What is what does it mean to simplify an expression?

Simplifying an expression means rewriting it in a more concise and easily understandable form. The goal is to make the expression easier to work with, without changing its mathematical value. Here's a breakdown:

• Combining Like Terms: This involves identifying terms with the same variables raised to the same powers and combining their coefficients. For example, 3x + 2x simplifies to 5x. See Combining Like Terms for more information.

• Using the Distributive Property: This involves multiplying a term outside of parentheses by each term inside the parentheses. For example, 2(x + 3) simplifies to 2x + 6. Further details can be found at Distributive Property.

• Factoring: This involves breaking down an expression into its factors. This is the opposite of the distributive property.

• Order of Operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS): Following the correct order of operations (Parentheses/Brackets, Exponents/Orders, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction) is crucial for simplification. Learn about Order of Operations.

• Simplifying Fractions: This involves reducing a fraction to its lowest terms by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor. Also involves simplifying complex fractions.

• Simplifying Exponents: This involves applying the rules of exponents to reduce expressions with exponents to simpler forms. See details about Simplifying Exponents.

• Rationalizing the Denominator: This involves removing radicals (like square roots) from the denominator of a fraction.