What are terms with the same variable part called?

Terms that share the same variable part are termed as "like terms." This means that they have identical variable components raised to the same powers. For example, in the expression (3x^2 + 5x^2), both terms consist of the variable (x^2), making them like terms. They can be combined through addition or subtraction to simplify expressions.

The concept of like terms is fundamental in algebra as it allows for the simplification of expressions and equations, making calculations easier and more efficient. In contrast, terms with differing variable parts cannot be combined.

Simplified terms refer to terms that have been processed to their simplest form, and like constants pertain specifically to constant terms without variables. Common factors relate to algebraic expressions in terms of factors that can be factored out but do not directly involve the concept of like terms.