Question

Consider the terms $x^{3}y$, $4x^2{y}^2$, $3x{y}^3$, $7x^2{y}^2$, $3x^3$, $4y^2$, $6xy$, $7x^{3}y$ and $8y^2$.
Which of the following are like terms?

• A. $4x^2{y}^2$ and $7x^2{y}^2$
• B. $x^{3}y$ and $7x^{3}y$
• C. $6xy$ and $4y^2$
• D. Both A and B

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Both A and B

$4x^2{y}^2$ and $7x^2{y}^2$ are like terms since these expressions have $x^2{y}^2$ with a constant coefficient. Note that for two terms to be like terms, they should have the same variables, with each variable raised to the same power in each of the terms.
Also, $x^{3}y$ and $7x^{3}y$ are like terms.
But, $6xy$ and $4y^2$ are not like terms.
Also, $8y^2$ and $4y^2$ are also like terms.