Algebraic expressions can be simplified by grouping like terms and then adding or subtracting as required.
For example,
Consider the expression 12xy + 13y + 4x + 9 + 23xy + 3x + 2y.
The like terms are:
- 12xy and 23xy
- 13y and 2y
- 4x and 3x
So grouping these terms, the expression becomes (12xy + 23xy) + (13y + 2y) + (4x + 3x)+ 9
- 12xy + 23xy = 35xy
- 13y + 2y = 15y
- 4x + 3x = 7x
So, 12xy + 13y + 4x + 9 + 23xy + 3x + 2y
= (12xy + 23xy) + (13y + 2y) + (4x + 3x) + 9
= 35xy + 15y + 7x + 9