What process involves collecting like terms and identifying common factors in equations?

The process of collecting like terms and identifying common factors in equations is correctly described by the concept of simplifying equations. When simplifying equations, you combine similar terms to make the expression easier to work with. This often involves adding or subtracting coefficients of like variables and can also include factoring out common factors to streamline the equation.

The primary goal of simplification is clarity and efficiency in mathematical expressions, allowing for quicker calculations and easier problem-solving. Simplifying is foundational in algebra, as it prepares equations for further operations such as solving or graphing.

In contrast, factoring expressions specifically refers to the process of rewriting an expression as a product of its factors, which, while it can overlap with simplification, is a more specific action than the broader context of simplifying. Expanding expressions involves distributing a multiplier across terms, which is the opposite of what occurs during simplification. Evaluating functions is about finding the output of a function given specific inputs, rather than simplifying or rearranging expressions.