Algebraic expressions can be simplified by gathering like terms. Like terms are terms that feature the same variable, usually shown by a letter.
Part ofMathsExpressions and equations
Collecting like terms means to simplify terms in expressions in which the variables (usually letters) are the same.
Look at the expression \(2x + 5y + x - 3y\)
There are four terms in the expression:
Two of the terms involve the variable \(x\) and two involve the variable \(y\).
We can rearrange the expression so that the like terms are together:
\(2x + x + 5y - 3y\)
Now we can combine the \(x\) terms and combine the \(y\) terms:
\(3x + 2y\)
Collect like terms and simplify this algebraic expression:
\(a + 4b + 3a - 3b\)
Rearrange the expression so the like terms are together:
\(a + 3a +4b - 3b\)
Combine the \(x\) terms and combine the \(y\) terms.
\(4a + b\) (\(a+3a = 4a\) and \(4b-3b = b\))
