• Here are some pointers when solving expression equations:
     
                      Vocabulary
    expressions
     
    Combining Like Terms
    When you combine like terms, combine the terms that look the same.  So, all terms that have an x will be combine together using the operation to the left of the term.  All free standing numbers, also known as constant terms, will be combine together as well.
    ***YOU CAN NOT COMBINE TERMS WITH DIFFERENT VARIABLES.  EXAMPLE: 3x AND 5y.  OR 3x AND 7.
    combining like terms

    Distributive prop
    When you distribute you use multiplication.  So for this example you will:
     
             1.multiply the 4 by the 3x as well as +2.         
     12x+8
                
    2. Then multiply the 2 by x and -3.
    2x-6
     
    3.  Combine the like terms.
        12x+2x=14x
         8+(-6) or 8-6=  2
     
    4.  FINAL ANSWER: 14x+2