Question

Select the pair of terms that are NOT like terms. a) 3x2 , 3x3 b) -7xy, -9yx c) 8b, -0.5b d) -p2q2 , (pq)2

Answer 1

b), c), d)

Explanation:

Like terms are terms that have same variables with same powers.

a)

`3x^2,3x^3` have same variable
`x` with different powers.

So,
`3x^2,3x^3` are not like terms.

b)
`-7xy,-9yx`

Power of
`x` in each of the terms = 1

Power of
`y` in each of the terms = 1

`-7xy,-9yx` are terms that have same variables
`\{x,y\}` with same powers.

So,
`-7xy,-9yx` are like terms.

c)
`8b,-0.5b`

Power of
`b` in each of the terms = 1

`8b,-0.5b` are terms that have same variable
`b` with same power.

So,
`8b,-0.5b` are like terms.

d)
`-p^2q^2,(pq)^2=p^2q^2`

Power of
`p` in each of the terms = 1

Power of
`q` in each of the terms = 1

`-p^2q^2,(pq)^2` are terms that have same variables
`\{p,q\}`with same powers.

So,
`-p^2q^2,(pq)^2` are like terms