Combining Like Terms
Like terms are algebraic terms that share the exact same variables raised to the exact same powers (e.g., 3x² and 5x² are like terms; 3x² and 3x are not).
Example: 4x + 7 − 2x + 5 → (4x − 2x) + (7 + 5) = 2x + 12.
Algebra 7 min read
Simplifying Algebraic Expressions: Combining Like Terms Guide
Learn how to simplify algebraic expressions by combining like terms, expanding parentheses with the distributive property, and removing negative signs.
Published August 11, 2026
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Updated: August 11, 2026
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