Practice working with polynomials by identifying terms, combining like terms, adding and subtracting expressions, multiplying simple polynomials, and evaluating polynomial functions.
A polynomial is made of terms. Terms are separated by plus or minus signs. Like terms have the same variable part, including the same exponent. Only like terms can be combined.
Problem: Identify the like terms in 3x² + 5x - 2x² + 7.
Step 1: Look for terms with the same variable and exponent.
3x² and -2x² are like terms.
Step 2: Look at the other terms.
5x has an x, but its exponent is 1, so it is not like x².
7 is a constant term.
Answer: 3x² and -2x² are like terms.
You are ready to move on when you can identify terms with the same variable and the same exponent.