Why $5x \cdot 8x - 3x \cdot (-3x) \ne 49^4$?

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$$5x \cdot 8x - 3x \cdot (-3x) = 40 x^2 + 9x ^2 = 49 x ^2 ,$$

but why is it not $49^4$? I just need this clarified and the rule behind this.

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Think of $x^2$ as "apples" or some other quantity. $40x^2+9x^2$ then says "40 apples + 9 apples", which gives you 49 apples. Remember, "apples" was just another name for $x^2$, so the answer is $49x^2$.

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