Can you solve this equation now? Combine like terms, then use the vertical line method:

x + x + x + 4 + 2 + 5 + x + 1 + x = 22

Can you solve this equation?

x + x + x + 4 + 2 + 5 + x + 1 + x = 22

I can solve equations involving combining like terms.

sometimes, it helps to make one or both sides of your equation simpler before solving. one way to do that is by combining like terms.

HOW does this work? Let's look at an example:

In this case, Supermans are alike and Batmans are alike. What are like terms in math?

Term: a single number or variable, or numbers or variables multiplied together. There is never addition or subtraction IN a term.

Like terms: terms that have the same variables and exponents (powers). The coefficients do not need to match.

What are the like terms here?

x + y + 8 - 3x + 2y + 5x + 7y + 18

12 + 4x - 3y + 8x - 10y - 4

IMPORTANT NOTE: When you combine like terms in a problem, you can only combine them on the SAME SIDE OF THE EQUAL SIGN!

Let's do some examples:

Does it help you most to watch me carefully, or to write these down along with me?

1. 4n − 2n = 4

2. −12 = 2 + 5v + 2v

3. 10p + 9 − 11 − p = 16

Telepathy time!

Complete these problems for a 3

Challenge Work for a 4

More practice for a 5

Mixed Review for more extra credit (one point per page!)