Question

Does 4Y + Y = 4Y^2? Or is it 5Y because you're adding 4y's to 1y?

Answer 1

surely its 5y you can see it by taking common terms
4y + y
y(4+1)
5y

Answer 2

4y + y = 5y

Because there is an addition sign.

You can write it in this way to understand easily:-

4y + y
= 4y + 1y
= 5y

If there is a multiplication sign then the answer will 4y^2 i.e.

4y × y
= 4y^2

Hope it helps.