Question

For each expression, combine like terms and write an equivalent expression with fewer terms.a. 4x+3xb. 3x+5x-1c. 5+2x+7+4xd. 4-2x+5xe. 10x-5+3x-2

Answer 1

To simplify the expressions you have to combine the like terms.

This means that you'll solve the operations between the terms that have the same variables, for example x + 2x=3x

Or the terms that have no variables and are only numbers, for example 4+5=9

a. The expression is

`4x+3x`

Both terms have the same variable "x", so you can add them together. To do so, add the coefficients, i.e. the numbers that are being multiplied by x

`4x+3x=(4+3)x=7x`

And you get that the simplified expression is 7x

b. The expression is

`3x+5x-1`

In this expression you have two types of terms, the x-related terms and one constant. In this case you have to solve the operation for the x-related terms together and leave the constant as it is

`(3x+5x)-1=(3+5)x-1=8x-1`

The simplified expression is 8x-1