Chapter 2: Solving One-Step Equations & Inequalities 2.3 Simplifying Variable Expressions

Vocabulary term: a number or the product of a number and variables constant: a term with no variables like terms: have identical variables coefficient: a number that multiplies a variable

Simplifying Expressions rewrite subtraction as adding add together “like terms” simplify as much as possible! keep variables in alphabetical order, if possible

Example 1 Name the coefficients, the like terms, and the constants in: 3m – 2n + n – 4

Example 2 Simplify:2x x

Example 3 Simplify:5y + y

Deductive Reasoning process of reasoning logically from given facts to a conclusion in algebra problems, we use properties, rules, and definitions to justify “why” we do certain steps in problems

Example 4 Simplify:4g + 3(3 + g) Justify each step.

Example 4a Simplify:6y + 4m – 7y + m Justify your steps.

Try this! Simplify:x – 4x + 3(x + 2x) – 10 x Justify each step.