Simplifying Expressions

Definition: Simplifying expressions involves combining like terms to reduce the expression to its most concise form.
Example:
- Original expression: $3x + 4 - 2x + 7$
- Step 1: Group like terms together.
  - Identify the terms with the variable $x$ : $3x$ and $-2x$
  - Identify the constant terms: $4$ and $7$
- Step 2: Rewrite the expression by grouping like terms.
  - $(3x - 2x) + (4 + 7)$
- Step 3: Combine the like terms.
  - $(3x - 2x) = x$
  - $(4 + 7) = 11$
- Step 4: Write the simplified expression.
  - $x + 11$
Solution: The simplified form of the expression $3x + 4 - 2x + 7$ is $x + 11$ .