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Adding and Subtracting of Polynomials

When you want to add and subtract any terms with each other, you can only make use of a like term.

What is a Like Term?

Like Terms are terms whose variables (and their exponents such as the 2 in "like" each other. 

Note: the coefficients (the numbers you multiply by, such as "5" in 5x) can be different. 

For example : 7x, -2x and x all have the same variables. 

Note: You can't add the terms if it has different exponents.

For example :  

Steps to follow when adding terms

• Place like terms together.
• Add or subtract the like terms (Depends on the given sign). 

For example : Add  

Start with:                             

Place like terms together:  

                                                 

When is a term different from another term?

1. Different exponents
2. Different variables (2x, 2y, 2xy - all different variables)
3. Constants

Here are a few questions that can be done in your time :

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Here is a video that will guide you if you want to recap :

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