Combining like terms involves simplifying expressions by adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable(s) raised to the same power(s). Here is a step-by-step guide on how to combine like terms:
1. Identify the terms: Look for terms that have the same variable(s) raised to the same power(s). For example, in the expression 3x + 2y + 5x - 4y, the terms are 3x, 2y, 5x, and -4y.
2. Group the like terms: Gather the terms with the same variable(s) together. In our example, the like terms would be 3x and 5x, and 2y and -4y.
3. Combine the coefficients: Add or subtract the coefficients of the like terms. For the terms 3x and 5x, the combined coefficient would be 3 + 5 = 8. Similarly, for 2y and -4y, the combined coefficient would be 2 - 4 = -2.
4. Rewrite the expression: Write the combined terms using the variable(s) and the combined coefficient. In our example, the simplified expression would be 8x - 2y.
So, combining like terms simplifies the expression 3x + 2y + 5x - 4y to 8x - 2y.