111k views
5 votes
Why do terms have to be like terms?

User Srini K
by
4.9k points

1 Answer

6 votes

Answer:

Like terms are terms that contain the same variables raised to the same power. Only the numerical coefficients are different. In an expression, only like terms can be combined. We combine like terms to shorten and simplify algebraic expressions, so we can work with them more easily.

User Chali
by
5.3k points