Enter coefficient:power pairs and collect matching powers of x
Terms as coefficient:power pairs
Result
Simplified Expression
Step-by-Step Derivation
Combine Like Terms Formula
axⁿ + bxⁿ = (a+b)xⁿ
Like terms have the same variable power, so only their coefficients are added or subtracted. The exponent stays the same, and terms with different powers remain separate in the simplified expression.
⚠Note: Enter each term as coefficient:power. Constants use power 0, so 7 is entered as 7:0.
What Are Like Terms?
Like terms are terms that have identical variable parts. In a single-variable expression, this means the same power of x. Combining them makes an expression shorter without changing its value.
Same Power
3x² and -5x² are like terms because both use x².
Different Power
x and x² are not like terms and cannot be combined.
Constants
All constants are like terms because they have power 0.
Zero Coefficients
If combined coefficients equal zero, that term disappears.
💡 Example: 3x²-5x²+4x-2x+7 = -2x²+2x+7.
Applications of Combining Like Terms
Expression SimplificationEquation SolvingPolynomialsAlgebra Practice
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a combine like terms calculator?▼
It groups terms with the same variable power and adds their coefficients to simplify an expression.
What are like terms?▼
Like terms have the same variable part and the same exponent, such as 3x² and -5x².
Can constants be combined?▼
Yes. Constants are like terms because they all have no variable part.
Can x and x² be combined?▼
No. x and x² have different exponents, so they are not like terms.
Why combine like terms?▼
Combining like terms makes expressions shorter and prepares them for solving, graphing, or factoring.
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