Question

Simplify. If it is not possible to simplify, explain why.

a) 4k - 2k

b) 8n - n

c) 3z - 7z

d) p - 6

Answer 1

`\boxed{a) \ \mathtt{4k-2k=2k}}`

`\boxed{b) \ \mathtt{8n-n=7n}}`

`\boxed{c) \ \mathtt{3z-7z=-4z}}`

`\boxed{\textsf{d) Not Alike.}}`

Explanation:

`\textsf{We are asked to simplify expressions, if it's possible.}`

`\textsf{For most of these problems, we will need to combine like terms.}`

`\Large\underline{\textsf{What is Combining Like Terms?}}`

`\textsf{As it may sound like, combining like terms means adding, or subtracting together}`

`\textsf{like terms. Terms that have the same variables are alike; Terms that have differences aren't.}`

`\large\underline{\textsf{Bad Example:}}`

`\textsf{Combine 3x and 4y.}`

`\textsf{We can't combine these 2 terms because they both have different variables.}`

`\large\underline{\textsf{Good Example:}}`

`\textsf{Combine 3x and 4x.}`

`\textsf{We can combine these terms because they're alike.}`

`\textsf{Let's begin with a.}`

`\textsf{4k and -2k are alike, hence we can combine like terms.}`

`\boxed{a) \ \mathtt{4k-2k=2k}}`

`\textsf{Let's continue with b.}`

`\textsf{8n and -n are alike, hence we can combine like terms.}`

`\boxed{b) \ \mathtt{8n-n=7n}}`

`\textsf{Let's continue with c.}`

`\textsf{3z and -7z are alike, hence we can combine like terms.}`

`\boxed{c) \ \mathtt{3z-7z=-4z}}`

`\textsf{Lastly, let's continue with d.}`

`\textsf{p and -6 are not like terms. It's impossible to combine a whole number and a variable.}`

`\boxed{\textsf{d) Not Alike.}}`