You can simplify a polynomial by adding or subtracting like terms. Let's look at the trinomial below and identify the like terms.

4 x squared y cubed plus 3 x cubed y squared minus 2 x squared y cubed with an arrow pointing to 4 x squared y cubed and negative 2 x squared y cubed (like terms) and an arrow pointing to 4 x squared y cubed and 3 x cubed y squared (not like terms). Like terms have variables with the same powers

For each polynomial below, identify the like terms. Click the link below each problem to check your work.

Example 1. 3a + 2a2 – 4 + 5a – 7a2

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Check the Answer

2 a squared and 7 a squared Close Pop Up

Example 2. -4x3y5 + 9x3y5 – 5x3 – 7x3y5

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Check the Answer

4 x cubed y to the fifth, 9 x cubed y to the fifth, and 7 x cubed y to the fifth Close Pop Up

When we combine like terms through adding or subtracting, we are simplifying the expression.