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As in the case of like terms, the idea of unlike terms may also be explained to the

child emphasizing the difference between the two.

11. Addition of terms
    Addition can be performed among algebraic terms only when they are like terms.

Eg. : Add : 5x, 10 x, 7x

Here all the three given terms are like terms and therefore, addition can be performed.

Therefore, 5x + 10x + 7x = (5 + 10 + 7) x
= 22 x

Note that the sum of two or more like terms is a term whose coefficient is the sum of the

coefficients of all the like terms.

The concept may be explained to the child with examples with the provision of adequate

exercises involving addition of like terms.

12. Subtraction of terms
    As in the case of addition, subtraction among algebraic terms is also possible only
    when the terms are like terms.

Eg. : Subtract : 14xy from 35xy

In the above mentioned example the given terms are like terms, that is with the same

product of variables x and y, and hence subtraction is possible.

Therefore, 35xy – 14xy = (35 – 14) xy
= 21xy

Note that the difference between two like terms is a term with the same variables and

whose coefficient is the difference between the numerical coefficients of the two like

terms.