1) The document shows the steps to solve an equation by combining like terms: 7x – 2x^2 – 5x – 4 + 6x^2 + 7. 2) The first step is to place like terms together, resulting in -2x^2 + 6x^2 + 7x - 5x - 4 + 7. 3) The second step is to add and subtract the like terms, resulting in the simplified equation 4x^2 + 2x + 3.

1. Solving Equations by
Combining Like Terms
Middle School Math
Melanie Wiscount

2. Our Equation
7x – 2x2 – 5x – 4 + 6x2 +7

3. First Step
Place Like Terms Together
7x – 2x2 – 5x – 4 + 6x2 + 7
+7x – 2x2 – 5x – 4 + 6x2 + 7

4. Second Step
Add & Subtract Like Terms
– 2x2 + 6x2 +7x – 5x – 4 + 7

5. Second Step
Add & Subtract Like Terms
– 2x2 + 6x2 +7x – 5x – 4 + 7
+2x +3
+ 4x2

6. Final Step
Write equation from largest degree of
variable, in alphabetic order
and omit starting positive sign
(if negative, would not omit from equation)
Largest degree of x
+ 4x2 +2x + 3

7. Solving Equations by
Combining Like Terms
7x – 2x2 – 5x – 4 + 6x2 + 7
4x2 +2x + 3