Question

equivalent expression for the expression shown below. explain.
$\frac{p}{2} + \frac{p}{2}$

Explanation:

Step1: Identify like terms

The expression is $\frac{p}{2} + \frac{p}{2}$. Both terms have the same variable part $\frac{p}{2}$, so they are like terms.

Step2: Combine like terms

When combining like terms, we add the coefficients. The coefficient of each $\frac{p}{2}$ is 1 (since $\frac{p}{2}=1\times\frac{p}{2}$). So, $1\times\frac{p}{2}+1\times\frac{p}{2}=(1 + 1)\times\frac{p}{2}$.

Step3: Simplify the coefficient

Calculate $1 + 1 = 2$. Then, $2\times\frac{p}{2}$.

Step4: Simplify the expression

The 2 in the numerator and the 2 in the denominator cancel out (since $\frac{2p}{2}=p$).

Answer:

The equivalent expression is $p$. The original expression has two like terms $\frac{p}{2}$ and $\frac{p}{2}$. Combining their coefficients (1 and 1) gives $2\times\frac{p}{2}$, which simplifies to $p$.