Addition of Polynomials Two terms are considered like terms if they: 1) are both constants, or 2) have the same variables with the same exponents on corresponding variables Recall the definition of like terms: The concept of like terms is important, since only like terms can be added together.

Example 1: Since the variables are the same with the same exponent, the terms are Like Terms. Add: You will recall that to add like terms, we use the distributive property. It is not necessary to write the middle step. Just do the addition in your head

Example 2: Since these are not like terms, they cannot be combined or added. Add:

Example 3: Since both terms have the same variables, with the same exponents on corresponding variables, they are Like Terms. Add:

Example 4: Drop the parentheses and write with like terms together, and add. Add: