Combining Like Terms 101

Front

What does it mean to combine like terms?

Back

Combining like terms means to simplify 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 - y = 4y

Front

What is the coefficient in the term 7a?

Back

The coefficient is 7, which is the number multiplying the variable a.

Front

Simplify: 10m - 3m + 2m

Back

9m

Front

What is the constant term in the expression 5x + 3?

Back

The constant term is 3, which does not change regardless of the value of x.

Front

Simplify: 6p + 4 - 2p + 3

Back

4p + 7

Front

What is the first step in combining like terms?

Back

Identify and group the like terms together.

Front

Simplify: 8a + 3b - 2a + 5b

Back

6a + 8b