Question

State whether each pair of the terms given below like or unlike.

$x^{2}y,x{y}^2$

Answer 1

Check the terms are like or unlike.

Given, pairs are $x^{2}y,x{y}^2$

Two or more terms can be called as ‘like terms’ if they have

1. same variable
2. same degree

Otherwise, they are called as ‘unlike terms’.

The given set of terms $x^{2}y,x{y}^2$ can be called as unlike terms because these terms do not have same degree and same variables together. Although these terms have same variables, they contain different powers for those same variables.

Hence, the given terms $x^{2}y,x{y}^2$ can be called as unlike terms.