More Algebra - Combining Like Terms

When you're looking at a problem, your problem, your child's or grandchild's problem, you might ask yourself this:

Why can't I solve for 'x'?

That would be if you were given a problem like this:  2x + 3 + 5x -1

Why can't you find what x is? 

Well, that's because it's different from these problems that we've already went over:

Solving for a Variable with one thing happening to it, such as 2x = 6     or 

Solving for a Variable with two things happening to it, such as 2x + 1= 7

Here, in this new problem given, there is NO equal sign. That's what makes it different. 

You cannot solve if there is no equal sign.

So, why, you ask, do you need to do anything? Well, because we will be adding to this, but right now you can combine the like terms and simplify it. We'll use simplifying to solve for a variable again. 

Simplifying or Combining like terms means, putting together everything that is alike. Here's a situation you might be able to relate to:

You're a teacher. You're sick of your students always being on their cell phones in class. So, you collect them from each class.
Your first class of the day has: 10 iphones, 12 other smartphones, and 6 not so smart phones

Your second class of the day has: 12 iphones, 7 other smartphones and 3 not so smart phones

Now you could combine your 'like terms' by saying you have a total of 22 iphones, 19 other smartphones and 9 not so smart phones. 

Okay, you can do that, now you can do it with algebra terms. 

Like Terms means it has the same variable with the same exponent, or no variable at all.

Steps: 

1. Look at the first term you see, and find all others like it

2. Add or subtract depending on the sign directly in front of each term

3. Cross out as you add and subtract, until all things alike are together

Now you have Simplified this Expression. 

Look at you learning (or relearning) all these terms! :)

Now check out the video! You'll need to do this to solve for bigger and better things!!

VIDEO on Combining Like Terms

click

Remember you may need more practice, or re-watch the video and try the problems until you're comfortable. Thank you all for your feedback!