Algebra – Collecting Like Terms
What does "Collecting Like Terms" mean?
In algebra, like terms are terms that have the same letter(s) (also called variables) and the same powers.
When we collect like terms, we add or subtract the numbers in front of the letters (these numbers are called coefficients).
What are Like Terms?
✅ Like Terms:
4𝑥 and 9𝑥 → both have the variable x
2ab and 5ab → both have the variables ab
❌ Not Like Terms:
4x and 4y → different letters
3m and 3m² → powers are different
Examples:
✏️ Simplify the expression: 9a + 5a − 2a
All the terms are like terms (they all have the letter a).
So just add or subtract the numbers:
(9 + 5 − 2) = 12
Answer: 12a
✏️ Simplify the expression: 6n + 5k + 4k − 2k + n
➡ Group like terms together:
n terms: 6n + n = 7n
k terms: 5k + 4k − 2k = 7k
Answer: 7n + 7k
🎯 Top Tips:
🔍 Look carefully for the same letter(s) – only collect terms that match exactly.
➕ ➖ Only add or subtract the numbers in front – the letter stays the same.
🧹 Tidy your work by grouping like terms together first – it makes it easier.
💡 No need to multiply or square anything unless you're told to – just collect terms!