Essay

Explaining Like Terms in Business Formulas

As an assistant manager at a local office supply company, you are helping a new seasonal employee organize inventory cost models. You have two different cost models represented by the polynomials 14y2+6y4{}14y^2 + 6y - 4 and 3y2+8y+5{}3y^2 + 8y + 5. Before combining these models, you need to explain the concept of like terms to the employee so they can accurately group them.

Write a short explanation (essay) in which you:

  1. State the algebraic definition of 'like terms.'
  2. Identify and list all the pairs of like terms between the two polynomials 14y2+6y4{}14y^2 + 6y - 4 and 3y2+8y+5{}3y^2 + 8y + 5.
  3. Recall and explain which parts of these terms (coefficients, variables, or exponents) must be identical for them to be considered 'like terms,' and which parts are combined when adding them.

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Updated 2026-06-04

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