I question i have

[kkiceman14]

when you are adding exponents you keep the exponent the same

2y^2 + 6y^2 = ?

and when you multiply exponents you add the exponents and multiply the coefficients

2y^2 x 6y^2 = ?

 

[tkhunny]

I certainly do nopt recommed that you attempt to establish such rules. You will have to invent far, far too many and your head will explode. I would prefer that you get the concept of "like terms" stuck in your brain.

2*dog + 3*dog = 5*dog You aren't tempted to spell "dog" with two "g"s, are you?

3*(This is an object) - 1*(This is an object) = 2*(This is an object)

5*x + 6*x = 11*x -- Adding 5 things to six of the same things makes 11 of those things.

5*[y¹²] + 8*[y¹²] = 13*[y¹²] -- You had five and you added 8. Why would you mess with the exponent? The TERM is "y¹²", don't mess with it.

You can see that multipication is a little different.

[2*dog]*[3*dog] = 6*(dog)² -- I don't really know what a (dog)² is, but we are multiplying, so add the exponents.

5*[y¹²] * 8*[y¹²] = 40*[y²⁴]

Adding - Just add the exponents. Don't mess with the "term."
Multiplying - Add the exponents.

 

[kkiceman14]

thanks