Mathematics 8

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

Lesson 1: Adding and Subtracting Monomials

Table of Contents

Learning Competencies 1
Learning Targets 1
Prerequisite Skills 2
Lesson Proper 3
Introduction to the Lesson 3
Discussion 6
Define and Discover 6
Develop and Demonstrate 7
Alternative Digital Output 9
Practice and Feedback 9
Individual Practice 9
Group Activity 12
Performance Assessment 15
Study Guide and Worksheet Answer Key 15
Synthesis 32
Possible Answers to the Essential Questions 33
References 34
 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

1 Adding and Subtracting Monomials

Learning Competencies

At the end of this lesson, the learners should be able to do the following:
● Model real-life situations using algebraic expressions.
● Add and subtract simple monomials.

Learning Targets

At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to do the following:
● Determine monomials with similar terms.
● Perform addition and subtraction of monomials.
● Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of monomials.

Essential
Questions Instruct learners to reflect on the question for a minute;
call on a few to give responses. Consolidate the responses
and prepare the learners for the warm-up activity.

If you will be using technology, refer to the slide

presentation. If you will not be using technology, write the
essential questions on the board.
● How can identifying similar terms help in
simplifying algebraic expressions?
● What are the steps in adding or subtracting
monomials?

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 1

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

Prerequisite Skills

Skills
● performing addition and subtraction among integers
● identifying and classifying numbers and variables

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 2

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

Lesson Proper

A. Introduction to the Lesson

Activity 1: Introduction to Monomials

Suggested Time Frame: 10 mins

21st Century Skills Icons Legend

Information, Media, and Technology Skills Communication Skills

Teacher’s
Notes Learning and Innovation Skills Life and Career Skills

Materials
● paper
● pen or pencil

Instructions
1. Begin by explaining a monomial—an algebraic expression with only one
term, which can be a constant, a variable, or a product of a constant and a
variable.
2
2. Provide examples of monomials—5, 𝑥, 3𝑎, 4𝑦 .
3. Ask the learners to create their own examples of monomials by combining
different numbers and variables.
4. Have learners write down and illustrate at least five different monomials.

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 3

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

Guide Questions
1. What makes an expression a monomial?
Possible answer: “An expression is a monomial if it has only one term, which
can be just a number, just a variable, or a number multiplied by a variable.”
2. Can a monomial have more than one variable? Explain.
Possible answer: “Yes, a monomial can have more than one variable. For
example, 2𝑥𝑦 is a monomial because it is one term with two variables
multiplied together.”

Activity 2: Grouping and Classifying Similar Terms

Suggested Time Frame: 10 mins

Materials
● paper
● pen or pencil
● cards with written monomials

Instructions

1. Begin by explaining what a monomial is—an algebraic expression with only

one term, which can be a constant, a variable, or a product of a constant and
a variable.
2. Prepare different sets of cards, with monomials written on each card. Make
sure to include monomials that are similar (e.g., 3𝑥, 5𝑥, 2𝑦, 4𝑦, 7, –3)
3. Divide the class into groups of 3–4 members.
4. Give each group a set of cards.
5. Have each group classify the monomials according to their similarities
(grouping monomials with the same variables).
6. Let each group list their observations and discuss how they identified similar
terms.

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 4

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

Guide Questions
1. What criteria did you use to classify the monomials?
Possible answer: “We classified the monomials based on their variables and
exponents. Monomials with the same variable factors (e.g., all terms
containing 𝑥, or all terms containing 𝑦) were grouped together.”
2. How do you think two monomials become similar?
Possible answer: “Two monomials are similar if they have the same variable
parts, including matching variables raised to the same powers. Only the
coefficients can differ. For example, 3𝑥 and 5𝑥 are similar because they both
have 𝑥 raised to the first power.”

Activity 3: Adding and Subtracting Monomials Using

Digital Tools

Suggested Time Frame: 10 mins

Materials
● computer or tablet with internet access
● access to an online algebraic expression simplifier

Instructions
1. Provide each student or group of students with access to a computer or
tablet. Direct them to an online algebraic expression simplifier. A
recommended tool is Symbolab's Algebra Calculator.
2. Ask the students to input the following expressions into the online calculator
to see how they are simplified:
2 2
a. 3𝑥 + 2𝑥 − 𝑥
2
b. 4𝑦 − 2𝑦 + 𝑦
3 3
c. 5𝑎 + 3𝑎 − 2𝑎
2 2
d. 6𝑏 + 4𝑏 − 5𝑏 + 𝑏
2 2
e. 9𝑐 − 3𝑐 + 2𝑐 + 𝑐
3. Instruct students to carefully watch how the calculator processes each
expression, particularly how it identifies and combines like terms while

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 5

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

leaving dissimilar terms unchanged.

Guide Questions
1. How did the calculator determine which terms to combine within each
expression?
Possible answer: “The calculator combined terms that have the same
variables and powers, identifying like terms based on these criteria.”
2. What patterns can be identified in the process that the calculator uses to
simplify expressions involving like and unlike terms?
Possible answer: “The calculator consistently adds or subtracts the
coefficients of like terms while leaving the variables unchanged, and it
displays the unchanged dissimilar terms as they are.”

B. Discussion

Define and Discover

In this lesson, the following key concepts will be discussed:

● monomials - an algebraic expression with only one term

Example:
5𝑥 is a monomial since it only contains one term only.

● similar terms - terms that have the same variable and exponent

Example:
3𝑥 and 4𝑥 are similar terms since they have the same variable and exponent.

● Adding and subtracting monomials

To add or subtract monomials, we combine the coefficients of similar terms.

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 6

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

Example:
Take a look at 3𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 3𝑦. We can only add the terms 4𝑦 and 3𝑦 since they
are similar terms. To add similar terms, we add the coefficients and copy the
variable.

3𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 3𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 7𝑦

Develop and Demonstrate

Example 1
2 2
Simplify the expression 3𝑥 − 4𝑥 + 7𝑥 + 6.

Solution
Step 1: Identify similar terms.

2 2 2
3𝑥 and 7𝑥 are like terms because they both have 𝑥 .
–4𝑥 and 6 stand alone as they do not have a similar term in the
expression.

Step 2: Combine the coefficients of similar terms.

2 2
For 𝑥 : 3 + 7 = 10, so the combined term is 10𝑥 .
The terms –4𝑥 and 6 remain as is because they have no similar terms.

Step 3: Arrange the terms in decreasing order of their total degree (sum of
exponents). The term with the highest degree is placed first.

2
10𝑥 − 4𝑥 + 6

2
Thus, the simplified form of the expression is 10𝑥 − 4𝑥 + 6.

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 7

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

Example 2
3 2 3 2
Simplify the expression 4𝑎 − 7𝑎 + 6𝑎 + 3𝑎 − 𝑎 .

Solution
Step 1: Identify similar terms.

3 3 3
4𝑎 and 6𝑎 are like terms because they both have 𝑎 .
2 2 2
–7𝑎 and –𝑎 are like terms because they both have 𝑎 .
3𝑎 stands alone as it does not have a similar term in the expression.

Step 2: Combine the coefficients of similar terms.

3 3
For 𝑎 : 4 + 6 = 10, so the combined term is 10𝑎 .
2 2
For 𝑎 : –7 + (–1) = –8, so the combined term is –8𝑎 .
The term 3𝑎 remains as is because it has no similar terms.

Step 3: Arrange the terms in decreasing order of their total degree (sum of
exponents). The term with the highest degree is placed first.

3 2
10𝑎 − 8𝑎 + 3𝑎

3 2
Thus, the simplified form of the expression is 10𝑎 − 8𝑎 + 3𝑎.

Example 3
2 2
Simplify the expression –7𝑎𝑏 + 4𝑎𝑏 + 5𝑎 𝑏 − 3𝑎 𝑏 − 6𝑎𝑏.

Solution
Step 1: Identify similar terms.

–7𝑎𝑏, 4𝑎𝑏, and –6𝑎𝑏 are like terms because they all have 𝑎𝑏.
2 2 2
5𝑎 𝑏 and –3𝑎 𝑏 are like terms because they both have 𝑎 𝑏.

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 8

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

Step 2: Combine the coefficients of similar terms.

For 𝑎𝑏: –7 + 4 + (–6) = –9, so the combined term is –9𝑎𝑏.

2 2
For 𝑎 𝑏: 5 + (–3) = 2, so the combined term is 2𝑎 𝑏.

Step 3: Arrange the terms in decreasing order of their total degree (sum of
exponents). The term with the highest degree is placed first.

2
2𝑎 𝑏 − 9𝑎𝑏

2 2
Thus, the simplified form of the expression –7𝑎𝑏 + 4𝑎𝑏 + 5𝑎 𝑏 − 3𝑎 𝑏 − 6𝑎𝑏 is
2
2𝑎 𝑏 − 9𝑎𝑏.

Alternative Digital Output

WolframAlpha is an online computational engine that can simplify algebraic

expressions and show step-by-step solutions.

C. Practice and Feedback

Individual Practice
1. Ask the learners to individually answer the following problems using a pen
and a piece of paper.
2. Give them enough time to answer the items.
3. Call a random learner to show his or her work on the board afterward.
4. Let the learner share how he or she came up with the solution.
5. Provide the learner with feedback on the accuracy of his or her answer and
solution. In cases where there are misconceptions, guide the learners in the
right direction to find the correct answer.

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 9

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

Let’s Try It
Problem 1
3 3
Simplify the expression 5𝑦 − 3𝑦 + 2𝑦 + 4 − 7𝑦.

Solution
Step 1: Identify similar terms.

3 3 3
5𝑦 and 2𝑦 are like terms because they both have 𝑦 .
–3𝑦 and –7𝑦 are like terms because they both have 𝑦.
4 stands alone as it does not have a similar term in the expression.

Step 2: Combine the coefficients of similar terms.

3 3
For 𝑦 : 5 + 2 = 7, so the combined term is 7𝑦 .
For 𝑦: –3 + (–7) = –10, so the combined term is –10𝑦.
The term 4 remains as is because it does not have similar terms.

Step 3: Arrange the terms in decreasing order of their total degree (sum of
exponents). The term with the highest degree is placed first.

3
7𝑦 − 10𝑦 + 4

3
Thus, the simplified form of the expression is 7𝑦 − 10𝑦 + 4.

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 10

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

Let’s Try It
Problem 2
4 3 4 3
Simplify the expression 9𝑦 − 4𝑦 + 5𝑦 − 6𝑦 + 2𝑦.

Solution
Step 1: Identify similar terms.

4 4 4
9𝑦 and 5𝑦 are like terms because they both have 𝑦 .
3 3 3
–4𝑦 and –6𝑦 are like terms because they both have 𝑦 .
2𝑦 stands alone as it does not have a similar term in the expression.

Step 2: Combine the coefficients of similar terms.

4 4
For 𝑦 : 9 + 5 = 14, so the combined term is 14𝑦 .
3 3
For 𝑦 : –4 + (–6) = –10, so the combined term is –10𝑦 .
The term 2𝑦 remains as is because it has no similar terms.

Step 3: Arrange the terms in decreasing order of their total degree (sum of
exponents). The term with the highest degree is placed first.

4 3
14𝑦 − 10𝑦 + 2𝑦

4 3
Thus, the simplified form of the expression is 14𝑦 − 10𝑦 + 2𝑦.

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 11

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

Let’s Try It
Problem 3
2 2
Simplify the expression − 8𝑚𝑛 + 6𝑚𝑛 + 3𝑚 𝑛 − 𝑚 𝑛 − 10𝑚𝑛.

Solution
Step 1: Identify similar terms.

–8𝑚𝑛, 6𝑚𝑛, and –10𝑚𝑛 are like terms because they all have 𝑚𝑛.
2 2 2
3𝑚 𝑛 and –𝑚 𝑛 are like terms because they both have 𝑚 𝑛.

Step 2: Combine the coefficients of similar terms.

For 𝑚𝑛: –8 + 6 + (–10) = –12, so the combined term is –12𝑚𝑛.

2 2
For 𝑚 𝑛: 3 + (–1) = 2, so the combined term is 2𝑚 𝑛.

Step 3: Arrange the terms in decreasing order of their total degree (sum of
exponents). The term with the highest degree is placed first.

2
2𝑚 𝑛 − 12𝑚𝑛

2
Thus, the simplified form of the expression is 2𝑚 𝑛 − 12𝑚𝑛.

Group Activity
1. Ask the learners to form a minimum of two groups to a maximum of five
groups.
2. Each group will answer problem items 4 and 5. These questions are meant to
test learners’ higher-order thinking skills by working collaboratively with their
peers.

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 12

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

3. Give learners enough time to analyze the problem and work on their
solution.
4. Ask each group to assign a representative to show and discuss its solution on
the board.
5. Provide the group with feedback on the accuracy of its answer and solution.
In cases where there are misconceptions, give the group members the
opportunity to work together and re-analyze the problem. Guide them in the
right direction to find the correct answer.

Let’s Try It
Problem 4
Mr. Dela Cruz, the school supplies manager, is organizing the school's storage
room. He currently has 6𝑥 boxes of pencils and 4𝑦 boxes of notebooks. After
an inventory check, he realizes he needs to adjust the count. He finds an
additional 2𝑥 boxes of misplaced pencils and 3𝑦 extra boxes of notebooks.
However, he also needs to remove 3𝑥 boxes of pencils and 2𝑦 boxes of
notebooks due to damage. What is the new total of boxes of pencils and
notebooks?

Solution
Calculate the new total number of pencil boxes.

(6𝑥 + 2𝑥) − 3𝑥 = 5𝑥 boxes of pencils

Calculate the new total number of notebook boxes.

(4𝑦 + 3𝑦) − 2𝑦 = 5𝑦 boxes of notebooks

Thus, after adjustments, Mr. Dela Cruz will have 5𝑥 boxes of pencils and 5𝑦
boxes of notebooks in the storage room.

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 13

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

Let’s Try It
Problem 5
A local sports club is updating its inventory of sports equipment. Currently, the
club has 7𝑥 soccer balls and 5𝑦 tennis rackets. The club manager orders an
additional 4𝑥 soccer balls and discovers an extra 3𝑦 tennis rackets in an old
storage locker. However, upon inspection, it is found that 2𝑥 soccer balls and 𝑦
tennis racket are too worn to be used and need to be discarded. What is the
new total of soccer balls and tennis rackets available for use at the club?

Solution
Calculate the new total number of soccer balls.

(7𝑥 + 4𝑥) − 2𝑥 = 9𝑥 soccer balls

Calculate the new total number of tennis rackets.

(5𝑦 + 3𝑦) − 𝑦 = 7𝑦 tennis rackets

Thus, after the update, the sports club will have 9𝑥 soccer balls and 7𝑦 tennis
rackets available for members to use.

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 14

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

Performance Assessment

This performance assessment serves as a formative assessment, divided into three

sets based on the student's level of learning. Click on the link provided on Q-Link
lesson page to access each worksheet.

● Worksheet 1 (for beginners)

● Worksheet 2 (for average learners)
● Worksheet 3 (for advanced learners)

Study Guide and Worksheet Answer Key

Check Your Understanding

A. In each set of monomials, identify the pair of similar terms.
2 2
1. 4𝑥 , 3𝑥𝑦, 5𝑥 , –7𝑦
Explanation:
2 2
The pairs of similar terms in the expression are 4𝑥 and 5𝑥 . These
terms are similar because they both contain the variable 𝑥 raised to
the power of 2. The terms 3𝑥𝑦 and − 7𝑦 do not have similar terms in
this set.

2 2
Answer: 4𝑥 and 5𝑥

3 3 3
2. 9𝑎 𝑏, –3𝑎𝑏 , 2𝑎 𝑏, 5𝑎𝑏
Explanation:
3 3
The similar terms are 9𝑎 𝑏 and 2𝑎 𝑏 because they both contain the
variables 𝑎 and 𝑏 with a raised to the power of 3 and 𝑏 raised to the
power of 1. The other terms do not have similar terms in this set.

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 15

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

3 3
Answer: 9𝑎 𝑏 and 2𝑎 𝑏

2 2 2 2 2
3. 6𝑚 𝑛 , 3𝑚𝑛 , –2𝑚 𝑛 , 7𝑚𝑛
Explanation:
2 2 2 2
The similar terms are 6𝑚 𝑛 and –2𝑚 𝑛 because they both contain
the variables 𝑚 and 𝑛 both raised to the power of 2. The other terms
do not have similar terms in this set.

2 2 2 2
Answer: 6𝑚 𝑛 and –2𝑚 𝑛

4. 8𝑝𝑞𝑟, –3𝑝𝑞, 5𝑝𝑞𝑟, 10𝑞𝑟

Explanation:
The similar terms are 8𝑝𝑞𝑟 and 5𝑝𝑞𝑟 because they both contain the
variables 𝑝, 𝑞, and 𝑟. The other terms do not have similar terms in this
set.

Answer: 8𝑝𝑞𝑟 and 5𝑝𝑞𝑟

3 3 3 3
5. 7𝑥 𝑦, 12𝑥𝑦 , 3𝑥 𝑦, –4𝑦 𝑥
Explanation:
3 3
The similar terms are 7𝑥 𝑦 and 3𝑥 𝑦 because they both contain the
variables 𝑥 and 𝑦 with 𝑥 raised to the power of 3 and 𝑦 raised to the
3
power of 1. Despite different arrangements, –4𝑦 𝑥 is not similar as the
exponents differ.

3 3
Answer: 7𝑥 𝑦 and 3𝑥 𝑦

B. Simplify each expression below using addition and subtraction of monomials.

1. 4𝑥 + 7𝑥
Solution:
(4 + 7)𝑥 = 11𝑥

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 16

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

Answer: 11𝑥

2 2
2. 7𝑦 − 2𝑦
Solution:
2 2
(7 − 2)𝑦 = 5𝑦

2
Answer: 5𝑦

3. 5𝑎 − 3𝑎 + 2𝑎
Solution:
(5 − 3 + 2)𝑎 = 4𝑎

Answer: 4𝑎

3 3 3
4. –4𝑏 + 6𝑏 − 2𝑏
Solution:
3 3
(–4 + 6 − 2)𝑏 = 0𝑏 = 0

Answer: 0

2 2 2
5. 3𝑥 𝑦 − 𝑥 𝑦 + 5𝑥 𝑦
Solution:
2 2
(3 − 1 + 5)𝑥 𝑦 = 7𝑥 𝑦

2
Answer: 7𝑥 𝑦

2 2 2 2
6. 6𝑚 𝑛 − 4𝑚𝑛 + 2𝑚 𝑛 − 𝑚𝑛
Solution:
2 2
(6 + 2)𝑚 𝑛 = 8𝑚 𝑛
2 2
(–4 − 1)𝑚𝑛 = –5𝑚𝑛

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 17

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

2 2
Answer: 8𝑚 𝑛 − 5𝑚𝑛

3 3 3 3
7. 9𝑝 𝑞 − 5𝑝𝑞 + 3𝑝 𝑞 − 2𝑝𝑞
Solution:
3 3
(9 + 3)𝑝 𝑞 = 12𝑝 𝑞
3
(–5 − 2) = –7𝑝𝑞

3 3
Answer: 12𝑝 𝑞 − 7𝑝𝑞

4 3 4 3 4
8. 12𝑥 − 7𝑥 + 3𝑥 − 2𝑥 + 𝑥
Solution:
4 4
(12 + 3 + 1)𝑥 = 16𝑥
3 3
(–7 − 2)𝑥 = –9𝑥

4 3
Answer: 16𝑥 − 9𝑥

2 2 2 2 2 2
9. 8𝑎 𝑏 − 3𝑎𝑏 + 5𝑎 𝑏 + 2𝑎𝑏 − 4𝑎 𝑏
Solution:
2 2 2 2
(8 + 5 − 4)𝑎 𝑏 = 9𝑎 𝑏
(–3 + 2)𝑎𝑏 = –𝑎𝑏

2 2
Answer: 9𝑎 𝑏 − 𝑎𝑏

3 2 3 3 2 3 3
10. –5𝑥 𝑦 + 10𝑥𝑦 − 3𝑥 𝑦 + 2𝑥𝑦 − 𝑥𝑦
Solution:
3 2 3 2
(–5 − 3)𝑥 𝑦 = –8𝑥 𝑦
3 3
(10 + 2 − 1)𝑥𝑦 = 11𝑥𝑦

3 2 3
Answer: –8𝑥 𝑦 + 11𝑥𝑦

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 18

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

C. Analyze and solve the following problems.
1. If Lisa has 3𝑐 candies and she buys 4𝑐 more, how many candies does
she have?
Solution:
(3 + 4)𝑐 = 7𝑐

Answer: 7𝑐 candies

2. John has 6𝑑 pesos and he spends 2𝑑. How much money does he have
left?
Solution:
(6 − 2)𝑑 = 4𝑑

Answer: 4𝑑 pesos

3. Mary has 5𝑒 erasers and she gives away 3𝑒 to her friends. How many
erasers does she have now?
Solution:
(5 − 3)3 = 2𝑒

Answer: 2𝑒 erasers

Worksheet 1

A. Instructions: Determine whether the given pair of monomials are similar or not
then explain.

1. 2𝑥 and 4𝑥
Explanation:
These monomials are similar because they both contain the variable 𝑥 raised
to the first power. Only their coefficients are different.

Answer: similar

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 19

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

2
2. 7𝑦 and 7𝑦
Explanation:
These monomials are not similar because they contain the variable 𝑦 raised
to different powers.

Answer: not similar

3. 4𝑎𝑏 and 4𝑏𝑎

Explanation:
These monomials are similar because they both contain the variables 𝑎 and 𝑏
raised to the first power each. The commutative property of multiplication
means that 𝑎𝑏 is the same as 𝑏𝑎.

Answer: similar

2 2
4. 9𝑚 and –9𝑚
Explanation:
These monomials are similar because they both contain the variable 𝑚 raised
to the second power. The only difference is the sign of their coefficients,
which does not affect their similarity as terms.

Answer: similar

2 2
5. 2𝑥 𝑦 and 2𝑥𝑦
Explanation:
These monomials are not similar because they contain the variables 𝑥 and 𝑦
2 2
raised to different powers. In 2𝑥 𝑦, 𝑥 is squared and 𝑦 is not, while in 2𝑥𝑦 , 𝑦
is squared and 𝑥 is not.

Answer: not similar

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 20

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

B. Instructions: Simplify the given expressions by adding and subtracting monomials.

1. 6𝑎 + 3𝑎
Solution:
(6 + 3)𝑎 = 9𝑎

Answer: 9𝑎

2 2
2. 9𝑥 − 4𝑥 + 𝑥
Solution:
2 2
(9 + 1)𝑥 = 10𝑥

2
Answer: 10𝑥 − 4𝑥

2
3. 5𝑦 + 10𝑦 − 3𝑦
Solution:
(5 − 3)𝑦 = 2𝑦

2
Answer: 10𝑦 + 2𝑦

4. − 7𝑧 + 2𝑥 − 𝑥 + 𝑧
Solution:
(2 − 1)𝑥 = 𝑥
(–7 + 1)𝑧 = –6𝑧

Answer: 𝑥 − 6𝑧

5. 8𝑚 − 3𝑛 + 4𝑚 + 𝑛
Solution:
(8 + 4)𝑚 = 12𝑚
(–3 + 1)𝑛 = –2𝑛

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 21

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

Answer: 12𝑚 − 2𝑛

6. 12𝑝 + 5𝑞 − 2𝑝
Solution:
(12 − 2)𝑝 = 10𝑝

Answer: 10𝑝 + 5𝑞

3
7. 4𝑟 + 𝑠 + 4𝑟 − 𝑠
Solution:
(4 + 4)𝑟 = 8𝑟

3
Answer: 𝑠 − 𝑠 + 8𝑟

8. 9𝑢𝑡 − 3𝑢 + 6𝑡 − 𝑢𝑡
Solution:
(9 − 1)𝑢𝑡 = 8𝑢𝑡

Answer: 8𝑢𝑡 − 3𝑢 + 6𝑡

9. 7𝑣 − 2𝑤 + 5𝑣𝑤 − 𝑣𝑤
Solution:
(5 − 1)𝑣𝑤 = 4𝑣𝑤

Answer: 4𝑣𝑤 + 7𝑣 − 2𝑤

2
10. 6𝑗 + 9𝑘 − 10𝑗 + 9𝑘
Solution:
(9 + 9)𝑘 = 18𝑘

2
Answer: –10𝑗 + 6𝑗 + 18𝑘

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 22

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

C. Instructions: Analyze and solve the following word problems.

1. Lisa has 5𝑥 candies and she buys 3𝑥 more. How many candies does she have
now?
Solution:
(5 + 3)𝑥 = 8𝑥

Answer: 8𝑥 candies

2. John had 10𝑦 pesos and he spent 4𝑦 on books and 2𝑦 on snacks. How much
money does he have left?
Solution:
(10 − 4 − 2)𝑦 = 4𝑦

Answer: 4𝑦 pesos

Worksheet 2

A. Instructions: Determine whether the given pair of monomials are similar or not
then explain.

2
1. 3𝑥 and 3𝑥
Explanation:
These monomials are not similar because they contain the variable 𝑥 raised
2
to different powers. 3𝑥 involves 𝑥 squared, whereas 3𝑥 involves 𝑥 to the first
power.

Answer: similar

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 23

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

3 3
2. 4𝑦 and –4𝑦
Explanation:
These monomials are similar because they both contain the variable 𝑦 raised
to the third power. The only difference is the sign of their coefficients, which
does not affect their similarity as terms.

Answer: similar

2
3. 5𝑎𝑏 and 5𝑎 𝑏
Explanation:
These monomials are not similar because they have different powers of the
2
variable 𝑎. In 5𝑎𝑏, 𝑎 is to the first power, while in 5𝑎 𝑏, 𝑎 is squared.

Answer: not similar

4. 6𝑚𝑛𝑝 and –6𝑝𝑛𝑚

Explanation:
These monomials are similar because they contain the same variables 𝑚, 𝑛,
and 𝑝 all raised to the first power. The order of multiplication does not
matter due to the commutative property, and the sign of the coefficient does
not affect their similarity.

Answer: similar

5. 7𝑥𝑦 and 7𝑦𝑥

Explanation:
These monomials are similar because they both contain the variables 𝑥 and 𝑦
to the first power. The order of variables does not affect their similarity due
to the commutative property of multiplication.

Answer: similar

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 24

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

B. Instructions: Simplify the given expressions by adding and subtracting monomials.

3 3
1. 6𝑏 + 𝑏 − 2𝑏 + 2𝑏
Solution:
3 3
(6 − 2)𝑏 = 4𝑏
(1 + 2)𝑏 = 3𝑏

3
Answer: 4𝑏 + 3𝑏

3 3
2. 7𝑑 − 3𝑑 + 2𝑑 − 𝑑
Solution:
3 3
(7 + 2)𝑑 = 9𝑑
(–3 − 1)𝑑 = –4𝑑

3
Answer: 9𝑑 − 4𝑑

2 2
3. 9𝑒 𝑓 − 4𝑒 + 𝑒 𝑓
Solution:
2 2
(9 + 1)𝑒 𝑓 = 10𝑒 𝑓

2
Answer: 10𝑒 𝑓 − 4𝑒

3 3
4. 12ℎ − 10ℎ + 6ℎ − ℎ
Solution:
3 3
(12 + 6)ℎ = 18ℎ
(–10 − 1)ℎ = –11ℎ

3
Answer: 18ℎ − 11ℎ

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 25

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

2 2
5. − 5𝑖 + 9𝑖 − 2𝑖 + 𝑖
Solution:
2 2
(–5 − 2)𝑖 = –7𝑖
(9 + 1)𝑖 = 10𝑖

2
Answer: –7𝑖 + 10𝑖

3 3
6. 7𝑗 − 3𝑗 + 4𝑗 − 𝑗
Solution:
3 3
(7 + 4)𝑗 = 11𝑗
(–3 − 1)𝑗 = –4𝑗

3
Answer: 11𝑗 − 4𝑗

2 2 2
7. 3𝑎 𝑏 + 5𝑎 − 𝑎 𝑏
Solution:
2 2
(3 − 1)𝑎 𝑏 = 2𝑎 𝑏

2 2
Answer: 2𝑎 𝑏 + 5𝑎

2 2 2
8. 10𝑓 − 5𝑓 𝑔 − 𝑓 + 𝑔
Solution:
2 2
(10 − 1)𝑓 = 9𝑓

2 2
Answer: –5𝑓 𝑔 + 9𝑓 + 𝑔

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 26

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

2 2 2
9. 8𝑔 + 7𝑔 ℎ − 3𝑔 + 2ℎ
Solution:
2 2
(8 − 3)𝑔 = 5𝑔

2 2
Answer: 7𝑔 ℎ + 5𝑔 + 2ℎ

2 2 2
10. –4𝑐 + 6𝑐 𝑑 − 𝑐 + 𝑐 𝑑
Solution:
2 2
(6 + 1)𝑐 𝑑 = 7𝑐 𝑑

Answer:
2 2
7𝑐 𝑑 − 4𝑐 − 𝑐

C. Instructions: Analyze and solve the following problems.

1. Maria had 12𝑥 apples. She bought 8𝑥 more apples and gave 5𝑥 apples to her
friend. How many apples does she have now?
Solution:
(12 + 8 − 5)𝑥 = 15𝑥

Answer: 15𝑥 apples

2. David had 18𝑦 pesos. He spent 7𝑦 on books and 5𝑦 on snacks. How much
money does he have left?
Solution:
(18 − 7 − 5)𝑦 = 6𝑦

Answer: 6𝑦 pesos

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 27

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

Worksheet 3

A. Instructions: Determine whether the given pair of monomials are similar or not
then explain.
2 2
1. 3𝑥 𝑦 and 3𝑥𝑦
Explanation:
These monomials are not similar because the variables 𝑥 and 𝑦 have different
2
exponents in each term. In 3𝑥 𝑦, 𝑥 is squared and 𝑦 is to the first power,
2
whereas in 3𝑥𝑦 , 𝑦 is squared and 𝑥 is to the first power.

Answer: not similar

2 2
2. 4𝑎 𝑏𝑐 and 4𝑎𝑏 𝑐
Explanation:
These monomials are not similar because they contain different powers of
2
the variables 𝑎 and 𝑏. 4𝑎 𝑏𝑐 has 𝑎 squared and 𝑏 to the first power, while
2
4𝑎𝑏 𝑐 has 𝑏 squared and 𝑎 to the first power.

Answer: similar

2 2
3. 5𝑚𝑛 and 5𝑛 𝑚
Explanation:
These monomials are similar because they both contain the variables 𝑚 and
𝑛, with 𝑛 squared. The order of 𝑚 and 𝑛 does not change the fact that both
terms involve the same variables with the same exponents.

Answer: similar

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 28

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

4. –7𝑥𝑦𝑧 and –7𝑦𝑥𝑧
Explanation:
These monomials are similar because they contain the same variables 𝑥, 𝑦,
and 𝑧, each to the first power. The order of variables in the product does not
affect their similarity due to the commutative property of multiplication.

Answer: similar

5. 8𝑎𝑏𝑐 and 8𝑎𝑐𝑏

Explanation:
These monomials are similar because they both contain the variables 𝑎, 𝑏,
and 𝑐 all raised to the first power. The order of the variables does not affect
their similarity due to the commutative property of multiplication.

Answer: similar

B. Instructions: Simplify the given expressions by adding and subtracting monomials.

2 2 2
1. 3𝑥 𝑦 + 5𝑥 𝑦 − 𝑥 𝑦 + 7𝑥 − 2𝑦
Solution:
2 2
(3 + 5 − 1)𝑥 𝑦 = 7𝑥 𝑦

2
Answer: 7𝑥 𝑦 + 7𝑥 − 2𝑦

3 3 3 2
2. 6𝑎 𝑏 − 2𝑎 𝑏 + 𝑎 𝑏 − 4𝑎𝑏 + 5𝑎𝑏
Solution:
3 3
(6 − 2 + 1)𝑎 𝑏 = 5𝑎 𝑏

3 2
Answer: 5𝑎 𝑏 − 4𝑎𝑏 + 5𝑎𝑏

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 29

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

2 2 2 2 2 2
3. –4𝑐 𝑑 + 6𝑐 𝑑 − 𝑐 𝑑 + 3𝑑 − 5𝑐𝑑
Solution:
2 2 2 2
(–4 + 6)𝑐 𝑑 = 2𝑐 𝑑

2 2 2 2
Answer: 2𝑐 𝑑 − 𝑐 𝑑 + 3𝑑 − 5𝑐𝑑

3 2 3 2 3 2
4. 7𝑑 𝑒 − 3𝑑 𝑒 + 2𝑑 𝑒 + 4𝑑𝑒 − 2𝑑
Solution:
3 2 3 2
(7 − 3 + 2)𝑑 𝑒 = 6𝑑 𝑒

3 2
Answer: 6𝑑 𝑒 + 4𝑑𝑒 − 2𝑑

2 3 2 3 2 3
5. 9𝑒 𝑓 − 4𝑒 𝑓 + 𝑒 𝑓 − 6𝑒𝑓 + 3𝑒
Solution:
2 3 2 3
(9 − 4 + 1)𝑒 𝑓 = 6𝑒 𝑓

2 3
Answer: 6𝑒 𝑓 − 6𝑒𝑓 + 3𝑒

3 2 3 2 3 2
6. 10𝑓 𝑔 − 5𝑓 𝑔 − 8𝑓𝑔 − 4𝑔 + 𝑓 𝑔
Solution:
3 2 3 2
(10 − 5 + 1)𝑓 𝑔 = 6𝑓 𝑔

3 2
Answer: 6𝑓 𝑔 − 8𝑓𝑔 − 4𝑔

4 3 4 3 4 3
7. 8𝑔 ℎ + 7𝑔 ℎ − 5𝑔ℎ − 3𝑔 ℎ + 9𝑔
Solution:
4 3 4 3
(8 + 7 − 3)𝑔 ℎ = 12𝑔 ℎ

4 3
Answer: 12𝑔 ℎ − 5𝑔ℎ + 9𝑔

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 30

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

5 4 5 4 5 4
8. 12ℎ 𝑖 − 7ℎ𝑖 − 10ℎ 𝑖 + 3ℎ + 6ℎ 𝑖
Solution:
5 4 5 4
(12 − 10 + 6)ℎ 𝑖 = 8ℎ 𝑖

5 4
Answer: 8ℎ 𝑖 − 7ℎ𝑖 + 3ℎ

6 5 6 5 6 5
9. 8𝑖𝑗 − 5𝑖 𝑗 − 4𝑖 + 9𝑖 𝑗 − 2𝑖 𝑗
Solution:
6 5 6 5
(–5 + 9 − 2)𝑖 𝑗 = 2𝑖 𝑗

6 5
Answer: 2𝑖 𝑗 + 8𝑖𝑗 − 4𝑖

4 3 4 3 4 3
10. 5𝑘 − 9𝑘𝑙 + 2𝑘 𝑙 − 7𝑘 𝑙 + 11𝑘 𝑙
Solution:
4 3 4 3
(2 − 7 + 11)𝑘 𝑙 = 6𝑘 𝑙

4 3
Answer: 6𝑘 𝑙 − 9𝑘𝑙 + 5𝑘

C. Instructions: Analyze and solve the following problems.

1. Maria had 12𝑎 apples. She bought 8𝑎 more apples, gave 5𝑎 apples to her
friend, and then bought 4𝑎 more apples. How many apples does she have
now?
Solution:
(12 + 8 − 5 + 4)𝑎 = 19𝑎

Answer: 19𝑎 apples

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 31

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

2. David had 15𝑧 pesos. He spent 6𝑧 on a game, then earned 3𝑧 from a
part-time job, and later spent 5𝑧 on food. How much money does he have
left?
Solution:
(15 − 6 + 3 − 5)𝑧 = 7𝑧

Answer: 7𝑧 pesos

Synthesis

Wrap-up

1. What is a monomial?
Possible answer: “A monomial is an algebraic expression with only one term.”
2. How do you add or subtract monomials?
Possible answer: “You add or subtract the coefficients of similar terms.”

Application and Values Integration

1. How can adding and subtracting monomials be applied in real-life situations?

Possible answer: “It can be used in budgeting to combine different costs or
expenses.”
2. What values can you learn from solving algebraic expressions?
Possible answer: “Patience and attention to detail, as it requires careful
identification and manipulation of terms.”

Bridge to the Next Topic

1. How do you think multiplying monomials will be different from adding them?
Possible answer: “Multiplying monomials will involve multiplying the
coefficients and adding the exponents.”

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 32

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

2. Why do you think it is important to understand addition and subtraction of
monomials before learning multiplication and division?
Possible answer: “Understanding addition and subtraction builds a
foundation for more complex operations like multiplication and division.”

Possible Answers to the Essential Questions

1. How can identifying similar terms help in simplifying algebraic expressions?
Possible Answer: “It allows for combining like terms, making the expression
simpler and easier to manage. It also helps in accurately solving equations by
reducing complexity.”
2. What are the steps in adding or subtracting monomials?
Possible Answer: “Identify similar terms, then add or subtract their
coefficients. Ensure the variables and their exponents are identical before
combining the coefficients.”

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 33

 Mathematics

Unit 2: Operations on Algebraic Expressions

References

"Monomial." BYJU'S. Accessed June 11, 2024. https://byjus.com/maths/monomial/.

"Operations with Algebraic Expressions: Addition and Subtraction of Monomials." George Brown
College. PDF file. Accessed June 11, 2024.
https://www.georgebrown.ca/sites/default/files/uploadedfiles/tlc/_documents/Operations_wi
th_Algebraic_Expressions_Addition_and_Subtraction_of_Monomials.pdf.

Pierce, Rod. "Like Terms," Math Is Fun. Accessed June 11, 2024.
https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/like-terms.html.

2.1. Adding and Subtracting Monomials 34