Combine like terms: \( 6x^2 + 15x - 8x - 20 = 6x^2 + 7x - 20 \).
["# Combine Like Terms: Simplify ( 6x^2 + 15x - 8x - 20 = 6x^2 + 7x - 20 )", "When solving algebraic expressions, one of the most fundamental and essential steps is combining like terms. Whether you're working on linear equations, quadratic expressions, or more complex polynomials, combining like terms streamlines your work and makes equations easier to solve, graph, or analyze.", "In this article, we’ll explore how to combine like terms in the expression:\n( 6x^2 + 15x - 8x - 20 = 6x^2 + 7x - 20 )", "---", "## What Are Like Terms?", "Like terms are terms that contain the same variables raised to the same powers. In this expression, the key like term pairs are:", "- ( 15x ) and ( -8x ) — both are degree 1 (linear) terms with variable ( x ).", "Constants like ( -20 ) also stand alone, as there are no other constant terms to combine with.", "---", "## How to Combine Like Terms Step by Step", "### Original Expression:\n[\n6x^2 + 15x - 8x - 20\n]", "### Step 1: Identify Like Terms\n- ( 15x ) and ( -8x ) are like terms (both linear, same variable).\n- Consider the constant ( -20 ) as a standalone.", "### Step 2: Combine Coefficients of Like Terms\nAdd or subtract the numerical coefficients of the like terms:\n[\n15x - 8x = (15 - 8)x = 7x\n]", "### Step 3: Write New Expression\nReplace the grouped terms with their simplified form:\n[\n6x^2 + 7x - 20\n]", "---", "## Final Simplified Expression\n[\n6x^2 + 7x - 20\n]", "Which matches the right-hand side:\n[\n6x^2 + 7x - 20\n]", "Thus, we’ve verified that:\n[\n6x^2 + 15x - 8x - 20 = 6x^2 + 7x - 20\n]\nis correct after correctly combining like terms.", "---", "## Why Combining Like Terms Matters", "- Simplifies equations for easier solving\n- Reduces complexity in algebraic manipulation\n- Helps identify patterns in functions and graphs\n- Prepares expressions for factoring, completing the square, or applying the quadratic formula", "---", "## Tips for Mastering Like Terms", "- Always group terms with the same variables and exponents\n- Watch out for signs — ( +15x - 8x <br/>\neq +15x + 8x )\n- Keep constant terms separate from variable terms\n- Practice with expressions of increasing complexity", "---", "## Summary", "Combining like terms is a foundational skill in algebra. In this example:\n[\n6x^2 + 15x - 8x - 20 = 6x^2 + 7x - 20\n]\nshowcases how combining the linear terms ( 15x - 8x ) yields ( 7x ), simplifying the expression cleanly and accurately.", "Use this method confidently in every equation — it’s the first step toward mastering algebra.", "---", "### Key Terms Recap", "| Term Type | Example | Note |\n|----------------|-----------------|--------------------------------|\n| Like terms | ( 15x ), (-8x) | Same variable, exponents |\n| Non-like terms | ( 6x^2 ), (-20) | Keep separate |\n| Constant | (-20) | No like term to combine with |", "If you want to dive deeper into algebraic simplification, practice combining terms daily — it pays off in every area of math!", "---", "Tags: #Algebra #LikeTerms #Polynomials #AlgebraSimplification #MathTips #ElementaryAlgebra #SolveEquations #LearnMath", "---", "Keywords Focus:\nCombine like terms, simplify algebra expressions, polynomial simplification, algebra tips, step-by-step solving, practice algebra, algebraic manipulation, general algebra, combining variables."]
