Question

Is it possible to collect like terms and end up with zero? Please

explain your answer and give an example.

Answer 1

it is NOT possible to collect like tems and end up with zero

Explanation:

When combining like terms, such as 2x and 3x, we add their coefficients.

For example, 2x + 3x = (2+3)x = 5x.

Answer 2

9514 1404 393

Answer:

yes

Explanation:

3x and -3x are like terms. When they are added, the result is zero.

3x -3x = 0

This fact is used extensively in the solution of equations.

Example

2x +3 = 3x

To solve this, we can add the term -2x to both sides of the equation. Then collecting terms gives 0 for the sum of x-terms on the left side. (That is why we chose -2x.)

2x -2x +3 = 3x -2x . . . . . add -2x to both sides

3 = x . . . . . . . collect terms