Sample response: With algebraic expressions, you can’t add and subtract any terms like you can add and subtract numbers. Terms must be like terms in order to combine them. So, you can’t always simplify an algebraic expression by following the order of operations. You have to use the distributive property to rewrite the expression and then combine like terms to simplify. With numeric expressions, you can either simplify inside the parentheses first or use the distributive property first. Check al
Answer
A
Algebraic expressions have terms.
B
Terms must be like to add and subtract.
C
You can’t always follow the order of operations with algebraic expressions.
Explanation
The sample response supports all three statements. It says algebraic expressions have terms, and that terms must be like terms to combine by addition or subtraction. It also explains that you cannot always simplify an algebraic expression by following the order of operations alone; you may need to use the distributive property first.
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