Objects are often represented in algebra by a single letter.
Like terms share the same letter(s) and power(s), eg 𝑥 or 𝑥²
Algebraic expressions can be collected together if they are like terms. This is done by adding or subtracting.
Find out how to collect like terms in algebra
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How to represent a problem using terms
3 apples and 2 plums can be represented as:
3a + 2p
If we were to add a further 2 apples and 4 plums to this, we would represent this as:
3a + 2a + 2p + 4p
3a, 4p etc. are called terms. Numbers without letters, are also known as terms.
What are 'like' terms?
Terms that contains the same letter(s) or power(s) are called like terms:
e.g. a, -21a and 550a are like terms. 13p, 440p and -2p are like terms. And 𝑥², 70𝑥² and -23𝑥² are all like terms, too.
How to collect terms
Example
3a + 2p + 2a + 4p
Firstly, re-write the equation so that the like terms are together:
3a + 2a + 2p + 4p
Finally use addition to collect them:
5a + 6p
Collecting terms with different mathematical signs
When collecting terms, the sign at the front of the number (co-efficient) tells us if we need to add or subtract them.
Example
3t - 2y + 10t - y - 12
Firstly, re-write the equation so that the like terms are together:
3t + 10t - 2y - y - 12
Finally, add or subtract where appropriate:
13t - 3y - 12
Like terms quiz
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More on Algebraic terms and expressions
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