In Algebra,
5 is called a Constant.
x is called a Variable.
5x is called a Term.
Like
Terms
5x
8x – 4x
All have same variable, x
5xy 8xy – 4xy
Unlike
Terms
5x
8y – 4z
Not all have same variable
5xy 8yz – 4xz
Not all have same variables
Only
like terms can be added or subtracted.
5x
+ 8x = 13x
5x –
8x = –
3x
5ab + 3ab = 8ab
25xy – 10xy = 15xy
3x + 2x + 4y – 6y = 5x – 2y
To multiply or divide, terms need not be like terms.
(x) (y) = xy
(ab) (c) = abc
(2x) (3y) = 6xy
5ab ¸ 5 =
ab
5ab ¸ a =
5b
5ab ¸ ab =
5
Can I multiply or divide
like terms
too?
Yes, you
can.
(x) (x) = x2
(x) (x) (x) = x3
(2x) (3x) = 6x2
25ab ¸ 5ab
= 5
