Question

1. identify if each set of terms listed below are like terms or not and explain why.

a) $17a$ and $25b$
b) 4 and 8
c) $12x$ and $3x$

Explanation:

a) Like terms require identical variables. $17a$ has variable $a$, $25b$ has variable $b$—different variables.
b) Constant terms with no variables are like terms, as they have identical "variable parts" (none).
c) Both $12x$ and $3x$ have the same variable $x$ with the same exponent (1, implied), so they match.

Answer:

a) Not like terms. The terms have different variables ($a$ vs. $b$).
b) Like terms. Both are constant terms with no variables.
c) Like terms. Both have the same variable $x$ with the same exponent.