1. The problem is to simplify algebraic expressions, which means to rewrite them in a simpler or more compact form without changing their value. 2. The main rules to remember are: - Combine like terms: terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. - Use the distributive property: $a(b+c) = ab + ac$. - Simplify constants and coefficients. 3. Example: Simplify $3x + 5x - 2 + 4$. 4. Combine like terms with $x$: $3x + 5x = 8x$. 5. Combine constants: $-2 + 4 = 2$. 6. So, the simplified expression is $8x + 2$. This process applies to all algebraic expressions: identify like terms, combine them, and simplify constants.