Question
(b) Simplify 3xy+2xy-xy
Answer
4.6
(214 Votes)
Mitchell
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
4xy
Explanation
To simplify the algebraic expression 3xy + 2xy - xy, you need to combine like terms. Like terms are terms whose variables (and their exponents) are the same. In this expression, all terms are like terms because they all contain the product of x and y. You can thus add or subtract the coefficients (the numerical parts) of these terms while keeping the variables unchanged:1. Start by combining the coefficients of the like terms 3xy, 2xy, and -xy. These are 3, 2, and -1 respectively (note that -xy is equivalent to -1xy).2. Add the coefficients together: 3 + 2 - 1 = 4.3. Keep the variable part unchanged (which is "xy").4. The simplified expression is the new coefficient multiplied by the variable part, resulting in 4xy.