2. 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.

3. 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

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

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

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