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, you add or subtract the coefficients of the terms that are alike. For example, 3x + 5x = (3 + 5)x = 8x.

Front

What is the first step in simplifying the expression 2x + 3x - 4?

Back

The first step is to combine the like terms 2x and 3x, which gives you 5x - 4.

Front

What is the result of combining the like terms 7a + 2b + 3a?

Back

The result is (7a + 3a) + 2b = 10a + 2b.

Front

What does it mean to simplify an expression?

Back

Simplifying an expression means to combine like terms and reduce it to its simplest form.

Front

What is the coefficient in the term 4xy?

Back

The coefficient in the term 4xy is 4.

Front

What is the sum of the like terms 5m - 2m + 3m?

Back

The sum is (5 - 2 + 3)m = 6m.

Front

If you have the expression 2x + 3y - 4x + 5y, how do you simplify it?

Back

Combine like terms: (2x - 4x) + (3y + 5y) = -2x + 8y.

Front

What is the difference between like terms and unlike terms?

Back

Like terms have the same variable and exponent, while unlike terms do not. For example, 2x and 3x are like terms, but 2x and 3y are unlike terms.

Front

How do you identify like terms in an expression?

Back

Look for terms that have the same variable(s) raised to the same power. For example, in 4x^2 + 5x - 2x^2, 4x^2 and -2x^2 are like terms.