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How do you combine like terms?

Answer 1

Eli Assouline

By using the variable(s) and exponent(s), you combine like terms.

To combine, the exponent and variables must match.

So take #x^2 + x#. Variables (x and x) match, but exponents (2 and 1) do not, so you cannot combine

Take #x^2 + y^2#. Exponents (2 and 2) match, but variables (x and y) do not.

Now, take #3x^2 + 5x^2# These CAN be combine since the variable of x and power of 2 match.

So we have #3x^2 + 5x^2 = (3 + 5)x^2 = 8x^2#

similar to the term calculator

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Answer 2

Hazel Anglin

To combine like terms, identify terms with the same variables raised to the same powers, then add or subtract their coefficients.

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Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.