8th Grade · Expressions & Equations
Like Terms
8.EE.C.7b
Definition
Terms that have the same variable raised to the same exponent. They can be combined by adding or subtracting their coefficients.
Examples
- 3x + 2x = 5x (like terms).
- 3x and 3x² are unlike terms — different exponents.
Key rule
Only combine like terms — the variable part must match exactly.
Memory hook
Same variable, same exponent — combine them.