Question

Combine the like terms to simplify the expression:

9 + 3 + 17xy2 + 8y3 + 10x –13xy2 – 9x – 6y3

Answer 1

Like terms mean you can only add things that are the same type. It's like the saying (you can't add apples and oranges). Numbers can be added to numbers if they stand alone. 8y^3 and -6y^3 can be grouped together. Pretend the y^3 things are apples. 17xy^2 and -13xy^2 can be grouped together. Does that make it clearer?

Answer 2

combine the like terms add 9+3
12 +17xy2 + 8y3 + 10x –13xy2 – 9x – 6y3
next add 17xy2 + 13xy2
you get 4xy^2
continue on you want to try?

Answer 3

ok

Answer 4

so would i have 9+3+4xy^2+2y^3

Answer 5

You forgot the 10x and - 9x.

Answer 6

oops

Answer 7

12+4xy^2+8y^3+10x-9x-6y

Answer 8

9 + 3 = 12. First you group things together, then you add or subtract them.

Answer 9

ok

Answer 10

Combine means they want you to group them and then simplify by adding or subtracting the ones you can.

Answer 11

Then combine 8y^3 + 6y^3

Answer 12

Yes but it's a minus sign so you do 8y^3 - 6y^3.
I get 12 + 4xy^2 + 2y^3 + x.

Answer 13

oh yead so my mistake