simpllifying expressions but combining like terms in a problem like this: 14x^ - 5x^

Question

Simplifying algebraic expressions by combining like terms.

Answer 1

Combining like terms is done using distributive law of multiplication.

 

The distributive law of multiplication tells us that a*(b+c)=a*b+a*c. It is also true other way around, that is

ad+bd=(a+b)d.

Therefore, when you have expression with like terms, 14x³-5x³, you use distributive law as follows:

14x³-5x³=14*(x³)-5*(x³)=(14-5)*(x³)=9*(x³)=9x³. I specifically emphasized common factor by putting it in parentheses and using * sign for multiplication operation.