SOLUTION: Can you please help me answer this question: if x is a variable and "a" is a constant (number) are (a)(x^2) and (a^2)(x^2)like terms? I think there are not because is used 3 for

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Can you please help me answer this question: if x is a variable and "a" is a constant (number) are (a)(x^2) and (a^2)(x^2)like terms? I think there are not because is used 3 for      Log On


   

Question 290288: Can you please help me answer this question: if x is a variable and "a" is a constant (number) are (a)(x^2) and (a^2)(x^2)like terms?
I think there are not because is used 3 for a and 4 for b and 3 x 4^2 is 48 where as 3^2 x 4^2 is 144, both equal different answers therefore they are not alike


thank you so much for all your help!
Found 2 solutions by jim_thompson5910, solver91311:
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Since the variable terms on ax%5E2 and a%5E2x%5E2 are identical, this means that ax%5E2 and a%5E2x%5E2 are like terms. Furthermore, this means that ax%5E2%2Ba%5E2x%5E2=x%5E2%28a%2Ba%5E2%29=%28a%2Ba%5E2%29x%5E2

Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Well, what about and ? Aren't those two like terms?

If is a constant, then is simply a different constant. Yes, and are most assuredly like terms.

John