Addition of Unlike Terms

Addition of unlike terms are discussed here.

The sum of two or more like terms is a single like term; but the two unlike terms cannot be added together to get a single term.

Addition of two positive unlike terms:

Suppose, to find the sum of two unlike terms x and y, we need to connect both the terms by using an addition symbol and express the result in the form of x + y.

Therefore, the sum of two unlike terms x and y = x + y.

Addition of positive and negative unlike terms:

Suppose, to find the sum of two unlike terms x and -y, we need to connect both the terms by using an addition symbol [x + (-y)] and express the result in the form of x - y.

Therefore, the sum of two unlike terms x and -y = x + (-y) = x - y.

Addition of negative and positive unlike terms:

Suppose, to find the sum of two unlike terms -x and y, we need to connect both the terms by using an addition symbol [(-x) + y] and express the result in the form of -x + y.

Therefore, the sum of two unlike terms -x and y = (-x) + y = -x + y.

Addition of negative and negative unlike terms:

Suppose, to find the sum of two unlike terms -x and -y, we need to connect both the terms by using an addition symbol [(-x) + (-y)] and express the result in the form of -x - y.

Therefore, the sum of two unlike terms -x and -y = (-x) + (-y) = -x - y.

For example:

1. The unlike terms 2ab and 4bc cannot be added together to form a single term.

All that which can be done is to connect them by the sign of addition and leave the result in the form 2ab + 4bc.

2. 5x + 3y + 2x + 3x.

= 5x + 2x + 3x + 3y.

= 10x + 3y, [Here 3y is an unlike term]

3. 3x³ + 7y

Here 3x³ and 7y both are unlike terms so it will remain as it is.

Therefore, the answer is 3x³ + 7y

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● Terms

Like and Unlike Terms

Like Terms

Addition of Like Terms

Subtraction of Like Terms

Adding and Subtracting Like Terms

Unlike Terms

Addition of Unlike Terms

Subtraction of Unlike Terms

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