Mathematically, you are using the distributive property in reverse. You "factor out" the common
If you are a parent or tutor trying to explain this, ditch the worksheets for a moment. Use physical objects. 3x plus 4x
The two terms are like terms because they both contain the variable x raised to the same power (1). Combine the coefficients: 3 + 4 = 7 Thus: 3x + 4x = 7x Mathematically, you are using the distributive property in
The numbers 3 and 4 are coefficients. They tell you how many groups of "x" you have. In the expression 3x , the multiplication between 3 and x is implied. 3x plus 4x