Section 2.7 – Combining Like
Terms
Int. Math I
Coefficients:
- Coefficients: numbers in front of variables!!!
Examples of coefficients:
What are the coefficients in parts (a) & (b):
(a) -x + 3y
(b) 4x – 2x2
Like terms:
- Like terms: terms of an expression that have
the same variable raised to the same power.
Examples of like terms:
(a) 8x and 3x
(b) -10x2 and 4x2
Identifying like terms:
Identify the like terms in the expression.
1. -5x2 – x + 8 + 6x – 10
2. -3x2 + 2x + x2 – 4 + 7x
Simplifying expressions:
- When simplifying expressions with like terms,
only add together the coefficients of the like
terms.
- Hint: when simplifying expressions with like
terms, change all minus signs to adding the
opposite!!!
- Combine the like terms inside a set of ( )’s,
then add the coefficients!!!
Examples of simplifying expressions:
Simplify the expressions by combining like
terms.
1. 8x + 3x
3. 8x – 3y + 6x – 7y
2. 2y2 + 7y2 – y2 + 2
Try these problems:
Simplify the expressions by combining like
terms.
1. -6x + 4x
2. 5y2 – 4y2 + y2 – 3x + x
3. -2x + 2y – 4x – 8y