True or False: Combining like terms can only be done with positive coefficients.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only for integers
• D. Only for real numbers

Answer: (B)

Combining like terms refers to the process of simplifying algebraic expressions by adding or subtracting coefficients of the same variable. It is essential to understand that this process is not limited to terms with positive coefficients.

When we combine like terms, we can work with any coefficients, whether they are positive, negative, or even zero. For example, if we have the expression (3x - 5x), both (3x) and (-5x) are like terms because they share the same variable (x). When combined, they result in (-2x). This demonstrates that coefficients do not have to be solely positive for combining like terms to occur.

This principle applies to various types of numbers, including integers, fractions, and real numbers, illustrating that the ability to combine like terms is a broader concept that encompasses all coefficients, not just those that are positive. Therefore, stating that combining like terms can only be done with positive coefficients is inaccurate, leading to the conclusion that the statement is false.