Like terms

[Underachiever]

I think I know the answer to this, but just to be sure . . . . It seems like the order or sequence of variables shouldn't make any difference when trying to work with like terms. So when would 3abc+6cba+8bac be considered like terms? How about 3a^2bc + 6cba^2 + 8ba^2c ?

Thanks

[stapel_eliz]

...when would 3abc+6cba+8bac be considered like terms?

"Like terms" are terms with the same variable factors. The order of the factors is irrelevant. So the three terms above would be "like" terms.

How about 3a^2bc + 6cba^2 + 8ba^2c ?

These also would be "like" terms.

Note: The above permutations of the factors serve to illustrate why there is a standard protocol for variables: List the variables in alphabetical order!

[Underachiever]

Thank you very much. I appreciate your help.