Simplifying the Expression (3x + 1/2) + (7x - 4 1/2)
This article will walk you through the steps of simplifying the expression (3x + 1/2) + (7x - 4 1/2).
Understanding the Expression
The expression (3x + 1/2) + (7x - 4 1/2) involves:
- Variables: The variable 'x' represents an unknown value.
- Coefficients: Numbers that multiply the variables (3 and 7).
- Constants: Numbers that stand alone (1/2 and -4 1/2).
Simplifying the Expression
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Remove Parentheses: Since we are adding the two expressions, the parentheses do not affect the order of operations. We can simply remove them: 3x + 1/2 + 7x - 4 1/2
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Combine Like Terms: Identify terms with the same variable and constant terms. Combine them: (3x + 7x) + (1/2 - 4 1/2)
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Simplify: Perform the addition and subtraction: 10x - 4
Final Result
The simplified form of the expression (3x + 1/2) + (7x - 4 1/2) is 10x - 4.
This is the most simplified form of the expression, as we cannot further combine the terms with the variable 'x' and the constant term.