1. Let's start by stating the problem: You want to understand how to combine like terms to solve equations. 2. Combining like terms means adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, $3x$ and $5x$ are like terms, but $3x$ and $3y$ are not. 3. The general formula or rule is: Combine coefficients of like terms by addition or subtraction while keeping the variable part unchanged. 4. Example: Solve $2x + 3x = 10$. 5. Combine like terms on the left side: $2x + 3x = (2 + 3)x = 5x$. 6. Now the equation is $5x = 10$. 7. To solve for $x$, divide both sides by 5: $x = \frac{10}{5} = 2$. 8. So, the solution is $x = 2$. 9. Remember, only terms with the exact same variable and exponent can be combined. Constants (numbers without variables) can also be combined with each other. 10. Practice combining like terms by grouping them and then simplifying step-by-step.