Simplifying Expressions: (5y - 1) + (-2y + 4)
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the expression (5y - 1) + (-2y + 4).
Understanding the Expression
The expression (5y - 1) + (-2y + 4) is a combination of terms involving variables and constants.
- Terms: Individual parts of the expression separated by addition or subtraction signs.
- Variable Terms: Terms containing a variable (in this case, 'y').
- 5y and -2y
- Constant Terms: Terms without a variable.
- -1 and 4
- Variable Terms: Terms containing a variable (in this case, 'y').
Simplifying the Expression
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Identify Like Terms: Look for terms with the same variable and exponent. In our expression, the like terms are:
- 5y and -2y
- -1 and 4
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Combine Like Terms: Combine the coefficients of the like terms.
- 5y - 2y = 3y
- -1 + 4 = 3
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Write the Simplified Expression: Combine the simplified terms.
- (5y - 1) + (-2y + 4) = 3y + 3
Conclusion
Therefore, the simplified form of the expression (5y - 1) + (-2y + 4) is 3y + 3. This process of combining like terms is a fundamental skill in algebra. It allows us to simplify expressions and make them easier to work with.