How Do You Subtract Like Terms?

Note:

Subtracting like terms is a lot like subtracting numbers! This tutorial shows you how to perform subtractions with like terms.

Keywords:

problem
like terms
variables
subtraction
exponent
subtract

Background Tutorials

Identify parts of an expression using mathematical terms (sum, term, product, factor, quotient, coefficient); view one or more parts of an expression as a single entity.
- What's a Coefficient?
  
  There is a bunch of vocabulary that you just need to know when it comes to algebra, and coefficient is one of the key words that you have to feel 100% comfortable with. Check out the tutorial and let us know if you want to learn more about coefficients!
Evaluate expressions at specific values of their variables. Include expressions that arise from formulas used in real-world problems. Perform arithmetic operations, including those involving whole-number exponents, in the conventional order when there are no parentheses to specify a particular order (Order of Operations).
- What is a Variable?
  
  You can't do algebra without working with variables, but variables can be confusing. If you've ever wondered what variables are, then this tutorial is for you!
Apply the properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions.
- What is the Distributive Property?
  
  The distributive property is a very deep math principle that helps make math work. It's the rule that lets you expand parentheses, and so it's really critical to understand if you want to get good at simplifying expressions. So check out the tutorial and let us know what you think!
- How Do You Add Variables that Are the Same?
  
  Variables are a big part of algebra, so it's good to be comfortable working with them! In this tutorial, you'll see how to combine variables that are alike.
Apply properties of operations as strategies to add, subtract, factor, and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients.
- What are Like Terms?
  
  Combining like terms together is a key part of simplifying mathematical expressions, so check out this tutorial to see how you can easily pick out like terms from an expression
Explain each step in solving a simple equation as following from the equality of numbers asserted at the previous step, starting from the assumption that the original equation has a solution. Construct a viable argument to justify a solution method.
- What are Inverse Operations?
  
  Did you know that addition is the opposite of subtraction and that division is the opposite of multiplication? In fact, these opposite operations will undo each other! These types of operations are called inverse operations. Get a great look at inverse operations with this tutorial!