Introduction:

In algebra, combining like terms is a process of simplifying an expression by grouping terms that have the same variables and exponents. It's like tidying up your room by putting similar toys in the same box!

Simple Explanation:

What is Combining Like Terms?

In algebra, we often deal with expressions that have letters (variables) and numbers. Some of these terms look the same because they have the same variables and exponents.

Combining like terms means adding or subtracting these similar terms to make our expression simpler.

Steps to Combine Like Terms:

Identify Like Terms (Find the Friends):

Look for terms that have the same letters and exponents. These are like terms, just like finding toys of the same kind to put together.

For example, in the expression "3x + 2y + 5x - 4y," the like terms are "3x" and "5x" because they both have "x" as the variable, and "2y" and "-4y" because they both have "y" as the variable.

Combine Like Terms (Friendship Time!):

Once you find like terms, add them together if they are friendly or subtract them if they are not so friendly.

In our example, we add "3x" and "5x" to get "8x," and we add "2y" and "-4y" to get "-2y."

Example:

Simplifying an Expression:

Let's simplify the expression "3x + 2y + 5x - 4y."

First, we find the like terms: "3x" and "5x," and "2y" and "-4y."

We add the like terms: "3x + 5x = 8x" and "2y - 4y = -2y."

So, the simplified expression is "8x - 2y."

Key Points to Remember:

Combining like terms means adding or subtracting terms that have the same variables and exponents.

It's like sorting toys of the same kind and putting them together.

Activity:

Use objects or drawings to represent terms with variables and practice combining like terms visually.

Create your own expressions to simplify and have fun with algebra!

Extra Tip:

Imagine the like terms as friends who want to be together in the same group!