Recognising like terms in algebra
Identify terms representing the same type of quantity. Terms with matching variables and powers can be combined; not all terms containing letters belong together.
Try it yourself first.
Simplify 3x + 2y + 4x − y. Use different colours to show the terms you combine.
View the solution or example answer
3x + 4x = 7x and 2y − y = y, giving 7x + y. Different variables cannot be combined into 8x or 8y.
Your next step.
Keep each term’s sign with it when grouping. Substitute small values for x and y to check that the original and simplified expressions agree.
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