Math Study Guide: Topic 10: Basic Algebra (pages 48-49)

Question 1

In any one problem, is X always the same number?

Answer 1

Yes

Example:

Just as 2 x 7 + x 7 = 5 x 7

2x + 3 x = 5x

Question 2

If you don’t know what numbers X and Y represent, what are two things you can do?

Answer 2

You can combine like terms.

Example: x + 3y + 4x +5y = 5x + 8y

You can also factor out like terms.

Example: 3x + 6y = 3(x + 2y)

Question 3

1x is the same as what?

Answer 3

x