How to Add and Subtract Algebraic Expressions?

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How to Add algebraic expressions?

Only like terms of algebraic expressions can be added.

To add two like terms, add the coefficients and retain the variables in the result. For example,

7𝑥𝑧³ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 8𝑥𝑧³ are two like terms. They can be added as follows:

7x𝑧³ + 8x𝑧³ = 15x𝑧²

How to subtract algebraic expressions?

Only like terms of algebraic expressions can be subtracted.

To find the difference between two like terms, subtract the coefficients and retain the variables in the result.

For example,

21a𝑏² and 6a𝑏² are two like terms. They can be subtracted as follows:

21a𝑏² − 6a𝑏² = (21 − 6)a𝑏² = 15a𝑏²

Summary