Adding and Subtracting Like Terms

Adding and subtracting like terms is the same as adding and subtracting of numbers, i.e., natural numbers, whole numbers and integers.

So, the sum and the difference of several like terms is another like term whose coefficient is the sum and the difference of the coefficient of several like terms.


Examples of adding like terms:

1. Add 7mn, -9mn, -8mn

The sum will be another like term with coefficient 7 + (-9) + (-8) = -10

Therefore, 7mn + (-9mn) + (-8mn) = -10mn


2. Sum of 5xyz, -7xyz, -9xyz and 10xyz

The sum will be another like term with coefficient 5 + (-7) + (-9) + (10) = -1

Therefore, 5xyz + (-7xyz) + (-9xyz) + 10xyz = -1xyz

Examples of subtracting like terms:

1. Subtract 12xy from 27xy

The difference will be another like term with coefficient 27 – 12 = 15

Therefore, 27xy – 12xy = 15xy


2. Difference of 15ab from 7ab

The difference will be another like term with coefficient 7 – 15 = -8

Therefore, 7ab – 15ab = -8ab


Examples of combining addition and subtraction of like terms:

1. Combine the like terms and then simplify 7a – 3b + 4ab + 9b – 6ab – 3a

= 7a – 3a – 3b + 9b + 4ab – 6ab         arrange the like terms

= (7 - 3)a + (-3 + 9)b + (4 - 6)ab       combine like terms

= (4)a + (6)b + (-2)ab                      simplify

= 4a + 6b - 2ab  


2. Combine the like terms and simplify -5z5 + 2 – 3z3 + 8z + 7z3 – 4z5 – z.

= -5z5 – 4z5 – 3z3 + 7z3 + 8z – z + 2              arrange the like terms.

= (-5 – 4)z5 + (-3 + 7)z3 + (8 - 1)z + 2           combine like terms.

= (-9)z5 + (4)z3 + (7)z + 2                            simplify.

= -9z5 + 4z3 + 7z + 2

While adding and subtracting like terms we collect different groups of like terms, then we find the sum and the difference of like terms in each group.

Terms

Like and Unlike Terms

Like Terms

Addition of Like Terms

Subtraction of Like Terms

Adding and Subtracting Like Terms

Unlike Terms

Addition of Unlike Terms

Subtraction of Unlike Terms









Algebra Page

6th Grade Page

From Adding and Subtracting Like Terms to HOME PAGE




Didn't find what you were looking for? Or want to know more information about Math Only Math. Use this Google Search to find what you need.



New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. Ask a Question or Answer a Question.




Share this page: What’s this?

Recent Articles

  1. Worksheet on 14 Times Table | Printable Multiplication Table | Video

    Mar 25, 25 11:41 PM

    worksheet on multiplication of 14 times table
    Worksheet on 14 times table can be printed out. Homeschoolers can also use these multiplication table sheets to practice at home.

    Read More

  2. 5th Grade Relation Between HCF and LCM | Solved Examples | Worksheet

    Mar 25, 25 10:23 AM

    Here we will discuss about the relationship between hcf and lcm of two numbers. Product of two numbers = Product of H.C.F. and L.C.M. of the numbers. Solved Examples on 5th Grade Relation Between HCF…

    Read More

  3. 5th Grade Least Common Factor (LCM) | Factorization & Division Method

    Mar 25, 25 02:39 AM

    L.C.M. of 20, 30, 36 by Division Method
    We already familiar with the least common multiple which is the smallest common multiple of the numbers. The least (lowest) common multiple of two or more numbers is exactly divisible by each of the g…

    Read More

  4. 5th Grade Highest Common Factor | HCF | GCD|Prime Factorization Method

    Mar 24, 25 11:58 PM

    Find the H.C.F. of 12, 36, 48
    The highest common factor (H.C.F.) of two or more numbers is the highest or greatest common number or divisor which divides each given number exactly. Hence, it is also called Greatest Common Divisor…

    Read More

  5. 5th Grade Factors and Multiples | Definitions | Solved Examples | Math

    Mar 23, 25 02:39 PM

    Prime Factor of 312
    Here we will discuss how factors and multiples are related to each other in math. A factor of a number is a divisor which divides the dividend exactly. A factor of a number which is a prime number is…

    Read More

Terms - Worksheets

Worksheet on Like and Unlike Terms

Worksheet on Addition of Like Terms

Worksheet on Subtraction of Like Terms

Worksheet on Adding and Subtracting Like Terms

Worksheet on Combining Like Terms

Worksheet on Addition of Unlike Terms

Worksheet on Subtraction of Unlike Terms