Math Doubts

Unlike algebraic terms

Fact-checked:

The algebraic terms whose literal coefficients are not same, are called the unlike algebraic terms.

Introduction

The unlikeness of two or more algebraic terms are actually determined by their literal coefficients. If the literal coefficients of two or more algebraic terms are not same, then the algebraic terms are looked dissimilar, and they are called as unlike algebraic terms. So, the property of the unlikeness is a key factor for determining the unlike algebraic terms in algebra.

Example

$5xy$ and $6x^2y$ are two algebraic terms.

Look at the two algebraic terms, and it seems they are dissimilar. It can be confirmed mathematically by determining the literal coefficients of them and it helps us to check the property of unlikeness of them mathematically.

$5xy = 5 \times xy$ and $6x^2y = 6 \times x^2y$

$xy$ is the literal coefficient of $5$ in the first algebraic term and $x^2y$ is the literal coefficient of $6$ in the second algebraic term. The literal coefficients of them are not same. Due to this reason, the two algebraic terms are looked dissimilar and they are called as unlike algebraic terms.

Examples

Look at the following examples to understand unlike algebraic terms clearly.

$(1) \,\,\,$ $2a$, $6b$

$(2) \,\,\,$ $l^2$, $\dfrac{l^2m}{5}$, $-0.25l^2m^2$

$(3) \,\,\,$ $4m$, $4mn$, $4m^2n$, $4mn^2$

$(4) \,\,\,$ $-4p^3qr$, $10pq^2r^3$

$(5) \,\,\,$ $-x$, $x^2$, $3xy$, $6xz$, $-176xyz$

Ashok Kumar B.E. - Founder of Math Doubts

Ashok Kumar, B.E.

Founder of Math Doubts

A Specialist in Mathematics, Physics, and Engineering with 14 years of experience helping students master complex concepts from basics to advanced levels with clarity and precision.