Can Someone Help Me With Linear Expression?

Question

Math is not my best subject so I was wondering if any one could explain linear expressions to me. I f possible us this for the example.4a+7-2a+3

Answer 1

A linear expression is an expression with ONE variable raised to the order of ONE (that is, the variable is not squared or anything).

It is important to distinguish between an EXPRESSION and an EQUATION. An equation occurs when something is equal to something (e.g. 1=1, states that 1 is equivalent to 1).

An expression is simply a string of variables and numbers that represent ONE number (e.g. 1+1, which represents 2). You can tell between the two by the presence of an equal sign (=).

For example,

1 + x is an EXPRESSION whereas,

1 + x = 2 is an EQUATION.

The expression 1 + x does not mean a definite number. It is very much like a variable; it can equal just about anything since it simply acts as a placeholder. An equation, on the other hand, explicitly states that the expression is equal to something, thus giving the variable a value.

You may think of it as a lock and a key. An expression is like a lock, it is simply there and has no meaning until both lock and key are present (equation).

Now, consider your expression 4a + 7 - 2a + 3. The expression, like a lock, is simply there. It has potential, but means nothing. The entire thing could very well be a variable x, and still mean the same thing.

However, the expression can be simplified, much a 1 + 3 + 4 can be reduced to 8 (though it will not actually be a number). Gather the like terms (4a - 2a) + (7 +3), then simplify individually:
2a + 10. This expression is equivalent to the original, and simpler.

Answer 2

so the you subtract 4a and 2a to get 2a
then add 7 with 3 to get 10
answer is 2a+10