HSPT Math : How to simplify expressions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : How To Simplify Expressions

Simplify the expression 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To simplify this expression, combine like terms.  In this expression,  and are like terms. They are like terms because each term consists of a single variable,, and a numeric coefficient. Add the coefficients of these terms. Addition is the operation that you would use denoted by a plus sign next to the x.

 and  are also like terms. They are like terms because each term consists of a single variable, , and a numeric coefficient.  These two like terms are separated by a subtraction sign, therefore subtraction is the operation you would use

Therefore, the correct answer is

 

 

Example Question #12 : How To Simplify Expressions

Simplify the expression     

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To simplify this expression, combine like terms.  In this expression,  and  are like terms. They are like terms because each term consists of a , and a numeric coefficient. Add the coefficients of these terms. Addition is the operation that you would use denoted by a plus sign.

 and  are also like terms. They are like terms because each term consists of  and a numeric coefficient.  These two like terms are separated by a addition sign, therefore addition is the operation you would use.

Therefore, the correct answer is

 

Example Question #11 : How To Simplify Expressions

Simplify the expression:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Combine all the like terms.

The  terms can be combined together, which gives you .

When you combine the  terms together, you get .

There is only one  term so it doesn't get combined with anything. Put them all together and you get 

.

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