When adding or subtracting terms with variables, you can only combine them if they have the exact same variables. 5-3 = 2 5x – 3x = 2x 5x – 3y = Cannot be simplified 5x2 – 3x = Cannot be simplified, must have the same exponent also You can multiply or divide all terms regardless of variables. 3(5x) = 15x Multiply coefficients and include variables at end 24x/8x = 3 Divide coefficients and divide variables 2x(4y) = 8xy 16xy2 / 2y = 8xy y squared divided by y is just y. Exponent Rules 3x(4x) = 12x2 Multiply coefficients and add the variables’ exponents 18x5/3x2 =6x3 Divide coefficients and subtract the variables’ exponents (6xy3)2 = 36x2y6 Distribute exponent to terms inside the parentheses, multiply with exponents within the parentheses (a+b)2 = Not the same as the rule above, you must expand this using FOIL or the shortcut. (x2 + 2xy +y2) Note: For subtraction, it is x2 – 2xy + y2 Corresponding Worksheets: Adding and Subtracting Polynomials, Exponent Rules and Practice Probability
When adding or subtracting terms with variables, you can only combine them if they have the exact same variables. 5-3 = 2 5x – 3x = 2x 5x – 3y = Cannot be simplified 5x2 – 3x = Cannot be simplified, must have the same exponent also You can multiply or divide all terms regardless of variables. 3(5x) = 15x Multiply coefficients and include variables at end 24x/8x = 3 Divide coefficients and divide variables 2x(4y) = 8xy 16xy2 / 2y = 8xy y squared divided by y is just y. Exponent Rules 3x(4x) = 12x2 Multiply coefficients and add the variables’ exponents 18x5/3x2 =6x3 Divide coefficients and subtract the variables’ exponents (6xy3)2 = 36x2y6 Distribute exponent to terms inside the parentheses, multiply with exponents within the parentheses (a+b)2 = Not the same as the rule above, you must expand this using FOIL or the shortcut. (x2 + 2xy +y2) Note: For subtraction, it is x2 – 2xy + y2 Corresponding Worksheets: Adding and Subtracting Polynomials, Exponent Rules and Practice Probability