Which option is a correct example of unlike terms?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: \(5s^2\) and \(5s\)
In \(5s^2\) and \(5s\), the variable \(s\) is the same, but its powers are 2 and 1 respectively. Their literal parts are therefore different, so they are unlike terms. In contrast, \(4c\) and \(-9c\) are like terms because both contain \(c\) to the power 1. Exam tip: for like terms, every variable and its exponent must match exactly; only the coefficients may differ.
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What is the correct answer to this question?
\(5s^2\) and \(5s\)
Why is this the correct answer?
In \(5s^2\) and \(5s\), the variable \(s\) is the same, but its powers are 2 and 1 respectively. Their literal parts are therefore different, so they are unlike terms. In contrast, \(4c\) and \(-9c\) are like terms because both contain \(c\) to the power 1. Exam tip: for like terms, every variable and its exponent must match exactly; only the coefficients may differ.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 9 Mathematics question. Chapter: Introduction to Polynomials. Topic: Algebraic expressions.
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