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Add and Subtract Like Terms – Define like terms – Terms with the same variable parts, e.g., 5x and 3x – Explore equivalent expressions – Expressions that have the same value, even if they look different – Today’s goal: Add & subtract like terms – Learn to combine terms that are alike to simplify expressions – Practice with examples – Use sample problems to apply what we’ve learned | This slide introduces the concept of like terms and their role in creating equivalent expressions. Begin by defining like terms as those that have identical variable parts, which can be combined through addition or subtraction. Explain that equivalent expressions are different expressions that represent the same value. Today’s goal is to practice adding and subtracting like terms to simplify algebraic expressions. Provide examples and encourage students to solve them, reinforcing their understanding of the concept. This will serve as a foundation for more complex algebraic manipulations in future lessons.

Understanding Like Terms – Definition of like terms – Terms with identical variables and exponents, e.g., ‘a’ in 2a and 3a – Examples of like terms – 3x and 5x are like terms, as are 7y² and -2y² – Non-examples for clarity – 4x and 4y are NOT like terms; x and x² are NOT like terms – Adding and subtracting like terms – Combine by adding or subtracting coefficients: 3x + 5x = 8x | This slide introduces the concept of like terms as a foundation for simplifying algebraic expressions. Emphasize that like terms must have exactly the same variable part, including the exponent. Provide clear examples and non-examples to solidify understanding. When adding or subtracting like terms, only the numerical coefficients are combined; the variable part remains unchanged. Encourage students to practice with additional examples and to explain their reasoning when identifying like terms.

The Importance of Like Terms – Combining like terms simplifies – Like terms have the same variables and powers. E.g., 2x and 5x can be combined to 7x. – Simplification eases equation solving – Simplified expressions are less complex, making it easier to find solutions. – Organize similar items in real life – Like sorting fruits: apples with apples, oranges with oranges. – Practice with real-world problems | Understanding like terms is crucial for students as it is the foundation for simplifying algebraic expressions. By combining terms with the same variables and exponents, students can reduce the complexity of expressions, which is a key step in solving equations. Relate this concept to organizing similar items in real life, such as sorting fruits or books, to make it more tangible. Encourage students to apply this knowledge by giving them real-world problems where they have to identify and combine like terms to simplify and solve equations.

Adding Like Terms – Combine like term coefficients – Add numbers in front of the same variables – Example: 2x + 3x = (2+3)x – Demonstrates combining like terms – Practice: Add 4a + 7a – Solve the practice problem together | This slide introduces the concept of adding like terms in algebraic expressions. Emphasize that like terms have the same variable raised to the same power. Show that only the coefficients (the numbers in front of the variables) are added together. Use the example provided to illustrate the process. For the practice problem, guide students to add the coefficients of ‘a’ and write the sum as a single term. Encourage students to work through the problem and check their understanding. This is a fundamental skill in algebra that will be used in simplifying expressions and solving equations.

Subtracting Like Terms – Subtract coefficients of like terms – Example: 5y – 2y = (5-2)y – Like terms have the same variable part; here, ‘y’ is the like term. – Practice problem: 9m – 3m – Apply the concept: What is 9m – 3m? – Simplify to find the solution – Combine the coefficients and keep the variable the same. | This slide focuses on teaching students how to subtract like terms by simplifying the coefficients. Start by explaining that like terms have the same variable part and can be combined by performing operations on the coefficients only. Use the example provided to illustrate the process, and then give the students the practice problem to solve on their own. Encourage them to apply the same steps: identify like terms, subtract the coefficients, and write the resulting term. The goal is for students to understand that the variable part remains unchanged while the coefficients are being subtracted. This is a fundamental skill in algebra that will be used in solving equations and simplifying expressions.

Combining Like Terms with Coefficients – Coefficients may be positive or negative – Example: 3x – 5x simplifies to -2x – Subtract the coefficients: 3 – 5 equals -2 – Practice: Combine -4b + 6b – Add the coefficients: -4 + 6 equals 2 – Like terms have the same variables – Terms with the same variable parts can be combined | This slide focuses on teaching students how to combine like terms that have different coefficients. Emphasize that coefficients represent the number of times a variable is being added and can be positive or negative. Use the example provided to show how to subtract coefficients when combining like terms. For the practice problem, guide students to add the coefficients of like terms. Remind them that only terms with the same variable parts can be combined. Encourage students to solve the practice problem and check their understanding. Provide additional examples if necessary to ensure comprehension.

Class Activity: Simplifying Algebraic Expressions – Work in pairs on expressions – Add and subtract like terms – Combine terms with the same variable, e.g., 3x + 2x = 5x – Share solutions with the class – Reflect on the simplification process – Discuss strategies and challenges faced | This activity is designed to promote collaborative learning as students work in pairs to simplify algebraic expressions. The focus is on identifying and combining like terms through addition and subtraction. Provide students with a set of expressions to simplify, ensuring a mix of difficulty levels. As they work, circulate the room to offer guidance and check for understanding. After completing the task, each pair will share their solutions with the class, fostering a discussion on different approaches and strategies used. Encourage students to reflect on the process and articulate any challenges they encountered. This will help them learn from each other and reinforce their understanding of like terms in algebraic expressions. Possible activities: 1) Simplify 5x + 3 – 2x + 8, 2) Combine 6y – 4y + 9, 3) Subtract 7m from 10m + 5, 4) Add 2n + 6n – 3n + 4.

Homework and Next Steps: Mastering Like Terms – Complete the practice worksheet – Focus on adding and subtracting like terms – Study for the quiz on equivalent expressions – Review today’s lesson and practice problems – Next class: Multiplying and Dividing Like Terms – Get ready to explore multiplication and division with like terms – Practice makes perfect! | The homework is designed to reinforce the concepts of adding and subtracting like terms, which are crucial for understanding equivalent expressions. Provide students with a worksheet that includes a variety of problems, ensuring they get ample practice. Encourage them to review their class notes and any additional resources provided to prepare for the upcoming quiz. The next class will build on these skills by introducing multiplication and division of like terms. Remind students that consistent practice is key to mastery and to approach each problem step by step. Offer support and remind them of office hours or additional help if needed.