1. Objective - To combine like terms to simplify expressions.
Lesson 1.5 Combining Like Items
1:5 Combining Like Terms
Objective - To combine like terms to simplify expressions.
Term - a product or quotient involving numbers
and/or variables. Terms are separated in expressions
by addition or subtraction.
Examples of terms:
-3x 5 y
-ab
Algebra I by James Wenk © 2003 published by TEACHINGpoint as part of the Expert Systems for Teachers Series
Algebra 1 by James Wenk © 2003 published by TEACHINGpoint

2. Numerical terms - numerals. All rational numerical
terms can be combined.
Examples:
Variable terms - Terms with variables and coefficients.
Only like variable terms can be combined.
Examples: 3x y m
Coefficient - The numeral in a variable term usually
preceding the variable.
Examples: 3x y m 1
Algebra I by James Wenk © 2003 published by TEACHINGpoint as part of the Expert Systems for Teachers Series

3. Like terms - variable terms that differ only in their coefficients.
Unlike Terms
7x x
7x y
5y y 5y
10xy yx
2a ab
Algebra I by James Wenk © 2003 published by TEACHINGpoint as part of the Expert Systems for Teachers Series

4. Simplify by combining like terms.
1) 7x - 4y + 2x - y
6) x + 3y - 17x
9x - 5y
-21x + 3y + 10
2) 3m + 10n - 4m + 1
7) 6r - 2.3s - -9r - 3.5s
-m + 10n + 1
15r - 5.8s
3) 7x + 3y 8)
7x + 3y 1
2 p - 5q 6
4) 6x - (5x) + 2x + (-3)
9) m - - m - 27
3x - 3
-13m - 11
5) 4k - (2j) - 6k - j
10) 8e + 3f + (-5e) - -5f
-2k - 3j
3e + 8f
Algebra I by James Wenk © 2003 published by TEACHINGpoint as part of the Expert Systems for Teachers Series

5. Irrational numbers can’t be combined with rational numbers.
Irrational Terms
Irrational numbers can’t be combined with
rational numbers.
Like terms
Unlike terms
Algebra I by James Wenk © 2003 published by TEACHINGpoint as part of the Expert Systems for Teachers Series

6. Simplify by combining like terms.1) 6) 2) 7) 3) 8) 4) 9) 5)
10)
Algebra I by James Wenk © 2003 published by TEACHINGpoint as part of the Expert Systems for Teachers Series