A multi-step algebraic expression can be interpreted as a sequence of operations and rewritten in an equivalent, simpler form using order of operations, the distributive property, and combination of like terms. This includes expressions with parentheses, variables, constants, and integer or rational coefficients; terms may be combined only when their variable parts match, supporting later equation solving and polynomial work without extending to formal factoring or advanced polynomial operations.
To simplify a multi-step algebraic expression, follow these steps:
Example:
Step 1: Distribute the .
Multiply by each term inside the parentheses:
Step 2: Group like terms.
The variable terms and are like terms. The constants and are also like terms:
Step 3: Combine each group.
Therefore,
Remember: You can combine and because both have the same variable part, . You cannot combine a variable term with a constant.
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