Combining Like Terms

Title: Combine Like Terms

Why: Combining like terms is essential to algebraic problem solving.

Success Criteria:

After completion of this module, learners will be able to 1. Define terms and like terms. 2. Simplify algebraic expressions involving addition and subtraction.

Prerequisites: Learners should know how to combine signed numbers. Resources and Information: Download the Combining Like terms file found at this link: mahara.oeruniversitas.org/view/view.php

 Plan and/or Tasks: 

Experience: 
 * 1) Read the information and examples for combining like terms.
 * 2) Using the first example, redo it on another piece of paper without looking at the answer. Then, check your work.

Key Questions (Critical Thinking Questions)
 * 1) Simplify: 2ab + 7ba (Apply the Commutative Property for Multiplication to get like terms)
 * 2) Give an example of a term that could be added to 4ab.
 * 3) 3x2 -4xy +8y2 + (? ? ?) = x2-7xy +12y2 4. 3a – 2ab + 4ac – 14b + ( ? ? ? ? ?) = -6ab - 8ac + 20b + 5c 5. Give a real-life example as a model for combining like terms.

Skill Exercises: 
 * 1) Simplify: a. 7u + 12uv – 9v +8z -14u + 15z -v b . 15pq -6p + 12 – 8p c. a + b + 4c +4 – a – b - 4
 * 2) Explain how to combine like terms to someone you know.

Problems:
 * 1) Create a problem with an answer of 18abc + 4ab – 6ac - 13

Validation: Ask your coach to check answer. Be prepared to explain what you did.

Reflection on Learning:
 * 1) What strengths did you exhibit in learning about combining like terms?
 * 2) In what areas would you like to improve your understanding of combining like terms?
 * 3) What insight did you gain from your investigation of combining like terms?