Collecting Like Terms In an algebraic expression there are terms with identical symbolic or variable parts. Example 1 2 x -3 x 12 x 01 x are all like terms since they contain the same one variable x to the same power 1. A number by itself.
But 7x and 7x2 are NOT like terms the exponents are different they are unlike terms.
Like terms can be added together. To expand what Chuck has already helped you with. In the expression 5a 2b 3a - 6b the terms 5a and 3a are like terms as are. Algebraic terms like 2s or 8y leave the multiplication signs out.