Simplifying and Finding the Sum of an Algebraic Expression
This article will guide you through the steps of simplifying and finding the sum of the following algebraic expression:
(7/4x - 5) + (2y - 3.5) + (-1/4x + 5)
Step 1: Identify Like Terms
Like terms are terms that have the same variable and exponent. In our expression, we have the following like terms:
- x terms: (7/4x) and (-1/4x)
- Constant terms: (-5), (-3.5) and (5)
y term: (2y) is the only term with the variable 'y'.
Step 2: Combine Like Terms
To combine like terms, we simply add or subtract their coefficients:
- x terms: (7/4x) + (-1/4x) = (6/4x) = (3/2x)
- Constant terms: (-5) + (-3.5) + (5) = -3.5
Step 3: Write the Simplified Expression
Now, we can write the simplified expression by combining the like terms:
(3/2x) + (2y) - 3.5
Conclusion
The sum of the expression (7/4x - 5) + (2y - 3.5) + (-1/4x + 5) is (3/2x) + (2y) - 3.5. This is the simplified form of the expression, where like terms have been combined.