Pre-Algebra Combining Like Terms

0.8y - 0.7y

0.1y

2.3x - 2.7y - 1.8x + 3.5y

0.5x + 0.8y

1.6y - 0.8y

0.8y

1.8y - 0.6 - 0.7y

1.1y - 0.6

3/4y - 2/3y

1/12y

2/3 x - 1/6 x + 3/5y - 3/10y

1/2x + 3/10y

7/8y - 5/8y

1/4y

8y + 4 - 6y

2y + 4

5/3y - 1/6y

3/2y

7/8y - 1/8y - 5

3/4y - 5

4y - y

3y

5x + 3y - x

4x + 3y

2x + 4x + 7y

6x + 7y

4/5y - 1/3y

7/15y

Variable

A letter or symbol that stands for an unknown number.

Constant

A number in an expression that is not attached to a variable.

Algebraic Equation

Contains variables, operations and numbers; does have an equal sign; you can solve.

Algebraic Expression

Contains variables, operations and numbers; does not have an equal sign; you can simplify.

Terms

Parts of an algebraic expression that are separated by operations.

Like Terms

Terms that have the same variable to the same power. Constants are also like terms.

Coefficient

The number attached to a variable.

Simplify

To put an expression in its simplest form by combining like terms; work until there is no more work to do; putting fractions in simplest form.

Combining Like Terms

When simplifying an expression, you must combine like terms. (combine meaning put together by adding or subtracting the coefficients of the like variables)

8x - 7x - 6y

x - 6y

1/2 y + 2/3 y - 1/6 y

y