# Combining like terms with negative coefficients

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Combining like terms with negative coefficients
Description
Exercise Name: Combining like terms with negative coefficients
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: 2

The Combining like terms with negative coefficients 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.

## Types of problems

There is one type of problem in this exercise.

1. Simplify the following expression - This type of problem gives an expression and the user is required to get the like terms together and simplify it.

## Strategies

1. It is really easy to get the accuracy badges and speed badges in this exercise. User could answer problems in less than 5 seconds in it.
1. Users could get the like terms (${y}$ as in the problem in the right) together and simplify them: In the problem in the right, get the ${-3y}$ and the ${-7y}$ together and combine them). Hence, the answer would be ${-10y+1}$.

## Real-life Applications

1. Knowledge of algebra is essential for higher math levels like trigonometry and calculus. Algebra also has countless applications in the real world.
2. Combining like terms is one of the most fundamental simplifications procedures. Virtually all equations employ some kind of collecting like terms.
3. Combining like terms can be viewed as a justification for getting common denominators to add a (although circular). The different denominators are different "terms."
4. Negative numbers are used to describe values on a scale that goes below zero, such as the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales for temperature.
5. Knowledge of algebra is essential for higher math levels like trigonometry and calculus. Algebra also has countless applications in the real world.