Solve 2 + a/4 - 2: Basic Algebraic Expression Simplification

Q: Why can't I combine the fraction with the numbers 2 and -2?

Like terms must have the exact same variable part! The fraction $ \frac{a}{4} $ contains the variable 'a', while 2 and -2 are just numbers. You can only combine terms that are exactly alike.

Q: What happens to 2 - 2 in this expression?

When you have 2 - 2, they cancel out completely to give you 0. Since adding 0 doesn't change anything, you're left with just $ \frac{a}{4} $.

Q: Is there a specific order I should follow when simplifying?

Yes! First identify and group like terms together. Combine all the constants (numbers without variables), then deal with variable terms. This makes the process cleaner and reduces mistakes.

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 We will use the substitution law and arrange the exercise to make it easier to solve

00:09 We will group terms according to the grouping law

00:19 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

1

Understand the problem

$2+\frac{a}{4}-2=$

2

Step-by-step solution

We move the fraction to the beginning of the exercise and will place the rest of the exercise in parentheses to make solving the equation easier:

$\frac{a}{4}+(2-2)=$

$\frac{a}{4}+0=\frac{a}{4}$

3

Final Answer

$\frac{9}{4}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Combine Like Terms: Add or subtract constants first before dealing with variables
Technique: Group constants together: 2 - 2 = 0, leaving $\frac{a}{4}$
Check: Substitute any value for a: if a = 8, then $\frac{8}{4} = 2$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Trying to combine unlike terms
Don't combine $\frac{a}{4}$ with the constants 2 and -2 = wrong simplification! Variables and constants are unlike terms that cannot be combined. Always combine like terms separately: constants with constants, variables with variables.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ 13+5+5= $$ ?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I combine the fraction with the numbers 2 and -2?

+

Like terms must have the exact same variable part! The fraction $\frac{a}{4}$ contains the variable 'a', while 2 and -2 are just numbers. You can only combine terms that are exactly alike.

What happens to 2 - 2 in this expression?

+

When you have 2 - 2, they cancel out completely to give you 0. Since adding 0 doesn't change anything, you're left with just $\frac{a}{4}$ .

Is there a specific order I should follow when simplifying?

+

Yes! First identify and group like terms together. Combine all the constants (numbers without variables), then deal with variable terms. This makes the process cleaner and reduces mistakes.

How do I know when an expression is fully simplified?

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An expression is fully simplified when you cannot combine any more like terms. In this case, $\frac{a}{4}$ is the simplest form because there are no other terms with the variable 'a' to combine with.

What if the answer doesn't match any of the given options?

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Double-check your work step by step. Make sure you've correctly identified like terms and combined them properly. The correct answer should be $\frac{a}{4}$ , not one of the other options like $\frac{9}{4}$ .

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Solve 2 + a/4 - 2: Basic Algebraic Expression Simplification

Algebraic Simplification with Like Terms

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