If you earn 4h dollars during one shift and 3h dollars during another equal-length shift, your total is 7h dollars.
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Algebra 1 · Unit 1 · Micro-Lesson 5
Combine Like Terms
I cancombine like terms by combining their coefficients and keeping the variable parts unchanged.
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Why should I care?
Connect the Math to Real Life
Combining like terms makes long expressions shorter and helps total repeated costs, earnings, items, or points.
Important words
Build the Vocabulary
Read the meaning, then connect it to the example.
Combine
Join matching quantities by adding or subtracting their coefficients.
Coefficient
The number multiplying the variable part.
Simplify
Rewrite an expression in a shorter equivalent form.
See the pattern
Worked Examples
4x + 3x = (4 + 3)x = 7x
Combine the coefficients. Keep x because the quantity is still measured in x-units.
6x² + 2x − 3x² = 3x² + 2x
The x² terms combine. The x term does not match them.
Try it yourself
8-Question Practice
Choose an answer, check your thinking, and use the hint if you need another try.