Question

Which of the following is an example of a set of like terms?

A) (19y, 19, y)
B) (18x, -x, 21x)
C) (15, 20, 25y)
D) (-2x, -2y, -2xy)

Answer 1

The correct set of like terms is B) (18x, -x, 21x) as like terms share the same variables and exponents, differing only in coefficients.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine which set of like terms is correct, we need to look for terms that have the same variables raised to the same power. Like terms can differ in coefficients (the numbers multiplying the variables), but not in the variable parts or their exponents.

The correct answer is B) (18x, -x, 21x).

Here is why the others are not like terms:

• A) (19y, 19, y) - This set includes a constant (19) and two terms with variables (19y and y), but the 19y and y are like terms, the number 19 is not.
• C) (15, 20, 25y) - This set includes two constants (15 and 20) and one term with a variable (25y), so they are not all like terms.
• D) (-2x, -2y, -2xy) - Although all terms have a coefficient of -2, they each have different variables or combinations of variables, thus not qualifying as like terms.

In the correct answer B), all terms are multiples of x.