How to combine like terms

Have you ever found yourself staring at a complex math problem, trying to make sense of a long string of numbers and variables? Perhaps you’re working on an algebra assignment that involves simplifying expressions, and the concept of combining like terms feels daunting. This situation can be even trickier if you’re preparing for a test, needing to submit homework, or trying to help your child with their studies. Understanding how to combine like terms is essential for simplifying expressions and solving equations effectively.

To combine like terms, identify terms in an expression that have the same variable(s) raised to the same power, then add or subtract their coefficients.

Combining like terms is a fundamental skill in algebra that helps simplify expressions and make calculations easier. Start by identifying the like terms in your expression; these are terms that have the same variables raised to the same powers–for example, 3x and 5x are like terms, while 3x and 4y are not. Once you’ve identified the like terms, you can combine them by adding or subtracting their coefficients. For instance, if you have the expression 2x + 3x, you would add the coefficients (2 + 3) to get 5x. It’s also important to remember to keep the variables consistent. If you’re dealing with constants, like 7 and 2, you simply add or subtract them directly. By repeatedly applying these steps, you’ll be able to simplify more complex expressions and solve equations with confidence.