When subtracting coefficients with the same signs, the answer will be the same sign. 

Example 2

Start on the number  -2 and count 3 spaces to the left. You will end up on the number -5. 






When subtracting coefficients with two different signs, the answer will be the same sign as the number with the largest absolute value. 

Example 1


Another way to look at it is to picture a number line. 

Start on the number 6 and count 2 spaces to the left. You will end up on the number 4. 
The 2 and 3 are called coefficients.  When the variables are exactly alike, you can add the coefficients together. 

A plus sign (+) in front of a coefficient means it is a positive term. 

A minus sign (-) in front of coefficient means it is a negative term.


When all the terms are alike, simply add the coefficients. 

Example 1:   2xy + 3xy = 5xy


When there are three terms and only two variables are alike, combine the variables that are alike and leave the term with the different variable as it is. 

Example 2:  3x + 7x - 2y = 10x - 2y


When the variables have exponents, combine the terms with like exponents and leave the remaining term as it is. 


Example 3
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This section will cover the fundamentals of combining like terms.

Adding Like Terms 
Terms may be simply numbers or coefficients. 
Subtracting Like Terms 
Math: Combining Like Terms - Tutorial