Correct Answer:
C. 10x² + xy + √x
Correct answer: 10x² + xy + √x. Combine the like terms 3x² + 7x² = 10x². The terms xy and √x stay as they are.
Background: Only like terms (same variables and powers) can be combined.
- 10x + √(25x) + xy: The x² terms add to 10x², not 10x.
- 10x + √(25x) + xy: The x² terms add to 10x², not 10x.
- 10x² − xy + √x: The sign of xy should stay positive.
Did you know? xy and √x are not like terms of x².
Memory trick: 3x² + 7x² = 10x².