When subtracting coefficients with the same signs, the answer will be the same sign.
Example 2:
Start on the number -2 and count 3 spaces to the left. You will end up on the number -5.
When subtracting coefficients with two different signs, the answer will be the same sign as the number with the largest absolute value.
Example 1:
Another way to look at it is to picture a number line.
Start on the number 6 and count 2 spaces to the left. You will end up on the number 4.
The 2 and 3 are called coefficients. When the variables are exactly alike, you can add the coefficients together.
A plus sign (+) in front of a coefficient means it is a positive term.
A minus sign (-) in front of coefficient means it is a negative term.
When all the terms are alike, simply add the coefficients.
Example 1: 2xy + 3xy = 5xy
When there are three terms and only two variables are alike, combine the variables that are alike and leave the term with the different variable as it is.
Example 2: 3x + 7x - 2y = 10x - 2y
When the variables have exponents, combine the terms with like exponents and leave the remaining term as it is.
Example 3:
Some Helpful Tools
This section will cover the fundamentals of combining like terms.
Adding Like Terms
Terms may be simply numbers or coefficients.
Subtracting Like Terms
Math: Combining Like Terms - Tutorial
