• 1.7: Definition and Examples of Like Terms

    Like terms have the same variables using the same exponents, but may have different numerical coefficients. You need to recognize like terms to add and subtract them. For example, 3x and 8x are like terms because they have the same variables and exponents. The terms 3x and 8x2 are not like terms because, although the variables are the same, the exponents on the variables are different.