Combining like terms, 12x^2 y - 8x^2 y^2 + 11x^2 y - 4x^3 y^2 - 9xy^2

The video tutorial explains how to combine like terms in algebraic expressions. It begins by introducing the concept of like terms, which are terms with the same variable factors. The instructor demonstrates how to identify and combine these terms by adding their coefficients while keeping the variable factors unchanged. The tutorial includes examples to illustrate the process and concludes with a final solution, emphasizing the importance of recognizing like terms and correctly combining them.

What is the importance of having the exact same variable factors when combining like terms?

What do you do with terms that have different variable factors?

What should you do with terms that cannot be combined?

Explain why the terms X squared Y and 11 X squared Y can be combined.

How do you find the final answer when combining like terms?