SOLUTION: Hey, I'm really stuck trying to figure the answer to the following question: Add (or simplify the following): x^2 + x^2y^2 + 2x^2y^2 If possible can you please provide me

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Hey, I'm really stuck trying to figure the answer to the following question: Add (or simplify the following): x^2 + x^2y^2 + 2x^2y^2 If possible can you please provide me      Log On


   

Question 3836: Hey,
I'm really stuck trying to figure the answer to the following question:
Add (or simplify the following):
x^2 + x^2y^2 + 2x^2y^2
If possible can you please provide me a detailed answer with full workings, so that way I'll understand for future references.
Thanks
Chris
Answer by longjonsilver(2297) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
the second and third terms are the same (they are both x%5E2y%5E2 terms), so we can add them to give x%5E2+%2B+3x%5E2y%5E2. Leave it like that...you cannot add anything else.

However, what mathematicians prefer to do, is to factorise something...ie write it as "one thing" multiplied by "another thing". So, we get, x%5E2%281%2B3y%5E2%29

I would leave it in this form.

jon