Question

Which of the following is a pair of like terms?
(a) $x$, 100
(b) $3xy$, $y$
(c) $y$, 5
(d) $7xy$, $6xy$
[1 mark]

Answer 1

Like terms are terms that have the same variables and powers.
In option A the terms given are not like terms since $x$ is a variable and 100 is a constant.

In option B terms given are not like terms since variables in the given terms are different.

In option C terms given are not like terms since $y$ is a variable and 5 is constant.

In option D both the terms have same variables, i.e., $xy$ with same exponents.

Hence, option D is correct.
[1 mark]