The four basic mathematics operations viz. addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division can also be performed on algebraic equations or expressions. The addition and subtraction of algebraic expressions are almost similar to the addition and subtraction of numbers. However, a combination of variables, constants, and operators constitutes an algebraic expression. But in the case of algebraic expressions, like terms and the unlike terms must be sorted together. The knowledge of like and unlike terms is crucial while studying addition and subtraction of algebraic expressions because the operation of addition and subtraction can only be performed on like terms. The terms whose variables and their exponents are the same are known as like terms and the terms having different variables are unlike terms. Example: -5×2 + 12 xy – 3y + 7×2 + xy In the given algebraic expression, -5×2 and 7×2 are like since both the terms have x2 as the common variable. Similarly, 12xy and xy are like terms
