Simplifying Algebraic Expressions: A Step-by-Step Guide
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the algebraic expression: (-4/5t + 5/3s) + (-3 - 7/5s + 2t).
Understanding the Expression
The expression contains variables, represented by the letters t and s, and constants, which are the numerical values. The expression also includes coefficients, the numbers multiplying the variables (e.g., -4/5 is the coefficient of t).
Simplifying the Expression
To simplify the expression, we'll follow these steps:
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Remove the parentheses: Since we are adding the two expressions, the parentheses don't affect the order of operations. We can simply rewrite the expression without them: -4/5t + 5/3s - 3 - 7/5s + 2t
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Combine like terms: Identify terms that have the same variable and exponent.
- Combine the t terms: (-4/5t + 2t) = (2/5t)
- Combine the s terms: (5/3s - 7/5s) = (-4/15s)
- The constant term, -3, remains unchanged.
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Write the simplified expression: The simplified expression is: 2/5t - 4/15s - 3
Conclusion
By following these steps, we have successfully simplified the expression (-4/5t + 5/3s) + (-3 - 7/5s + 2t) to 2/5t - 4/15s - 3. Simplifying expressions like this is a crucial skill in algebra, as it helps to make them easier to work with and understand.