Answer: To combine like terms, we must first understand what they are. Like terms are, well like. An example will make more sense. See the equation 2 + 4x - 5y * 0.2xy. Here, we have no like terms. Why? Because 2 has no variable while 4x has x. However, 4x and 5y don't have the same variable so they are NOT like either. Do not fall into the 0.2xy trap either because that is not like with 4x or 5y. Now that you (hopefully) understand let us try an example.
5x * 2x - 24 = 16
As you can see, the like terms here are 5x and 2x as well as 4 and 16. Now let us simplify by bringing the like terms together.
5x * 2x = 16 + 24
10x^2 = 40 (Be careful here! since we are multiplying x twice it will become x^2)
x^2 = 40/10
x^2 = 4
x = 2 (or -2)
And there you go! You just simplified using like terms.
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