# Combining like terms with distribution and negative numbers

1,860pages on
this wiki
Combining like terms with distribution and negative numbers
Description
Exercise Name: Combining like terms with distribution and negative numbers
Math Missions: 7th grade (U.S.) Math Mission, Algebra basics Math Mission, Mathematics I Math Mission, Algebra I Math Mission, Mathematics II Math Mission
Types of Problems: 3

The Combining like terms with distribution and negative numbers exercise falls under the 7th grade (U.S.) Math Mission, Algebra basics Math Mission, Mathematics I Math Mission, Algebra I Math Mission and Mathematics II Math Mission. The objective of this exercise is that the distributive property can be used with variables too.

## Types of problems

There are three types of problems in this exercise:

1. Simplify the following expression - This kind of problem has an expression and the user is required to simplify it using the distributive property.

## Strategies

1. It is hard to get the speed badges and the accuracy badges in this skill. Using the distributive property on the expression may take some time and combining the like terms and simplifying further may take time too.
1. Suppose one has ${a(b+c)}$, they must multiply the ${\text{a(the term outside)}}$ by the two terms inside, getting ${ab+ac}$.

## Real-life Applications

1. Combining like terms is one of the most fundamental simplifications procedures. Virtually all equations employ some kind of collecting like terms.
2. Combining like terms can be viewed as a justification for getting common denominators to add a (although circular). The different denominators are different "terms."
3. Knowledge of algebra is essential for higher math levels like trigonometry and calculus. Algebra also has countless applications in the real world.