Simplifying in Algbebra 2 with exponents

Question

 x³ + x³ + x³ + x³

How do you go about simplifying this? 

Answer 1

Hi Sarah,

 

Since both your variable (x) and your exponent (3) are the same for all four terms (aka like terms), you can add them together. 

 

X³ has an invisible coefficient of 1, so you will be adding 1x³+1x³+1x³+1x³.

 

When adding like terms, the variable and the exponent stay the same. What changes are the coefficients, which are added together following normal rules for addition, so 1x³+1x³+1x³+1x³ =  (1+1+1+1)x³ = 4x³

 

Your final answer is 4x³.