Question

Is ab and -ab like terms?

Are a squared b and b squared a like or unlike terms?

Answer 1

Yes, ab and – ab are like terms.

Factors of ab are 1, a and b

Factors of – ab are – 1 , a and b.

Their algebraic (i.e., those which contain variables) factors are the same. Hence, they are like terms.

a²b and b²a are not like terms.

Factors of a²b are 1, a, a and b.

Factors of b²a are 1, b, b and a.

Their algebraic factors are different. Hence, they are unlike terms.