Collecting Like Terms
Simplify algebraic expressions by collecting like terms — combine terms with the same variable and power (e.g., 3a + 2b + 5a = 8a + 2b) while maintaining equivalence
Teaching approaches
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1 approach
If your child sees an expression like "5a + 3b + 2a," can they simplify it by collecting the like terms to get "7a + 3b"?
Simplify algebraic expressions by collecting like terms — combine terms with the same variable and power (e.g., 3a + 2b + 5a = 8a + 2b) while maintaining equivalence
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This concept
Check understanding
- Identify like terms in an algebraic expression
- Combine like terms involving positive and negative coefficients
- Simplify expressions involving multiple variables and constant terms
“If your child sees an expression like "5a + 3b + 2a," can they simplify it by collecting the like terms to get "7a + 3b"?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Procedural
- Subject
- Mathematics
- Domain
- Algebra
- Age range
- Ages 11–12
Standards