Simplifying Algebraic Expressions (Jump to: Lecture | Video )

When dealing with algebraic expressions, we want to simplify them to their most basic form. Take the following equation:

2x + 2 + (3x + 4)

Like terms can be added and subtracted to simplify the expression above.

5x + 6

Let's try another example:

4x + (2x + 4) + 2y + 7

This expression can be simplified to:

6x + 2y + 11

While it may seem simple and obvious here, the ability to simplify expressions is an important skill for more advanced topics, where expressions become much more complicated.