Lesson 6 of 11
Joining only the pieces of one kind
Show on a big screenExpanding (x + 2)(x + 3) leaves four terms: x², 3x, 2x and 6. Which of them can gather into one term?
Step 1 of 4
- Four terms from an expansion.
- x² goes to the square pile.
- 3x and 2x join: 5x.
- 6 goes to the number pile. Answer: x² + 5x + 6.
Joining only the pieces of one kind
Only 3x and 2x can gather, into 5x.
Like terms — terms with exactly the same letter part. The letter part of 5x² is x².
Rule: two terms gather only when their letter parts match exactly. x² and 5x do not match. The letter is used twice in x² but once in x.
3x + 2x=5xx²and5xstay apart3xyand2xstay apart too
3x is 3 times x, and 2x is 2 times x. So together they make 5 times x.
Sort the four terms. Tap a term to move it, or drag it.
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Try the lab to finish this lesson.