"Like Terms"
It may help you to read Introduction to Algebra first
Like Terms
"Like terms" are terms whose variables (and their exponents such as the 2 in x2) are the same.
In other words, terms that are "like" each other.
Note: the coefficients (the numbers you multiply by, such as "5" in 5x) can be different.
Examples:
| Terms |
Why are they "Like Terms" |
| Like Terms: |
7x |
x |
-2x |
because the variables are all x |
| Like Terms: |
(1/3)xy2 |
-2xy2 |
6xy2 |
because the variables are all xy2 |
Combining Like Terms
You can add like terms together to make one term:
Example: 3x2 - 7 + 4x3 - x2 + 2
Combine like terms:
(3x2 - x2) + 4x3 + (2 - 7)
Then add like terms:
2x2 + 4x3 - 5
Unlike Terms
If they are not like terms, they are called "Unlike Terms":
| Terms |
Why are they "Unlike Terms" |
 |
-3xy |
-3y |
12y2 |
← these are all unlike terms
(xy, y and y2 are all different) |
|
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