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Combining Like Terms
See It in Action
Two examples of the idea done right—and one common look-alike that is not right.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
NON-EXAMPLE
Definition
Combining like terms is a concept where terms that have the same variables raised to the same powers are simplified or grouped together. In mathematical expressions, terms are parts separated by addition or subtraction. To combine like terms, you add or subtract coefficients of terms that have identical variables.
For example, in the expression 3x + 2y - 5x + y :
Terms involving x are 3x and -5x.
Terms involving y are 2y and y.
Combining like terms involves adding or subtracting the coefficients of these terms:
3x − 5x = −2x
2y + y = 3y
So, the expression simplifies to -2x + 3y. This is the result after combining like terms.
Video
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