Like terms

Question

State whether the given pair of expressions are like terms. If they are like terms, add them. -5x^4, 2x^4

 

 

Their sum is

Answer 1

Both variables are x⁴

Thus, they are "like terms"

 

Given -5 of something and 2 of the same thing

we have -5 + 2 of that something

 

-5x⁴ + 2x⁴ = (-5+2)x⁴ = -3x⁴

 

Note:  Even though both variables are "x"

they still would not be like terms if the

exponents had been different.

Answer 2

-5x⁴ + 2x⁴

-3x⁴