Collecting Like Terms Flashcards

Terms in an algebraic expression that have the same variable(s) raised to the same power(s).

3x and 5x are like terms because they both have the variable x raised to the same power.

Terms in an algebraic expression that have different variables or powers and cannot be combined.

2x and 3y are unlike terms because they have different variables (x and y).

Add or subtract the coefficients of like terms while keeping the variable part unchanged.

7x (combine the coefficients 4 and 3).

3a (subtract the coefficients 5 and 2).

3x + 3y (combine 6x and -3x, and 2y and y).

x² + 7x (combine 2x² and -x², and 3x and 4x).

Only terms with the same variable(s) and power(s) can be combined.