Like Terms
This Grade 6 algebra skill from Yoshiwara Elementary Algebra introduces like terms—terms in an algebraic expression that share the same variable(s) raised to the same power(s). Students learn to identify and combine like terms to simplify expressions, which is a fundamental skill for solving equations.
Key Concepts
Property Like terms are any terms that are exactly alike in their variable factors. The numerical factor in a term is called the numerical coefficient , or just the coefficient of the term.
Examples In the expression $8a + 3a b$, the terms $8a$ and $3a$ are like terms because they both have the variable factor $a$. The term $ b$ is not like them. The terms $5xy$ and $ 2xy$ are like terms. The terms $5x$ and $ 2xy$ are not like terms because their variable factors, $x$ and $xy$, are different. In the term $15z$, the number $15$ is the numerical coefficient. In a term like $x$, the coefficient is understood to be $1$. For a term like $ y$, the coefficient is $ 1$.
Explanation Like terms are terms that have the exact same variable part, including any exponents. You can think of them as being the same 'type' of item, which allows you to group them together through addition or subtraction.
Common Questions
What are like terms in algebra?
Like terms are terms that have the same variable(s) raised to the same exponent(s). For example, 3x^2 and 7x^2 are like terms, but 3x^2 and 3x are not.
How do you combine like terms?
Add or subtract the coefficients of the like terms while keeping the variable part the same. For example, 5x + 3x = 8x.
Can constants be combined with variable terms?
No. Constants (numbers without variables) are only like terms with other constants. For example, 4 and 9 can be combined to get 13, but 4 and 3x cannot.
Why is identifying like terms important?
Combining like terms simplifies algebraic expressions, making them easier to work with when solving equations or evaluating expressions.
Where are like terms taught in Grade 6?
Like terms are introduced in the Yoshiwara Elementary Algebra textbook for Grade 6.