Worked examples
Two examples
Example 1
Simplify: 3x + 5 − x + 2
- The x terms: 3x − x = 2x.
- The numbers: 5 + 2 = 7.
Answer: 2x + 7
Example 2
Simplify: 2x2 + 4x − x2 − 6x
- The x2 terms: 2x2 − x2 = x2.
- The x terms: 4x − 6x = −2x. Each sign travels with the term after it.
Answer: x2 − 2x
Where this is taught: Like With Like, “Put like with like”
The drill
Ten problems
How many:
Type your answer like 3x^2 - 2x + 5: use ^ for a power, and write like terms together. Then press Check my answers at the bottom.Write each answer on the line. The answer key, with the reasoning, is on the last page.