Question

i am confused on polynomials: (x^2y+−2x^2y)
=-x^2y (the correct answer)
x^2-2x^2 = -x, y+y = 2y....am i suppose to add the y's?

Answer 1

yes they have the same variables (like terms)

Answer 2

the answer only has one y

Answer 3

so apparently, you don't do anything to the y's. can someone explain why?

Answer 4

the y's are part of the exponent, so you leave them alone

Answer 5

think of it this way:

1 - 2 = -1
(x^2y) - 2(x^2y) = -(x^2y)