Question

Identify the like terms.

A) 5u and 2v
B) buv and -uv
C) -5u and -5
D) -5u and buv and 2v

Answer 1

In option (B), 'buv' and '-uv' are like terms because they contain the same variables (u and v). Options (A), (C), and (D) do not contain like terms as the variables or combinations of variables differ.

Step-by-step explanation:

To identify the like terms in algebra, we look at terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. Here are the evaluations for the given options:

• (A) 5u and 2v: These are not like terms because they involve different variables (u and v).
• (B) buv and -uv: These are like terms as they contain the same variables multiplied together (u and v).
• (C) -5u and -5: These are not like terms because one is a variable term (5u) and the other is a constant (-5).
• (D) -5u, buv, and 2v: None of these are like terms as they each contain different variables or combinations of variables.

Hence, option (B) buv and -uv are the like terms.