How do you identify the terms, like terms, coefficients, and constants in #5n-2n-3+n#?

1 Answer
Principal
Dec 19, 2016

Like Terms: #5n#,#-2n# and #n#.

Coefficients: #5#, #-2# and #1#.

Constants: #-3#

Explanation:

Like terms are numbers with similar attributes that can be combined. In this case we are given #3#. See below:

#5n-2n+n=?#

These are like terms and can be combined to get the final number.

#5n-2n+n=4n#

The number in front of the variable is called the coefficient. In this case, the coefficient in front of first, second and third #n# are:

#5,2 and 1#.

There is an invisible #1# in front of the third coefficient. Do not forget that it will always be #1# if there is no designated numeral already in front of the coefficient.

A variable is a value that is able to change over the course of an equation.

A constant is a number that that is on it's own. In this example we are given only #1# constant. See below:

Constants: #-3#.

Therefore we can re-write this expression simply as:

#5n-2n+n-3=?#

Now simplify:

#4n-3#. Since we aren't solving for #n#, this is our simplified expression.

Answers: (See Below)

Simplified Expression: #4n-3#

Like Terms: #5n#,#-2n# and #n#.

Coefficients: #5#, #-2# and #1#.

Constants: #-3#.

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