Subjects algebra

Combining Like Terms Ab4B23

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Question: User: how did it become 3b2 if it is 5b+4b
1. The problem is to understand how $5b + 4b$ could become $3b^2$. 2. First, let's look at the original expression: $5b + 4b$. 3. When adding terms, you can only combine like terms. Like terms have the same variable raised to the same power. 4. Here, both terms are like terms because they both have $b$ to the first power. 5. So, $5b + 4b = (5 + 4)b = 9b$. 6. The expression $3b^2$ is different because it has $b$ squared, which is not the same as $b$. 7. Therefore, $5b + 4b$ cannot become $3b^2$ by simple addition. 8. If you see $3b^2$, it must come from a different operation, such as multiplication or a different expression. 9. In summary, $5b + 4b = 9b$, not $3b^2$.