Simplify The Expression: $\[-3x - 21\\]
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Introduction
Simplifying expressions is a fundamental concept in mathematics, particularly in algebra. It involves combining like terms and eliminating any unnecessary components to arrive at a simpler form of the expression. In this article, we will focus on simplifying the given expression: ${-3x - 21}$. We will break down the steps involved in simplifying this expression and provide a clear understanding of the process.
Understanding the Expression
The given expression is $-3x - 21}$. This expression consists of two terms$ and ${-21}$. The first term is a multiple of the variable , while the second term is a constant.
Combining Like Terms
Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. In this case, we have two like terms: ${-3x}$ and ${-21}$. However, we cannot combine these terms directly because they have different variables. The first term has the variable , while the second term is a constant.
Eliminating the Constant Term
To simplify the expression, we can eliminate the constant term by adding its opposite. The opposite of ${-21}$ is . Therefore, we can add to the expression to eliminate the constant term.
Simplifying the Expression
Now that we have eliminated the constant term, we can simplify the expression by combining the like terms. However, as mentioned earlier, we cannot combine the terms ${-3x}$ and because they have different variables. Therefore, the simplified expression remains ${-3x - 21}$.
Conclusion
Simplifying expressions is an essential skill in mathematics, particularly in algebra. In this article, we have focused on simplifying the given expression: ${-3x - 21}$. We have broken down the steps involved in simplifying this expression and provided a clear understanding of the process. By following these steps, you can simplify any linear expression and arrive at a simpler form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the simplified form of the expression ${-3x - 21}$?
A: The simplified form of the expression ${-3x - 21}$ remains ${-3x - 21}$ because we cannot combine the like terms.
Q: How do I simplify a linear expression?
A: To simplify a linear expression, you need to combine like terms and eliminate any unnecessary components.
Q: What are like terms?
A: Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.
Tips and Tricks
Tip 1: Identify the Like Terms
When simplifying an expression, it is essential to identify the like terms. Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.
Tip 2: Eliminate the Constant Term
To simplify an expression, you can eliminate the constant term by adding its opposite.
Tip 3: Combine the Like Terms
Once you have eliminated the constant term, you can combine the like terms to simplify the expression.
Real-World Applications
Simplifying expressions has numerous real-world applications. For example, in physics, you may need to simplify expressions to describe the motion of objects. In engineering, you may need to simplify expressions to design and optimize systems.
Conclusion
Simplifying expressions is a fundamental concept in mathematics, particularly in algebra. In this article, we have focused on simplifying the given expression: ${-3x - 21}$. We have broken down the steps involved in simplifying this expression and provided a clear understanding of the process. By following these steps, you can simplify any linear expression and arrive at a simpler form.
Final Thoughts
Simplifying expressions is an essential skill in mathematics, particularly in algebra. It involves combining like terms and eliminating any unnecessary components to arrive at a simpler form of the expression. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can simplify any linear expression and arrive at a simpler form.
Final Tip
Remember, simplifying expressions is not just about combining like terms. It is also about eliminating any unnecessary components to arrive at a simpler form of the expression. By following these steps, you can simplify any linear expression and arrive at a simpler form.
Final Question
What is the simplified form of the expression ${-3x - 21}$?
A: The simplified form of the expression ${-3x - 21}$ remains ${-3x - 21}$ because we cannot combine the like terms.
Final Answer
The final answer is ${-3x - 21}$.
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Introduction
Simplifying expressions is a fundamental concept in mathematics, particularly in algebra. It involves combining like terms and eliminating any unnecessary components to arrive at a simpler form of the expression. In this article, we will focus on simplifying the given expression: ${-3x - 21}$. We will break down the steps involved in simplifying this expression and provide a clear understanding of the process.
Q&A: Simplifying Expressions
Q: What is the simplified form of the expression ${-3x - 21}$?
A: The simplified form of the expression ${-3x - 21}$ remains ${-3x - 21}$ because we cannot combine the like terms.
Q: How do I simplify a linear expression?
A: To simplify a linear expression, you need to combine like terms and eliminate any unnecessary components.
Q: What are like terms?
A: Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.
Q: Can I combine the terms ${-3x}$ and ${-21}$?
A: No, you cannot combine the terms ${-3x}$ and ${-21}$ because they have different variables.
Q: How do I eliminate the constant term?
A: To eliminate the constant term, you can add its opposite. The opposite of ${-21}$ is .
Q: What is the opposite of a negative number?
A: The opposite of a negative number is a positive number. For example, the opposite of ${-21}$ is .
Q: Can I simplify the expression ${-3x + 21}$?
A: Yes, you can simplify the expression ${-3x + 21}$ by combining the like terms. The simplified form of the expression is ${-3x + 21}$.
Q: What is the difference between the expressions ${-3x - 21}$ and ${-3x + 21}$?
A: The expressions ${-3x - 21}$ and ${-3x + 21}$ differ only by the sign of the constant term. The first expression has a negative constant term, while the second expression has a positive constant term.
Q: Can I simplify the expression ${-3x - 21 + 3x}$?
A: Yes, you can simplify the expression ${-3x - 21 + 3x}$ by combining the like terms. The simplified form of the expression is ${-21}$.
Q: What is the difference between the expressions ${-3x - 21}$ and ${-21}$?
A: The expressions ${-3x - 21}$ and ${-21}$ differ only by the variable term. The first expression has a variable term, while the second expression does not have a variable term.
Tips and Tricks
Tip 1: Identify the Like Terms
When simplifying an expression, it is essential to identify the like terms. Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.
Tip 2: Eliminate the Constant Term
To simplify an expression, you can eliminate the constant term by adding its opposite.
Tip 3: Combine the Like Terms
Once you have eliminated the constant term, you can combine the like terms to simplify the expression.
Real-World Applications
Simplifying expressions has numerous real-world applications. For example, in physics, you may need to simplify expressions to describe the motion of objects. In engineering, you may need to simplify expressions to design and optimize systems.
Conclusion
Simplifying expressions is a fundamental concept in mathematics, particularly in algebra. In this article, we have focused on simplifying the given expression: ${-3x - 21}$. We have broken down the steps involved in simplifying this expression and provided a clear understanding of the process. By following these steps, you can simplify any linear expression and arrive at a simpler form.
Final Thoughts
Simplifying expressions is an essential skill in mathematics, particularly in algebra. It involves combining like terms and eliminating any unnecessary components to arrive at a simpler form of the expression. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can simplify any linear expression and arrive at a simpler form.
Final Tip
Remember, simplifying expressions is not just about combining like terms. It is also about eliminating any unnecessary components to arrive at a simpler form of the expression. By following these steps, you can simplify any linear expression and arrive at a simpler form.
Final Question
What is the simplified form of the expression ${-3x - 21}$?
A: The simplified form of the expression ${-3x - 21}$ remains ${-3x - 21}$ because we cannot combine the like terms.
Final Answer
The final answer is ${-3x - 21}$.