When you combine like terms in math, it's easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few things to watch out for:
Watching the signs: Always pay attention to the plus and minus signs.
For example, in (3x - 2x), you need to remember it combines to (1x) or just (x).
Combining the wrong terms: Only mix together terms that have the same variable and power.
For instance, you can't combine (2x^2) with (3x). They are different!
Keeping track of numbers in front: Remember to include the coefficients (the numbers in front of the letters).
In (4a + 5a), it adds up to (9a), not just (9).
By avoiding these mistakes, you'll find combining like terms much easier!
When you combine like terms in math, it's easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few things to watch out for:
Watching the signs: Always pay attention to the plus and minus signs.
For example, in (3x - 2x), you need to remember it combines to (1x) or just (x).
Combining the wrong terms: Only mix together terms that have the same variable and power.
For instance, you can't combine (2x^2) with (3x). They are different!
Keeping track of numbers in front: Remember to include the coefficients (the numbers in front of the letters).
In (4a + 5a), it adds up to (9a), not just (9).
By avoiding these mistakes, you'll find combining like terms much easier!