Like terms contain the same variables raised to the same powers and can be combined by adding or subtracting their coefficients. This document provides examples of adding and subtracting polynomials by combining like terms such as x^3, 2x^2, and -x^4. It also gives an example word problem where a ribbon is originally 32 inches long and the same length is cut from each end, with the expression 32 - 2x used to represent the length of the shorter ribbon.

1. Like terms contain the same variables raised to the same powers Like terms: x3 and 6x3 2ab2 and -4ab2 ⅓ y and 8y 7 and -41

2. Find Polynomials can be added or subtracted by combining like terms. Example 5-1a

3. Find = Example 5-1c

4. Find Example 5-2a

5. Find (3x3 + 2x2 – x4) + (x2 5x3 + 2x4) = Example 5-2c

6. Jenny has a ribbon that is 32 inches long. She cut the same length of ribbon off of each end. If x = the inches of ribbon cut from one end, write an expression for the length of the shorter ribbon. If x = 4, how long is the shorter ribbon? 32 inches 32 – 2x inches x x 32 – 2(4) = 32 – 8 = 24 inches