Rewrite each expression using the distributive property and simplify, if possible. See Example 7.a + 7a
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Identify the common factor in the expression: both terms have 'a' as a common factor.
Apply the distributive property: factor out the common factor 'a' from the expression.
Rewrite the expression as a product: a(1 + 7).
Simplify the expression inside the parentheses: calculate 1 + 7.
Express the simplified form: a multiplied by the result from the previous step.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Distributive Property
The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac. This property allows us to multiply a single term by two or more terms inside parentheses, effectively distributing the multiplication across the terms. It is essential for simplifying expressions and solving equations in algebra.
Combining like terms involves adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. This process simplifies expressions by consolidating terms, making it easier to work with and understand the overall expression. For example, in the expression a + 7a, both terms are like terms and can be combined.
Simplification of algebraic expressions refers to the process of reducing an expression to its simplest form. This often involves using the distributive property, combining like terms, and eliminating any unnecessary components. The goal is to make the expression easier to interpret and work with in further calculations.