LIKE TERMS

Like Terms

Definition Of Like Terms

Like terms are monomials that contain the same variables raised to the same powers. They can be combined to form a single term.

More About Like Terms

While adding or subtracting, we add or subtract the like terms.
Like Radical Expressions: Like radical expressions are the radical expressions that have the same indices and radicands.

Video Examples: Combining Like Terms

Example of Like Terms

7a²b and 31a²b are like terms.
In the expression 6x² + 7xy - 9y³ - 3xy +7, the like terms are 7xy and - 3xy.

Solved Example on Like Terms

Ques: Simplify: 2xy + 4 + 3xy + y

Choices:

A. 4xy + 5y + 4
B. 6xy + y + 4
C. 5xy + y + 4
D. 6xy + 4y + 4
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Step 1: In the expression 2xy + 4 + 3xy + y, the like terms are 2xy and 3xy.
Step 2: So, the final expression is 5xy + y + 4.

Quick Summary

Like terms have identical variable parts.
Only the coefficients of like terms can be added or subtracted.
Combining like terms simplifies expressions.

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🍎 Teacher Insights

Use visual aids and manipulatives to demonstrate combining like terms. Emphasize the importance of identifying the variable parts correctly.

🎓 Prerequisites

Variables
Coefficients
Exponents
Monomials

Check Your Knowledge

Q1: Which of the following are like terms with 3x^2y?

A. 3xy^2 B. -5x^2y C. 2x^3y D. 4xy

Q2: Simplify the expression: 2a + 3b - a + 2b

A. 3a + 5b B. a + 5b C. a + b D. 5ab

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if terms have different variables?
A: If terms have different variables, they are not like terms and cannot be combined.

Q: Can I combine terms with different exponents?
A: No, like terms must have the same variables raised to the same powers. Different exponents mean they are not like terms.