Simplifying the Expression: (-5t^3 + 4t^2 - t) - (8t^2 + t)
In algebra, simplifying expressions involves combining like terms and removing parentheses. Let's break down the process of simplifying the expression (-5t^3 + 4t^2 - t) - (8t^2 + t).
Understanding the Terms
- Like terms are terms that have the same variable and exponent. For example, 4t^2 and 8t^2 are like terms.
- Parentheses indicate that the terms inside need to be treated as a single unit.
Simplifying the Expression
-
Distribute the negative sign: The minus sign in front of the second set of parentheses indicates we need to multiply each term inside the parentheses by -1.
(-5t^3 + 4t^2 - t) - (8t^2 + t) = -5t^3 + 4t^2 - t - 8t^2 - t
-
Combine like terms: Now, we combine the terms with the same variable and exponent.
-5t^3 + (4t^2 - 8t^2) + (-t - t) = -5t^3 - 4t^2 - 2t
Final Result
The simplified form of the expression (-5t^3 + 4t^2 - t) - (8t^2 + t) is -5t^3 - 4t^2 - 2t.