SOLUTION: My question is to describe two methods for adding and subtracting linear expressions, but it doesn't make sense because I would have thought it would just be the same as any other

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> SOLUTION: My question is to describe two methods for adding and subtracting linear expressions, but it doesn't make sense because I would have thought it would just be the same as any other       Log On


   

Question 1204375: My question is to describe two methods for adding and subtracting linear expressions, but it doesn't make sense because I would have thought it would just be the same as any other addition, and my book doesn't go over this and I'm really confused.
Found 2 solutions by MathLover1, josgarithmetic:
Answer by MathLover1(20855) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

When an algebraic expression is a constant or a variable raised to the power of +1, this is a linear expression.
When adding or subtracting linear expressions, vertical method or horizontal method could be used.
(1) Vertical method:
Align like terms vertically and add or subtract.
example:
x+-+2+
+
3x+%2B+8
------------------------
4x%2B6

(2) Horizontal method:

Use properties of operations to group like terms and simplify.
example:


Answer by josgarithmetic(39838) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You ask about basic arithmetic and not really much more.

Linear expressions ax%2Bb and cx%2Bd;
You want TWO ways to add and to subtract them?

One should need to barest of instruction on this at most.
ADDING:
%28ax%2Bb%29%2B%28cx%2Bd%29
ax%2Bb%2Bcx%2Bd
ax%2Bcx%2Bb%2Bd
%28a%2Bc%29x%2Bb%2Bd
-
Do you know the name of the propertie allowing this?
cx%2Bd%2Bax%2Bb
cx%2Bax%2Bd%2Bb
ax%2Bcx%2Bb%2Bd
%28a%2Bc%29x%2Bb%2Bd


You work with the subtraction on your own.