Concept 11: Like Terms

Making Tacos with Like Terms

Like terms are terms that contain the same variables. Only the coefficients are different. In an expression, only like terms can be combined. We combine like terms to shorten and simplify algebraic expressions, so we can work with them more easily.

What are like terms?

Sabrina is making tacos. She wants the know the total amount of measurements. She needs 1 cup of beef and 1/2 liter of sauce. She can’t add these because they aren’t the same units, and they don’t measure the same things.