The Basics of Adding and Subtracting Expressions

Adding and subtracting expressions is like combining or taking away things you have.

Instead of numbers we can have letters or numbers in our expressions.

For example,

Adding expressions: If you have the expression "x + 3," it means you have "x" of something, and someone gives you 3 more. So, "x + 3" would be "x plus 3."

Subtracting expressions: If you have the expression "y - 2," it means you have "y" of something, but you need to take away 2. So, "y - 2" would be "y minus 2."

Remember, the basic idea is to put together things you have when you add, and take away things you don't need when you subtract. That's the fun of adding and subtracting expressions!