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
-
Fundamental Operations on Large Numbers Worksheet | 5th Grade Numbers
Mar 14, 25 05:31 PM
fundamental operations on large numbers worksheet -
Word Problems on Division | Examples on Word Problems on Division
Mar 13, 25 01:01 PM
Word problems on division for fourth grade students are solved here step by step. Consider the following examples on word problems involving division: 1. $5,876 are distributed equally among 26 men. H… -
Division of Whole Numbers |Relation between Dividend, Divisor Quotient
Mar 13, 25 12:41 PM
Relation between Dividend, Divisor, Quotient and Remainder is. Dividend = Divisor × Quotient + Remainder. To understand the relation between dividend, divisor, quotient and remainder let us follow the… -
Adding 1-Digit Number | Understand the Concept one Digit Number |Video
Mar 07, 25 03:55 PM
Understand the concept of adding 1-digit number with the help of objects as well as numbers. -
Vertical Addition | How to Add 1-Digit Number Vertically? | Problems
Mar 07, 25 02:35 PM
Now we will learn simple Vertical Addition of 1-digit number by arranging them one number under the other number. How to add 1-digit number vertically?
● Terms - Worksheets
Worksheet on Like and Unlike Terms
Worksheet on Addition of Like Terms
Worksheet on Subtraction of Like Terms
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. Ask a Question or Answer a Question.