Chapter 12 Lesson 1 Simplifying Expressions

To simplify variable expressions you combine like terms

numbers with no variables: 3, -3, 7, -9, 0

numbers with the SAME variables : 2x, 4x, -3x, -9x, 8x

Simplify by combining like terms

-11a + 9a  (these are like terms because they have the same variable a)

- 11 + 9 = -2

Don't forget to add  your variable

Answer: -11a + 9a= -2a

Simplify

- 4x - -6x

*special rule, two negatives together turn into a plus

-4x + 6x

One negative, one positive so you subtract

6-4=2

Look at bigger number (6), it's positive so your answer is positive 2x