Michigan Algebra II KHauck

A polynomial is in simplest form if all like terms have been combined. Like terms have the same variable(s) with the same exponents, but can have different coefficients.

2x²y and 5x²y are like terms

6x²y and 6xy² are not like terms

If a polynomial has like terms, we simplify it by combining (adding) them.

This sample polynomial is simplified by combining the like terms of 6xy and - 4xy giving us 2xy. We write the simplified polynomial as x² + 2xy + y².