Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) Basic Math Placement Practice Test

What is the simplified form of x + x?

1. x²

2. 2x

3. 1x

4. 0

The correct answer is: 2x

The expression x + x represents the addition of two identical terms, both equal to x. When combining like terms in algebra, you simply add the coefficients of the terms. In this case, the coefficient in front of x is 1 for both terms. Therefore, when you add them together, you get: 1x + 1x = (1 + 1)x = 2x. This process of simplifying the expression shows that the correct simplified form of x + x is indeed 2x. This highlights the principle that when you combine like terms, you only change the coefficients, while the variable remains the same.