Question

Which of the terms cannot be combined with the others? 3xy, 2x, -5x or x

Answer 1

@Comrad

Answer 2

Ok so we have 3xy, 2x, -5x, and x.

Let me break this down.
We have 3 oranges and apples, 2 apples, -5 apples (somebody stole em) and 1 apple.
With that in mind, which can not combine with the other?

Answer 3

the negative

Answer 4

Incorrect. Let me rephrase.
We have 3 oil atoms and water atoms, 2 water atoms, -5 water atoms, and 1 water atom.
Which cannot combine with the others?

Answer 5

so it would be x

Answer 6

Variables cannot combine with other variables. They can only combine with like variables.

5x-3x can be simplified to 2x.
5x-3y cannot be simplified.

Answer 7

2x+ (-5x) = -3x
2x + x = 3x
3xy + 2x cannot be simplified

Answer 8

3xy

Answer 9

CORRECT!!! Now, tell me why it is 3xy.

Answer 10

Because it has 2 variables

Answer 11

Nope.

Answer 12

@rebeccaxhawaii Can you help me explain to @benlindquist why apples cannot combine with oranges?

Answer 13

All of them have on variable of x, but 3xy has whatever

Answer 14

Technically speaking you are correct. You cannot add different variables in any situation.

Answer 15

since all of em, except 3xy has 2 variables other than one

Answer 16

okay so lets make 3y^2 apples,2y bananas, and 4x oranges when someone asks you how many oranges you have you dont say 9 you say 4

Answer 17

they are all different