Combining Like Terms

Front

Define 'Combining Like Terms'.

Back

Combining like terms is the process of simplifying an expression by adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

Front

What is a 'like term'?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable(s) raised to the same power. For example, 3x and 5x are like terms.

Front

Simplify: 2x + 3x.

Back

5x

Front

Simplify: 4y + 2y - y.

Back

5y

Front

Simplify: 7a + 3b - 2a + 4b.

Back

5a + 7b

Front

What is the first step in combining like terms?

Back

Identify and group the like terms in the expression.

Front

Simplify: 5x^2 + 3x^2 - 2x^2.

Back

6x^2

Front

Simplify: 10m - 4m + 2n - n.

Back

6m + n

Front

What happens when you combine unlike terms?

Back

Unlike terms cannot be combined; they remain separate in the expression.

Front

Simplify: 3x + 4y - 2x + y.

Back

x + 5y