In which of the following pairs of terms do the two terms have the same meaning?

It may help you to read Introduction to Algebra first

"Like terms" are terms whose variables (and their exponents such as the 2 in x2) are the same.

In other words, terms that are "like" each other.

Note: the coefficients (the numbers you multiply by, such as "5" in 5x) can be different.

Are all like terms because the variables are all x

(1/3)xy2

−2xy2

6xy2

xy2/2

Are all like terms because the variables are all xy2

Unlike Terms

If they are not like terms, they are called "Unlike Terms":

Combining Like Terms

You can add like terms together to make one term:

They are both like terms, so you can just add them:

7x + x = 8x

It is simpler to write x, and is so common that "1x" looks strange.

Some of the terms are like terms.

Combine like terms:

(4x3) + (3x2 − x2) + (2 − 7)

Then add like terms:

4x3  + 2x2 − 5