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To solve this algebraic expression problem, we proceed with the following steps:
Step 1: Identify the Like Terms:
The expression given is . Notice that the terms and are like terms involving .
Step 2: Combine the Like Terms:
To combine and , we need a common denominator. The least common denominator of 3 and 4 is 12.
Rewriting these fractions with a denominator of 12 gives:
, and .
Adding these gives:
.
Step 3: Present the Final Simplified Expression:
Now, substitute back the simplified terms involving into the expression:
.
Therefore, the simplified expression is .
This matches with choice 3 in the provided options.
The final solution is: .
Are the expressions the same or not?
\( 20x \)
\( 2\times10x \)
You need a common denominator to add fractions! Think of it like adding 2 thirds and 1 fourth - they're different sized pieces. Convert to and first.
Like terms have the exact same variable with the same exponent. Here, and both have just 'a', so they can be combined!
List multiples of each: 3: 3, 6, 9, 12... and 4: 4, 8, 12... The first common multiple is 12. For small numbers, this is often quicker than prime factorization!
No! The terms and have different variables (b and c), so they're not like terms and stay separate in your final answer.
Yes! Substitute specific values like a=12, b=8, c=8 into both the original and simplified expressions. If you get the same result from both, your simplification is correct!
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