Question
Question 2 of 12, Step 1 of 1 Simplify the algebraic expression by combining like (or similar) terms. Answer
Ask by Hart Willis. in the United States
Mar 18,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
The simplified expression is \(-2x + 10\).
Solution
1. Write the original expression (for example):
\[
2x + 3 - 4x + 7
\]
2. Group the like terms. The \( x \)-terms are \( 2x \) and \(-4x\), and the constant terms are \( 3 \) and \( 7 \):
\[
(2x - 4x) + (3 + 7)
\]
3. Combine the like terms:
\[
-2x + 10
\]
4. The simplified expression is:
\[
-2x + 10
\]
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Extra Insights
Combining like terms can make algebra feel like putting together a puzzle—everything fits in its own special place! For instance, if you have 3x + 4x, just add those together to get 7x. It's like having 3 apples and then getting 4 more, resulting in a tasty total of 7 apples! Now, common mistakes often occur when folks treat unlike terms as if they can be combined. For example, 2x + 5y cannot be added together since they're different flavors—an x term and a y term. Remember to keep those different colored apples separate while counting to avoid confusion!