Pre-Algebra Combining Like Terms

Questions and Answers

What is 0.8y - 0.7y?

0.1y

What is 1.6y - 0.8y?

0.8y

What is 7/8y - 5/8y?

1/4y

What is 5/3y - 1/6y?

3/2y Signup and view all the answers

What is 3/4y - 2/3y?

1/12y Signup and view all the answers

What is 4/5y - 1/3y?

7/15y Signup and view all the answers

What is 4y - y?

3y Signup and view all the answers

What is 7/8y - 1/8y - 5?

3/4y - 5 Signup and view all the answers

What is 1/2y + 2/3y - 1/6y?

y Signup and view all the answers

What is 8y + 4 - 6y?

2y + 4 Signup and view all the answers

What is 1.8y - 0.6 - 0.7y?

1.1y - 0.6 Signup and view all the answers

What is 2x + 4x + 7y?

6x + 7y Signup and view all the answers

What is 8x - 7x - 6y?

x - 6y Signup and view all the answers

What is 5x + 3y - x?

4x + 3y Signup and view all the answers

What is 2/3x - 1/6x + 3/5y - 3/10y?

1/2x + 3/10y Signup and view all the answers

What is 2.3x - 2.7y - 1.8x + 3.5y?

0.5x + 0.8y Signup and view all the answers

What is an algebraic expression?

Contains variables, operations, and numbers; does not have an equal sign; you can simplify. Signup and view all the answers

What is an algebraic equation?

Contains variables, operations, and numbers; does have an equal sign; you can solve. Signup and view all the answers

What is a variable?

A letter or symbol that stands for an unknown number. Signup and view all the answers

What are terms?

Parts of an algebraic expression that are separated by operations. Signup and view all the answers

What are like terms?

Terms that have the same variable to the same power. Constants are also like terms. Signup and view all the answers

What does combining like terms mean?

When simplifying an expression, you must combine like terms. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to simplify an expression?

To put an expression in its simplest form by combining like terms; work until there is no more work to do; putting fractions in simplest form. Signup and view all the answers

What is a coefficient?

The number attached to a variable. Signup and view all the answers

What is a constant?

A number in an expression that is not attached to a variable. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Combining Like Terms

Combining like terms involves adding or subtracting coefficients of terms with the same variable.
Example: 0.8y - 0.7y simplifies to 0.1y.

Simplifying Expressions

When simplifying, group like terms.
Example: 1.6y - 0.8y results in 0.8y.

Fractional Coefficients

Like terms can also be expressed as fractions.
Example: 7/8y - 5/8y simplifies to 1/4y.

Mixed Operations

Combining terms with different coefficients can also include constants.
Example: 7/8y - 1/8y - 5 simplifies to 3/4y - 5.

Algebraic Expressions vs Equations

Algebraic expressions have no equal sign and can be simplified.
Algebraic equations contain an equal sign and can be solved for a variable.

Role of Variables

Variables represent unknown numbers and can be expressed as letters or symbols.
Example: In the expression 2x + 4x + 7y, x and y are variables.

Understanding Terms and Like Terms

Terms are components of an expression separated by operations.
Like terms share the same variable raised to the same power; constants are also considered as like terms.

Process of Combining Like Terms

When simplifying, combine like terms by adding or subtracting their coefficients.
Example: 5x + 3y - x simplifies to 4x + 3y.

Importance of Simplification

Simplification aids in making expressions easier to work with and can help solve equations more effectively.
Example: The expression 2.3x - 2.7y - 1.8x + 3.5y simplifies to 0.5x + 0.8y.

Coefficients and Constants

Coefficient: The numerical factor in front of a variable (e.g., in 3y, 3 is the coefficient).
Constant: A standalone number without a variable (e.g., in 5, it's a constant).

Definition Recap

Combining like terms results in a simpler expression by merging terms with the same variable.
Simplifying expressions should conclude when no further consolidation is possible.

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Description

Enhance your understanding of combining like terms in Pre-Algebra with this set of flashcards. Each card presents an expression to simplify and its simplified form for effective learning. Perfect for mastering the basics of algebraic terms.