Question

How do you simplify $ 2x + 3 + x $ ?

Answer 1

Hint: To simplify this question , we need to solve it step by step . We should know that we can apply operations only on the like terms . We cannot perform calculations on different terms . In our given question , there are two different categories of the term in our question , that is we have one constant and two variables making up an algebraic expression . Here 2x and x are like terms and the constant alone cannot be used in any operation . Following this method can result in the required solution .

Complete step-by-step answer:
In order to solve the expression , we should know the following things –
Like terms are the terms which have the same variables . And opposite to these are called Unlike terms which do not have variables or powers in common .
Here 2x and x are like terms , so we can apply additional operations on the terms . Also , the constant 3 in the question is alone in the question . No other constant is present in the Question other than 3 so we cannot apply additional operation on that and it will remain as it is .
We can solve it in this way =>
 $\Rightarrow 2x + 3 + x $
 $\Rightarrow 2x + x + 3 $
 $\Rightarrow 3x + 3 $
We can also take 3 common from the expression as –
 $\Rightarrow 3x + 3 $
 $\Rightarrow 3(x + 1) $
Therefore , the final answer to this question is $ 3x + 3 $ or $ 3(x + 1) $ .
So, the correct answer is “ $ 3(x + 1) $ ”.

Note: In like terms The Coefficients can be different but should have the same variable with the same power .
For example – 3x and 2x ,they are having different coefficients 2 and 3 but have common variable ‘ x’ , so these are like terms .
Always remember you can perform calculations only between like terms .
Also the terms are always separated with the operators ( addition or subtraction ) .
Do not get confused between the terms Literal and variable these are the same terms .