Question

In the column method, what ensures error-free addition?

Options

• Adding constants last

• Writing terms horizontally

• Placing like terms in the same vertical column

• Grouping variables randomly

Answer 1

Placing like terms in the same vertical column

Explanation:

In the column method, writing like terms directly under like terms (same variable and same power) ensures they are combined correctly.

This prevents adding or subtracting unlike terms by mistake and makes the final sum accurate.