Solving Equations by
Combining Like Terms
Middle School Math
Melanie Wiscount

Our Equation
7x – 2x2 – 5x – 4 + 6x2 +7

First Step
Place Like Terms Together
7x – 2x2 – 5x – 4 + 6x2 + 7
+7x – 2x2 – 5x – 4 + 6x2 + 7

Second Step
Add & Subtract Like Terms
– 2x2 + 6x2 +7x – 5x – 4 + 7

Second Step
Add & Subtract Like Terms
– 2x2 + 6x2 +7x – 5x – 4 + 7
+2x +3
+ 4x2

Final Step
Write equation from largest degree of
variable, in alphabetic order
and omit starting positive sign
(if negative, would not omit from equation)
Largest degree of x
+ 4x2 +2x + 3

Solving Equations by
Combining Like Terms
7x – 2x2 – 5x – 4 + 6x2 + 7
4x2 +2x + 3