Steps to Solve

1. Identify Key Concepts From the Text
   First, identify the key concepts related to exponents, like terms, the distributive property, translating words into expressions, equivalent expressions, and evaluating expressions. These concepts will guide you in solving mathematical expressions and equations.

2. Define Each Mathematical Concept
   Next, for better understanding, define each of the key concepts.

• Exponents: Represents repeated multiplication of a number by itself. For example, $a^n = a \times a \times \cdots \times a$ (n times).
• Combining Like Terms: This involves simplifying expressions by adding or subtracting terms that have the same variables raised to the same powers.
• Distributive Property: You can distribute a multiplication over addition, shown as $a(b + c) = ab + ac$.
• Translating Words into Expressions: Converting phrases into mathematical expressions. For example, "the sum of a number and 5" translates to $x + 5$.
• Equivalent Expressions: Two expressions that yield the same value for any value of their variables.
• Evaluating Expressions: Finding the value of an expression by substituting in values for the variables.

3. Practice Examples for Clarity
   Use practice examples to demonstrate each concept. For instance:

• For exponents, compute $2^3 = 2 \times 2 \times 2 = 8$.
• Combine like terms in $3x + 5x = 8x$.
• Apply the distributive property in $2(3 + 4) = 2 \cdot 3 + 2 \cdot 4 = 6 + 8 = 14$.

4. Solve an Expression Example
   Choose an example expression, for instance, $3(x + 2) + 4x$.
   First, apply the distributive property:
   $$ 3(x + 2) = 3x + 6 $$
   Then, combine like terms:
   $$ 3x + 6 + 4x = 7x + 6 $$
   This gives us the final simplified expression.