Like and Unlike Terms

Like and Unlike Terms

In algebra, knowing which terms you can combine is important. That’s where the concept of like terms and unlike terms comes in.

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✅ What Are Like Terms?

Like terms are terms that:

Have the same variable, and

Have the same exponent (power)

Only the coefficients (numbers in front) can be different.

Examples of Like Terms:

2x and 5x

3a² and -7a²

x and -x

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❌ What Are Unlike Terms?

Unlike terms have:

Different variables, or

The same variables but different powers

Examples of Unlike Terms:

3x and 4y

2a and 2a²

x and x²

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✍️ Examples

Example 1:

Which of the following are like terms?

5y, -2y, 3x, 7y

✅ Like terms: 5y, -2y, 7y

❌ Unlike term: 3x

Example 2:

Group the like terms:

2m, 3n, -4m, 5n, 6

Like terms: 2m, -4m and 3n, 5n

Constant: 6 (unlike any other)

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📝 Practice Questions

1. Identify the like and unlike terms in this set: 6x, -3x, 4y, x²

2. Group the like terms in: 2a, 3b, 5a, -2b, 7

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✅ Keep learning! Stay tuned for the next topic!

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