Unit 1 · Lesson 3
Combining Like Terms (cont)
Lesson Summary
For the expression 5x + 9 - 2x + 3, identify the like terms:
The x terms: 5x and -2x
The constant terms: 9 and 3
Combine the x terms: 5x - 2x = 3x
Combine the constants: 9 + 3 = 12
The simplified expression is 3x + 12.
For the expression -7m + 4 + 3m - 11, identify the like terms:
The m terms: -7m and 3m
The constant terms: 4 and -11
Combine the m terms: -7m + 3m = -4m
Combine the constants: 4 - 11 = -7
The simplified expression is -4m - 7.