Combining Like Terms

Vocabulary

100

In an expression, the parts being added together or subtracted. Example: 4x + 3x + 3y + 7y

terms

200

Terms that contain the same variable(s). These terms can be combined. Example: 3x + 9x or 7y + 3y

like terms

300

A mathematical phrase that contains numbers, operations, and/or variables (but no = sign). Example: 5x + 4y + 5 - 2x

algebraic expression

400

The mathematical term for the number next to the variable. (example: 2x)

coefficient

500

A symbol, usually a letter of the alphabet, used to represent a quantity that can change.

variable

Combining Like Terms 1(Add)

100

8a + 15a + a + 9

24a + 9

200

5x + 35 + 3x + 2

8x + 37

300

32 + 12t + 16t + 8

28t + 40

400

6p + 32 + 16p + 2 + 4p

26p + 34

500

m + 20n + 25m + 6n

26m + 26n

Combining Like Terms 2(Add & Subtract)

100

17w + 5 - 7w + 15

10w + 20

200

19a + 6b - 17a - 4b + 9b - 2a

11b

300

2f - 1f - 6 + 5f

6f - 6

400

5r + 5q -2q - r

4r + 3q

500

53t + 20r + 17 - 10t - 17 - 20r

43t