Mastering Algebra: Learn How To Combine Like Terms For Simplifying Expressions

combining like terms

when you simplify an algebraic expression by combining terms with the same variable, and combining constant terms

Combining like terms is a process in algebra in which we add or subtract two or more terms that have the same variables and exponents. The goal is to simplify the expression by reducing it to its simplest form. Here are the steps to follow when combining like terms:

Step 1: Identify the like terms
Identify the terms that have the same variables and exponents. For example, in the expression 3x + 5x + 2y, the terms 3x and 5x are the like terms since they have the same variable x with the same exponent.

Step 2: Combine the coefficients
The coefficient is the numerical value that comes before the variable. To combine like terms, we add or subtract their coefficients. For example, in the expression 3x + 5x + 2y, we can combine the like terms by adding their coefficients to get 8x + 2y.

Step 3: Simplify the expression
After combining the like terms, simplify the expression by writing it in its simplest form. In our example, the final simplified expression would be 8x + 2y.

It’s important to note that not all terms in an expression can be combined. For example, in the expression 3x + 2y + 4, the terms 3x and 2y cannot be combined since they have different variables. Therefore, the expression would be its simplest form.

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