Equivalent Expressions and Simplifying
Aligned to 7.EE.A.1 — Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
What this lesson teaches
You can rewrite an expression in a simpler, equal form. To combine like terms, add the coefficients of terms that have the same variable. The distributive property lets you multiply a number across a sum, so a(b + c) equals ab + ac.
Worked example
Simplify 3x + 5x. They are like terms, so add the coefficients: 3 + 5 is 8, giving 8x. And 2(x + 4) becomes 2x + 8.
Practice questions
- Combine like terms: 4y + 2y.
- Expand 3(x + 5).
- Simplify 6a - 2a + 1.
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Expresiones Equivalentes y Simplificación
Puedes reescribir una expresión de una forma más sencilla pero equivalente. Para combinar términos semejantes, suma los coeficientes de los términos que tienen la misma variable. La propiedad distributiva te permite multiplicar un número por una suma, de modo que a(b + c) es igual a ab + ac.
Ejemplo: Simplifica 3x + 5x. Son términos semejantes, así que suma los coeficientes: 3 + 5 = 8, lo que da 8x. Y 2(x + 4) se convierte en 2x + 8.
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