the triangle. Then simplify the expression. x
2x + 3
3x + 2
Write an expression using
the side lengths.
2x x x
(x + 3x + 2x) + (2 + 3)
Identify and group like terms.
6x + 5
Add the coefficients.

6. Your Turn: -5a + 4 - 2a -x + 2 + 8x - 5 6x + 8y 2x + 3 x + 1
3. Write an expression for the perimeter of the given figure
2x + 3
x + 1

7. You can use the Distributive Property to multiply numbers mentally by breaking apart one of the numbers and writing it as a sum or difference.

8. Simplify the expressions:
–2(3 – d)

9. Simplify the expression:
3d – (9 – 2d)