Understanding algebra involves several key concepts, including combining like terms, using the distributive property, and handling polynomials. Combining like terms means merging terms with the same variables in an equation, such as turning 7x + 19x into 26x.
A polynomial is an expression of more than two algebraic terms. So when adding them the first thing is to group all the like terms together. Then combine them to get your answer.
The Distributive Property!
For example:
5(2+3) would get you the same answer as 5(2) + 5(3).
The distributive property tells us that multiplying a number by a sum is the same as doing each multiplication separately.
Subtracting Polyomials
When subtracting polynomial expressions you want to change it to an addition problem. So you change everything to the right of the minus (including the minus itself) to the opposite. Then you just add as usual.
Algebra Tiles!
Like how the image above can help you find out
what x is!
Algebra tiles are used to make solving algebraic equations a lot easier
Combining Like
Terms
For example, if the equation is 7x + 8 + 19x, then you can combine the like terms together.
So the equation becomes 26x + 8.
Combining like terms means that if you have two terms that are like in an equation, you can combine them into one term.
