Like and Unlike Terms

Correct answer: B. Unlike terms

The variable parts of \(6x\) and \(6y\) are \(x\) and \(y\), respectively, so they are different. Therefore, these are unlike terms. Like terms must have the same variables with the same powers, although their coefficients may differ. Exam tip: compare the variables and their exponents before comparing coefficients.

Correct answer: B. Like terms

Terms are called like terms when their variable parts are identical, including the same variables raised to the same powers. In 4a, the variable part is a to the first power. In −2a, the variable part is also a to the first power. Their numerical coefficients, 4 and −2, are different, but coefficients may differ while terms remain like terms. Therefore option B is correct. Option A is wrong because the variable parts match. Option C is wrong because both expressions contain a variable and are not constants. Option D is wrong because each expression has only one term; a binomial must contain two unlike or separate terms joined by an operation.