Combining Like Terms and Expressions

Only a combination of letters

Only a combination of numbers

A number, letter, or combination of both by multiplication or division

A number or letter only

X

3X/Y

9

8XY

Terms with only numbers

Terms with the same variables and exponents

Terms with only letters

Terms with different variables

5x^2 and 8x^3

4a and 4b

4xy and 15xy

3a and 2b

To avoid mistakes in calculations

To solve equations faster

To simplify expressions correctly

To memorize formulas

19xy

11xy

20xy

16xy

3a

5a

6a

4a

13x^2

10x^2

15x^2

12x^2

5ab

4ab

5a

4a

By multiplying the coefficients

By adding the exponents

By subtracting the coefficients

By adding the coefficients