Q.79 - Intermediate Algebra

Question

Ariana thinks the sum $6y^2+ 5y^4$ is $11y^6$. What is wrong with her reasoning?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The degree of the term is not same, so we cannot add the term.

Step 1. Given Information

Ariana thinks the sum $6y^2+ 5y^4$ is $11y^6$.

We have to find what is wrong with her reasoning.

Step 2. The Binomial is 6 y 2 +   5 y 4 and according to Ariana the sum of the binomial is 11 y 6 .

We know that we simplify expressions by combining like terms and like terms must have the same variables with the same degree. 

In the given binomial one term has degree $2$ and the second term has degree $4$. The degree of the term is not same, so we cannot add the term.