Tips for Identifying Like Terms

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 113 views

In algebra, like terms are expressions that have the same variables raised to the same powers. When simplifying expressions, it's essential to identify and combine like terms to make the expression more manageable. In this article, we'll explore what makes like terms and how to identify them.

What are Like Terms?

Like terms are expressions that have the same variables raised to the same powers. For example, in the expression $$5m^2n$$, the variables are $$m$$ and $$n$$, and the powers are $$2$$ and $$1$$, respectively. To be considered like terms, another expression must have the same variables raised to the same powers.

Identifying Like Terms

To identify like terms, we need to examine the variables and their powers in each expression. Let's consider the given monomial $$5m^2n$$ and the options provided:

A. $$-m^2n$$: This expression has the same variables ($$m$$ and $$n$$) raised to the same powers ($$2$$ and $$1$$, respectively). Therefore, it is considered a like term with the given monomial.
B. $$11m²ⁿ2$$: This expression has the same variable $$m$$ raised to the same power ($$2$$), but it also has an additional variable $$n$$ raised to a different power ($$2$$). Therefore, it is not considered a like term with the given monomial.
C. $$-3mn$$: This expression has different variables ($$m$$ and $$n$$) raised to different powers ($$1$$ and $$1$$, respectively). Therefore, it is not considered a like term with the given monomial.
D. $$5mn^2$$: This expression has different variables ($$m$$ and $$n$$) raised to different powers ($$1$$ and $$2$$, respectively). Therefore, it is not considered a like term with the given monomial.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the only expression that is considered a like term with the given monomial $$5m^2n$$ is option A, $$-m^2n$$. This is because it has the same variables ($$m$$ and $$n$$) raised to the same powers ($$2$$ and $$1$$, respectively).

Additional Examples

To further illustrate the concept of like terms, let's consider a few more examples:

If we have the expression $$3x^2y$$, what are the like terms?
- $-2x^2y$$ is a like term because it has the same variables ($$x$$ and $$y$$) raised to the same powers ($$2$$ and $$1$$, respectively).$
- $4x^2z$$ is not a like term because it has a different variable ($$z$$) raised to a different power ($$1$$).$
If we have the expression $$2a^2b2$$, what are the like terms?
- $-3a^2b^2$$ is a like term because it has the same variables ($$a$$ and $$b$$) raised to the same powers ($$2$$ and $$2$$, respectively).$
- $5a^2c^2$$ is not a like term because it has a different variable ($$c$$) raised to a different power ($$2$$).$

Tips for Identifying Like Terms

When identifying like terms, remember to examine the variables and their powers in each expression. Here are some tips to help you:

Look for the same variables raised to the same powers.
Ignore any coefficients (numbers in front of the variables).
Be careful with negative signs, as they can affect the power of a variable.

In this article, we'll address some common questions and concerns about like terms in algebra.

Q: What are like terms in algebra?

A: Like terms are expressions that have the same variables raised to the same powers. For example, in the expression $$5m^2n$$, the variables are $$m$$ and $$n$$, and the powers are $$2$$ and $$1$$, respectively. To be considered like terms, another expression must have the same variables raised to the same powers.

Q: How do I identify like terms?

A: To identify like terms, you need to examine the variables and their powers in each expression. Look for the same variables raised to the same powers, and ignore any coefficients (numbers in front of the variables). Be careful with negative signs, as they can affect the power of a variable.

Q: What are some examples of like terms?

A: Here are a few examples of like terms:

$3x^2y$$ and $$-2x^2y$$ are like terms because they have the same variables ($$x$$ and $$y$$) raised to the same powers ($$2$$ and $$1$$, respectively).$
$2a^2b^2$$ and $$-3a^2b^2$$ are like terms because they have the same variables ($$a$$ and $$b$$) raised to the same powers ($$2$$ and $$2$$, respectively).$

Q: What are some examples of unlike terms?

A: Here are a few examples of unlike terms:

$3x^2y$$ and $$4x^2z$$ are unlike terms because they have different variables ($$y$$ and $$z$$) raised to the same powers ($$2$$ and $$1$$, respectively).$
$2a^2b^2$$ and $$5a^2c^2$$ are unlike terms because they have different variables ($$b$$ and $$c$$) raised to the same powers ($$2$$ and $$2$$, respectively).$

Q: Can like terms be added or subtracted?

A: Yes, like terms can be added or subtracted. When adding or subtracting like terms, combine the coefficients (numbers in front of the variables) and keep the variables and their powers the same.

Q: How do I add or subtract like terms?

A: Here's an example of how to add or subtract like terms:

$3x^2y + (-2x^2y)$
Combine the coefficients: $$3 - 2 = 1$$
Keep the variables and their powers the same: $$1x^2y$$
Simplify the expression: $$x^2y$$

Q: Can unlike terms be added or subtracted?

A: No, unlike terms cannot be added or subtracted. Unlike terms have different variables or different powers, so they cannot be combined.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when working with like terms?

A: Here are some common mistakes to avoid when working with like terms:

Not identifying like terms correctly
Ignoring coefficients (numbers in front of the variables)
Not combining like terms when adding or subtracting
Adding or subtracting unlike terms

By understanding like terms and avoiding common mistakes, you'll be able to simplify expressions and solve algebraic equations with ease.