Learn the 3-Step Method
1Find the like terms.
Terms with the same letter: 3a and 2a are like; 3a and 3b are not.
2Add or subtract their numbers.
3a + 2a: add the 3 and 2 → 5a. The letter stays put.
3Leave unlike terms alone.
2a + 3b won't combine — it's already as simple as it gets.
Worked Example
Simplify 5x + 2y + 3x − y.
Watch Out! Common Mistakes
Wrong! Different letters can’t merge — 2 apples + 3 bananas isn’t 5 “apple-bananas”. It stays 2a + 3b.
Wrong! a means 1a, so 4a − 1a = 3a.
Watch the sign! The y is being TAKEN AWAY: 2y − y = y.
⬇ Cheat Sheet
- Like terms share the same letter.
- Add/subtract the numbers; the letter stays.
- A bare letter counts as 1 of it.
- Unlike terms stay separate: 2a + 3b is finished.
📖 Continue Your Journey
Quick summary
- Like terms have the same letter and can be combined: 3a + 2a = 5a.
- Unlike terms stay separate: 2a + 3b is already simplified.
- A letter alone means one of it: 4a − a = 3a.
- Keep subtraction signs attached to the terms they belong to.
Frequently asked questions
What are like terms?
Terms containing the same letter: 3a and 2a are like terms and combine to 5a; 3a and 3b are unlike and stay separate.
Why isn't 2a + 3b equal to 5ab?
Because a and b are different unknown numbers — adding two of one and three of the other doesn't make five of some combined thing.
What does a letter with no number mean?
One of that letter: a is 1a. So 4a − a leaves 3a, not 4.
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