An algebraic expression is a set of constants and variables linked together by the signs of fundamental operations. Terms are the components of an algebraic equation that are separated by plus or minus signs. For example, the equation 2x+5y+7 is made up of three components. They are 2x, 5y, and 7.
The numerical coefficient of the variable is the numerical component of a term that includes the sign. This post will look at the 6th Grade Math Concept Addition of Unlike Terms and will help you learn more about algebraic expressions.
What is meant by the Addition of Unlike Terms?
Unlike terms are those that have the same or dissimilar variables but different exponents. The exponents will not be the same if they had the same variables. We must understand the distinction between like and unlike terms in order to add and subtract algebraic expressions.
Because we can only add and subtract similar terms in an algebraic statement, not unlike terms.
Example
18x², 10xy, -9xy², x
Because their z and x coefficients are different, 18x², 10xy, -9xy², and x are referred to as Unlike Terms. Only related terms can be subtracted or added. The sum of one or more similar words equals a single like term, but the sum of two, unlike terms, equals a single term.
Methods of Adding Unlike Terms
There are different scenarios for adding unlike terms and we have listed all of them for your reference.
Adding two positive opposite terms
To compute the sum of two dissimilar terms, x, and y, suppose we need to link both terms with an additional sign and describe the result as x + y. As a result, the sum of these two dissimilar terms, x, and y, equals x + y.
Adding positive and negative terms
If we want to discover the sum of two different terms, x and -y, we may join both terms with an additional symbol [x + (-y)] and write the result as x – y. As a result, the sum of two dissimilar terms, x and -y, equals x + (-y) = x – y.
Addition of opposing terms(negative and positive
If we want to discover the sum of two dissimilar phrases -x and y, we may join both terms with an additional symbol [(-x) + y] and represent the result as -x + y. As a result, the sum of two dissimilar or unlike terms -x and y = (-x) + y = -x + y
Addition of negative and negative unlike terms:
If we want to discover the sum of two dissimilar words -x and -y, we may join them using the addition symbol [(-x) + (-y)] and represent the result as -x – y.
As a result, the sum of two dissimilar or unlike terms, -x and -y, equals (-x) + (-y) = -x – y
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Addition of Unlike Terms Examples with Solutions
1. Add 5ab and 7bc
It is impossible to combine the dissimilar words, i.e., unlike terms 5ab and 7bc, to make a single phrase. All that is required is to join them with an additional sign and keep the result in the form 5ab + 7bc.
 2. 6x + 4x + 1x + 9yÂ
= 6x + 4x + 1x + 9y
= 11x + 9y, [here 9y is a word that is not used]
3. 7x³ + 3yÂ
Because 7x³ and 3y are opposite terms, they will be left alone. As a result, the solution is 7x³ + 3y.
FAQs on Addition of Unlike terms
1. Is it possible to combine, unlike algebraic terms?
Because an algebraic expression consists of two separate variables, it cannot be merged or reduced further, unlike algebraic terms.
2. How do you Combine Unlike Terms?
It is not possible to add, unlike terms. In our final answer, we write it exactly as it is.
3. In arithmetic, how do you mix, unlike terms?
We add the coefficients of like terms, such as 2x and 3x, when combining them. 2x + 3x = (2+3)x = 5x, for example.
4. How can you make unlike terms easier to understand?
Combining like terms simplifies things. Combining unlike terms does not simplify them. It is possible to combine addition and subtraction of like terms. It is impossible to combine addition and subtraction of unlike terms.