True or False: You can combine 2r and 3s.

True or False: You can combine 2r and 3s.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It depends on the coefficients
• D. They can't be combined unless they have the same exponent

Answer: (B)

The statement is false. You cannot combine 2r and 3s because they are not like terms. Like terms are those that have the same variable raised to the same power. In this case, 2r has the variable r, while 3s has the variable s. Since the variables are different, they cannot be simplified into a single term. When combining like terms, only coefficients of terms with identical variable parts can be added or subtracted. This concept is fundamental in algebra, as it allows for simplification and the formulation of equations in a clearer manner. Thus, the correct conclusion is that these specific terms cannot be combined.

The statement is false. You cannot combine 2r and 3s because they are not like terms. Like terms are those that have the same variable raised to the same power. In this case, 2r has the variable r, while 3s has the variable s. Since the variables are different, they cannot be simplified into a single term.

When combining like terms, only coefficients of terms with identical variable parts can be added or subtracted. This concept is fundamental in algebra, as it allows for simplification and the formulation of equations in a clearer manner. Thus, the correct conclusion is that these specific terms cannot be combined.