An expression is a mathematical phrase that combines numbers, variables, and operations. It does not contain an equal sign, and its value can be calculated by substituting values for the variables and performing the operations.
Simplifying expressions allows us to manipulate and understand mathematical equations more easily. It also helps to find equivalent expressions and to solve more complex problems.
To simplify an expression, we use the order of operations (PEMDAS) to perform operations in the correct order. We also combine like terms and use properties of operations, such as the distributive property, to simplify the expression.
No, not all expressions can be simplified. Some expressions are already in their simplest form, and others may require advanced techniques or cannot be simplified at all.
Some common mistakes include not following the order of operations, forgetting to distribute a negative sign, and incorrectly combining like terms. It is important to check your work and simplify step by step to avoid these errors.