Question

Simplify the expression
9xy² - 11xy²

Answer 1

@FibonacciChick666

Answer 2

So, when it comes to variables, you can only simplify things that have the EXACT same variables to the EXACT same powers using addition

Answer 3

do we satisfy that requirement here?

Answer 4

-2xy²??

Answer 5

Yes! :D

Answer 6

that is the simplification, would you like the inbetween stuff that you need to check before you can just subtract?

Answer 7

yes

Answer 8

ok so look at 9xy^2 or \(9xy^2\), what variables do we have?

Answer 9

x and y

Answer 10

ok y to what power?

Answer 11

it is very important

Answer 12

second?

Answer 13

ok, so specifically we have x and y^2. we must see if those and only those occur in \(-11xy^2\) If they do not, we cannot simplify. If they do then we can look at the coefficients

Answer 14

you lost me lol

Answer 15

oh wait are you saying that both variables have to be the same on both sides before you can simplify?

Answer 16

yes

Answer 17

ie you must find a x and a y^2 in the other term, and only those, before you can simplify

Answer 18

so you just subtract the numbers since all the variables are the same?

Answer 19

yep. you add or subtract the coefficients and tack the variables on at the end

Answer 20

9xy²-11xy²=-2y²x

Answer 21

-2xy²

Answer 22

yeppers. And that includes all of the inbetween stuff

Answer 23

how do i show the inbetween work?

Answer 24

just that paragra[h I was talking abut