1
Combining Like terms
Look at the following pattern:
(3)(4) = 3 times 4 = 4 + 4 + 4.
(3)(x) = 3 times x = x + x + x
Directions: Write an expression that is equivalent to the
expressions given.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Use the distributive property to simplify each
expression when needed.
Cut up the attached squares and represent each
expression in expanded form.
Manipulate the squares to simplify the expression.
Subtract by removing from expanded form. Make
sure that the order of operations is followed
(PEMDAS).
Write your answer on the paper.
Example:
3x + 5 + 4x =
X +X+X +5+X+X+X+X
=
7X + 5
Two levels of problems are attached for guided
practice.
Funding for this grant was provided by MONROE #1 BOCES Mini Grant
Committee
2
Combining Like Terms #1
1.)
4x + 7x
2)
2x2 + 4x2 –x2 –x2 + 2
3)
5x + 12 – 3x + 4
4)
4 + x + 2x + 3x –1
5)
2x + x + x2 + 3x + x2
Combining Like Terms #2
3
1.)
5x + 2(3 – 2x)
2.)
(3x + 9) – (8 – 7x)
3.)
4x + x + 2(- x – 1)
4.)
(4x2 + 7x – 5) + (x2 – 3x +10)
5.)
(4x2 + 2x + 7) - (3x2 – 4x +7)
6.)
(6x2 +2x + 6) + (-2x -4x2- 9)
4
2
2
x
2
x
x
2
x
x
2
x
2
x
2
x
2
5
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
6
2
2
-x
2
-x
-x
2
-x
-x
2
-x
2
-x
2
-x
2
7
-x
-x
-x
-x
-x
-x
-x
-x
8
2
2
x
2
x
x
2
x
x
2
2
x
2
x
x
2
9
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
10
1
4
7
0
2
5
8
0
3
6
9
0
11
-1 -2 -3
-4 -5 -6
-7 -8 -9