2. What is a term? Parts of a variable expression separated by an addition or subtraction sign What is a like term? Terms that contain the same variable and exponent

3. Here is a variable expression: 3x + 4y + 2x – 2y *** 3x, 4y, 2x, and -2y are the terms in this variable expression! *** 3x and 2x are the like terms in the expression! *** 4y and -2y are like terms TOO!!

4. Okayso a like term...... is a term that contains a number and a variable 7x, 5y, 8m, 3n,… REMEMBER: If there is variable by itself… 3x + y…it means 1y!

5. Consider these two expressions: 8x + 7x 8x + 7y

6. What makes them different? What do they have in common? 8x + 7x 8x + 7y LIKE TERMS UNLIKE TERMS

7. When combining like terms we combine everything that is the same: 3x + 4x – 5y + 8y 7x3y So our solution is:

8. 7x + 3y

9. TRY SOME OUT! 3x – 4x + 4y + 2y 4y + 3x – y + 4