Identifying Like Terms
Like terms in an algebraic expression are terms that have the exact same variable raised to the same power. The coefficients can differ, but the variable parts must match exactly. For example, 4x and -7x are like terms because both have the variable x; 5y squared and y squared are like terms; but 3x and 3y are not like terms because they have different variables. Identifying like terms, taught in Reveal Math, Course 1, Module 5, is the essential first step before simplifying any algebraic expression in 6th grade.
Key Concepts
Like terms are terms in an algebraic expression that have the exact same variables raised to the exact same powers. Constant terms (numbers without variables) are also considered like terms.
Common Questions
What are like terms in algebra?
Like terms are terms in an expression that have the exact same variable raised to the same power. Constant terms (plain numbers) are also like terms with each other.
Are 4x and -7x like terms?
Yes. Both have the variable x to the first power. The coefficients 4 and -7 are different, but the variable parts match, so they are like terms.
Are 3x and 3y like terms?
No. Even though the coefficients are the same, the variables are different (x versus y), so they are not like terms and cannot be combined.
Are 5y squared and 2y like terms?
No. The first term has y to the second power and the second has y to the first power. Different powers make them unlike terms.
Why do we identify like terms in algebra?
Identifying like terms is the first step in simplifying expressions. You can only add or subtract terms that are like terms — combining unlike terms is not valid in algebra.
When do 6th graders learn about like terms?
Module 5 of Reveal Math, Course 1 introduces like terms in the Numerical and Algebraic Expressions unit.