Algebra
Combining Unlike Terms
Students add or subtract terms just because they are next to each other, like changing into .
Quick check
Why students make it
Students see the numbers and and want to combine them first. They overlook that and are different variable parts, so the terms do not represent the same kind of quantity.
The rule done right
Only like terms can be combined. Like terms have exactly the same variable part with the same exponents, such as and , but and are not like terms.
Related resources
-
Math, Combining Like Terms Infographic -
Math, Properties of Operations Infographic -
Solving One Step Linear Equations Infographic -
Math, Solving Multi-Step Equations Infographic - Algebraic Manipulation Reference Cheat Sheet
- Solving Multi-Step Equations Reference Cheat Sheet
- How to multiply two binomials (FOIL) Memory Aid Cheat Sheet
- Polynomial Operations Worksheet
- Math, How to Multiply Two Binomials (FOIL) Practice Worksheet
- Solving One-Step Equations Worksheet
- Solving Two-Step Equations Worksheet
- Linear Equations Worksheet
- Equation Balance Scale Tool
- Polynomial Factoring & Roots Explorer Tool
- Linear Equation Solver Tool
- Equation Balance & Intro Algebra Lab Lab
- Polynomial & Rational Functions Lab Lab
- Exponents & Radicals Lab Lab