like terms
In mathematics, “like terms” refer to terms that have the same variables raised to the same powers
In mathematics, “like terms” refer to terms that have the same variables raised to the same powers. These terms can be added or subtracted from one another. Like terms help simplify expressions by allowing us to combine or collect similar terms together.
To determine if terms are like terms, we need to compare the variables and their exponents. For example, consider the following terms:
2x, 5x, and 3x – these terms are all like terms because they all have the variable x raised to the power of 1.
4x^2, 7x^2, and 2x^2 – these terms are like terms because they all have the variable x raised to the power of 2.
However, terms such as 3xy and 5x^2 are not like terms because they have different variables (y in the first term and x^2 in the second). Similarly, terms like 4x and 4x^2 are not like terms because the exponents of x are different.
When combining like terms, we can add or subtract their coefficients while keeping the variable and its exponent unchanged. For example:
3x + 2x is equal to (3 + 2)x, which simplifies to 5x.
2x^2 – 5x^2 is equal to (2 – 5)x^2, which simplifies to -3x^2.
Combining like terms allows us to simplify algebraic expressions, making them easier to work with and solve.
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