Simplify 4a + 3 + 2a

Step by step

The question

Question: simplify 4a + 3 + 2a.

Simplify means: write it shorter, with the same value.

1 Group like terms

Terms are the parts between the + and − signs.

Like terms are the same kind: same letters, same powers.

All the a terms go together.

Each colour is one kind.

We move like terms next to each other.

Each term takes its sign with it.

4a + 2a is 6a.

It is like 4 apples plus 2 apples: that is 6 apples.

So the expression is 6a + 3.

2 Check

Let's check.

We pick a number for each letter: a = 2.

We put it into the start.

Now into our answer.

Both give 15.

Same value, so 6a + 3 is right!

Let's look back.

First: group like terms.

Last: check.