Identifying like terms in algebraic expressions is pretty simple once you understand it. Here’s how I do it:
Check the Variables: Like terms have the same variable(s) raised to the same power. For example, in , both parts have the variable raised to the second power. So, they are like terms.
Look at the Numbers in Front: The numbers in front of the variables are called coefficients. They can be different. For instance, and are like terms because both have as their variable.
Forget About the Standalone Numbers: Numbers by themselves (we call these constants) can also be combined. So, in , both are constants and can be treated as like terms.
Putting Like Terms Together: Once you find the like terms, you can combine them by adding or subtracting the coefficients. For example, .
By organizing terms this way, algebra becomes much easier! Just remember to match the variables and their powers. This skill is super helpful for simplifying expressions and solving equations, which is a big part of math in Year 9.
Identifying like terms in algebraic expressions is pretty simple once you understand it. Here’s how I do it:
Check the Variables: Like terms have the same variable(s) raised to the same power. For example, in , both parts have the variable raised to the second power. So, they are like terms.
Look at the Numbers in Front: The numbers in front of the variables are called coefficients. They can be different. For instance, and are like terms because both have as their variable.
Forget About the Standalone Numbers: Numbers by themselves (we call these constants) can also be combined. So, in , both are constants and can be treated as like terms.
Putting Like Terms Together: Once you find the like terms, you can combine them by adding or subtracting the coefficients. For example, .
By organizing terms this way, algebra becomes much easier! Just remember to match the variables and their powers. This skill is super helpful for simplifying expressions and solving equations, which is a big part of math in Year 9.