Combining Like Terms

Front

What are like terms?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 3x and 5x are like terms, while 3x and 4y are not.

Front

How do you combine like terms?

Back

To combine like terms, add or subtract the coefficients of the terms that have the same variable. For example, 3x + 5x = (3+5)x = 8x.

Front

Simplify: 5x + 3x

Back

8x

Front

Simplify: 7y - 2y + 4y

Back

9y

Front

What is the coefficient in the term 4x?

Back

The coefficient is 4.

Front

What happens when you combine terms with different variables?

Back

You cannot combine terms with different variables. For example, 3x + 4y remains as is.

Front

Simplify: 10a + 5b - 3a + 2b

Back

7a + 7b

Front

What is the first step in simplifying an expression?

Back

Identify and group like terms.

Front

Simplify: -2x + 5x - 3x

Back

0x or simply 0.

Front

What is the result of combining 6m and -2m?

Back

4m