i need help using subtraction while combining like terms, can you explain how its done?
Can you give an example of a problem?
Yo bob and cassidy you still need the example LMAO
Certainly! When using subtraction to combine like terms, you follow similar steps as with addition. Let's break it down:
Step 1: Identify the like terms
First, identify the like terms in the expression. Like terms are terms that have the same variables raised to the same exponents. For example, terms like 2x and 4x^2 are not like terms, but terms like 3x and 7x are like terms.
Step 2: Rearrange the expression
Rearrange the expression so that all the like terms are grouped together. This will help you see which terms can be combined. For example, if your expression is 5x - 2x + 3 - 4x, you can rearrange it as -2x - 4x + 5x + 3.
Step 3: Combine the like terms
Next, combine the like terms by adding or subtracting their coefficients. In this case, you would combine the coefficients of -2x, -4x, 5x. The coefficients are -2, -4, and 5, so the sum of these terms is -2 - 4 + 5 = -1.
Step 4: Simplify the expression
Finally, simplify the expression by combining the coefficients and keeping the common variable(s). In this example, the simplified expression would be -x + 3.
To summarize, when combining like terms with subtraction:
1. Identify the like terms.
2. Rearrange the expression to group like terms together.
3. Combine the coefficients by adding or subtracting.
4. Simplify the expression by keeping the common variable(s).
By following these steps, you can easily use subtraction to combine like terms in algebraic expressions.