How can like terms be combined?

Like terms can be combined by adding their coefficients. Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For instance, in the expression (3x + 5x), both terms are 'like terms' because they contain the variable (x) raised to the first power. When combining these terms, you focus on their coefficients (the numbers in front of the variables).

So, in this case, you would add the coefficients (3) and (5), which results in (8). This gives you (8x). This process allows you to simplify expressions and perform calculations in algebra.

The other options present methods that do not apply to combining like terms. Multiplying coefficients does not yield a valid combined term; finding a greatest common factor relates to factoring rather than combining, and using brackets does not contribute to the addition of similar terms. Thus, the correct method for combining like terms is through the addition of their coefficients.