Loading...

Now that you know what like terms are, how do you combine them?

Combining like terms requires that you identify which terms are like first. Once you have them identified as like terms, you can add or subtract as indicated. Let's take a look at a few examples and then try some problems.

Example 1

Simplify by combining like terms: 3x - 5y - 2x
The like terms are 3x and -2x: 3x - 5y - 2x
Then group the like terms together: (3x - 2x) - 5y
Now subtract the like terms: (3 - 2)x - 5y
This is the furthest that this expression can be simplified. x - 5y

Example 2

Simplify by combining like terms: 22m - 15y + 33m - 12my + 13y
The like terms are 22m and 33m but also -15y and 13y. 22m - 15y + 33m - 12my + 13y
Then group the like terms together. Remember, you can change subtraction to addition of a negative if it's easier for you. (-15y + 13y) + (22m + 33m) - 12my
Now add the like terms: (-15 + 13)y + (22 + 33)m - 12my
This is the furthest that this expression can be simplified. -2y + 55m - 12my

You Try It!

Combine the like terms to simplify each of the expressions shown below. Click the problem to see the answer.

8x + 4xy - 3xy + 2x
-8x + 4xy - 3xy - 2x
5xy + 3x - xy + 2x
14 + 2x - 3y + 12