Are Combining Like Terms?

Like Terms: Terms that have identical variable parts (same variable(s) and same exponent(s)). When simplifying using addition and subtraction, you combine “like terms” by keeping the "like term" and adding or subtracting the numerical coefficients.

What's another word for combining like terms?

How does the verb combine differ from other similar words? Some common synonyms of combine are associate, connect, join, link, relate, and unite.

Is combining like terms a property?

Like terms can be added or subtracted using the Distributive Property . The variable part stays the same; we just add the coefficients (the numerical portion of the terms). Unlike terms cannot be added or subtracted.

Marcus Vance

Marcus Vance

Cybersecurity & Digital Privacy Researcher

Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.