The four operations on monomials follow simple rules, but with one important caveat: addition and subtraction can only be carried out between like monomials, that is, monomials with the same literal part.

Property — Operations between monomials

  • Sum/difference: only between like monomials (same literal part); the coefficients are added or subtracted while the literal part is left unchanged.
  • Product: the coefficients are multiplied and the exponents of equal letters are added.
  • Quotient: the coefficients are divided and the exponents are subtracted.
  • Power: the coefficient is raised to the power and the exponents of the letters are multiplied.

Topics: Algebraic calculus
Concepts: Like monomials · Monomial
Skills: Calculating