This key facts covers What Are "Like Terms"? within Simplifying Expressions for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Simplifying Expressions in Algebra for GCSE Mathematics with 11 exam-style questions and 5 flashcards. Use this page as part of a wider topic revision path rather than treating it as an isolated fact. It is section 2 of 19 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
What Are "Like Terms"?
Like terms have exactly the same variable(s) with the same power(s)
| Terms | Like or Unlike? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| 3x and 7x | Like ✓ | Same variable (x) |
| 5y² and −2y² | Like ✓ | Same variable and power (y²) |
| 4 and 9 | Like ✓ | Both constants (numbers only) |
| 3x and 3y | Unlike ✗ | Different variables |
| 2x and 2x² | Unlike ✗ | Different powers |
| 5xy and 3yx | Like ✓ | Same! (xy = yx, order doesn't matter) |
Practice questions for Simplifying Expressions
Which two terms are like terms?
Explain why 3x + 2x² cannot be simplified to 5x³.
Quick recall flashcards
Substitution
Replace each letter with its given value, then calculate
Like Terms
Terms with same letter and power: 2x and 5x are like terms