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.
Review this brief definition and examples in this encyclopedia entry.