Combining Like Terms

5x
3
+ 2
Coefficient
Exponent
Variable
Constant
-2x
5
7
Like Terms:
Same Variable(s)
Same Exponent(s)
Like Terms Not Like Terms
3x
2
10y
5x
2
5z
3
-x
2
-21xy

Are they or are they not like terms?
2x and 7x
Are they or are they not like terms?
y and -x
Are they or are they not like terms?
3y
2
and -3y
Are they or are they not like terms?
6x and 6y
Are they or are they not like terms?
-3x
4
and x
3

Are they or are they not?
2x
3
y and x
3
y
Are they or are they not?
x
2
y
3
and -5x
3
y
2

Combining Like Terms to Simplify
Algebraic Expressions
Step 1: Identify Like Terms
Step 2: Group Like Terms together
Step 3: Add coefficients of like terms

Example: -4x
2
+ 5x + 2 10x
2
+ x + 5y + 6
Step 1: -4x
2
+ 5x + 2 10x
2
+ x + 5y + 6
Step 2: -4x
2
10x
2
+5x + x + 5y + 2 + 6
Step 3: -14x
2
+ 6x + 5y + 8
Simplify
-2+8x+4-3x
Simplify
5y+9x-2x-6y
Simplify
-5x
2
+(x6)+5x
2
+6
Simplify
(15x+7) 12
Simplify
(14a-3b)+7c
Simplify
4y
2
+2y
3
7+yy
2

Simplify
3f+4g+2-3f-4g
Simplify
3jk-1k+8j-2jk
3 + 5 -2 + 100 -7