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Adding and Subtracting Terms

Adding and Subtracting Terms

Like Terms can be added and subtracted.

In an expression 2b+3b, there are two lots of b and three lots of b, which gives 5 lots of b altogether. Therefore 2b+3b=5b. This is called simplifying an expression.

The expression 3c+4d cannot be simplified, because c and d are unlike terms. This is also true of the expression 3+4e, as the number and 4e are unlike terms.

Another term that cannot be simplified is 3f+4f2. The f and the f2 are different powers and are therefore unlike terms.

Example 1

Simplify 3p+4p-5t

The 3p and the 4p can be added together as they are like terms. The 5t cannot be subtracted from the other terms, as it is an unlike term.

3p+4p-5t=7p-5t

Answer: 7p-5t

Example 2

Simplify 3m+2m-2m2-5m

The m terms can be added together, as they are all like terms.

3m+2m-5m=0m, which means there are no ms.

The remaining term is 2m2

Answer: 2m2

See also Vocabulary