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You can add like terms together to simplify an expression.

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This lesson shows you how.

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Now, let's learn the basic understanding in simplifying expression. Take these like terms, 3 x -2 x, as an example.

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First, let's focus on 3x. You can see that 3x is equals to x + x + x.

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Now, as for -2x, -2x is equals to -x -x.

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When you add 3x and -2x together, notice that x and -x here cancel off.

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Same goes for +x and -x here.

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Notice that after adding these terms, you're left with one x.

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Now that you understand the basic behind adding like terms. Let's take a faster way of doing this.

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Just take 3 from 3x, minus 2 from 2x. Immediately, you get the 1 and the answer is 1x.

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Also, one thing you should take note. It's better to write 1x as x.

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Let's look at another example. Now let's simplify 7u + q -5u + 4q.

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First, arrange the like terms together like this.

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After arranging, you have 7u -5u and +q + 4q.

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Now add the like terms q and + 4q. This gives 5q.

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Add the like terms 7u and -5u. This gives 2u.

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As there is no more like terms, This is the simplest expression you can get. So the answer is 2u + 5q.

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So the answer is 2u +5q.

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Let's take another example, 7 u + 3 v square -2 u + 5 v square.

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First, arrange the like terms together like this.

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After arranging, you have 7u, -2u and + 3v square + 5v square.

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Now add the like terms + 3v square + 5v square . This gives 8v square.

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Add the like terms 7u and -2u. This gives 5u.

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As there is no more like terms, This is the simplest expression you can get. So the answer is 5u +8 v square.

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That's all for this lesson. Try out the practice questions to test your understanding.