Subtraction of Like Terms
In subtraction of like terms when all the terms are negative, subtract their coefficients, also the variables and power of the like terms remains the same.
For example:
1. Subtract xy from 10xy.
Here, 10xy, xy are like terms
The difference of the coefficients = 10 - 1, [xy means 1xy]
Therefore, 10xy - xy = 9xy
Note: The result of subtraction of two like terms is also a like terms whose numerical coefficient is obtained by taking the difference of the numerical coefficients of like terms.
2. Subtract 4x from -8x
Here, 4x and -8x are like terms.
= -8x – (4x)
= -8x - 4x, [open the parenthesis]
= -12x.
3. Subtract -3x from -7x
Here, -3x and -7x are like terms
= -7x – (-3x)
= -7x + 3x, [since negative times negative is positive so, -(-3x) = +3x]
= -4x.
4. 15x - 4x - 12y - 3y
Here, 15x and 4x are like terms
and also 12y and 3y are like terms
15x - 4x = 11x
12y - 3y = 9y
Therefore, the answer is 11x - 9y.
5. Subtract 4x + 3y + z from 2x + 3y - z.
(2x + 3y - z) - (4x + 3y + z)
= 2x + 3y - z - 4x - 3y - z, [open the parenthesis]
Here, 4x and 2x are like terms,
3y and -3y are like terms
and also z and -z are like terms.
Now arranging the like terms, we get
= 2x - 4x + 3y - 3y - z - z
= -2x + 0 - 2z, [Since, + 3y - 3y = 0]
= -2x - 2z
Note: The subtraction of two or more like terms is another like term whose numerical coefficient is the subtraction of the numerical coefficients of these like terms.
Thus, we observed that for solving the problems on subtracting like terms we can follow the same rules, as those used for solving subtraction of integers.
● Terms
Adding and Subtracting Like Terms
Algebra Page
6th Grade Page
From Subtraction of Like Terms to HOME PAGE
Didn't find what you were looking for? Or want to know more information about Math Only Math. Use this Google Search to find what you need.
Recent Articles
-
Perpendicular Lines | What are Perpendicular Lines in Geometry?|Symbol
Apr 19, 24 02:46 AM
In perpendicular lines when two intersecting lines a and b are said to be perpendicular to each other if one of the angles formed by them is a right angle. In other words, Set Square Set Square If two… -
Fundamental Geometrical Concepts | Point | Line | Properties of Lines
Apr 19, 24 01:55 AM
The fundamental geometrical concepts depend on three basic concepts — point, line and plane. The terms cannot be precisely defined. However, the meanings of these terms are explained through examples. -
What is a Polygon? | Simple Closed Curve | Triangle | Quadrilateral
Apr 18, 24 02:15 AM
What is a polygon? A simple closed curve made of three or more line-segments is called a polygon. A polygon has at least three line-segments. -
Simple Closed Curves | Types of Closed Curves | Collection of Curves
Apr 18, 24 01:36 AM
In simple closed curves the shapes are closed by line-segments or by a curved line. Triangle, quadrilateral, circle, etc., are examples of closed curves. -
Tangrams Math | Traditional Chinese Geometrical Puzzle | Triangles
Apr 18, 24 12:31 AM
Tangram is a traditional Chinese geometrical puzzle with 7 pieces (1 parallelogram, 1 square and 5 triangles) that can be arranged to match any particular design. In the given figure, it consists of o…
● Terms - Worksheets
Worksheet on Like and Unlike Terms
Worksheet on Addition of Like Terms
Worksheet on Subtraction of Like Terms