Simplifying Polynomial Expressions
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the following polynomial expression:
(-11x^4 - x^3 - 3x^2 + 10x - 2) - (-11x^4 + 5x^2 - 7x + 13)
Understanding the Process
To simplify this expression, we will follow these steps:
- Distribute the negative sign: The minus sign in front of the second set of parentheses means we multiply each term inside the parentheses by -1.
- Combine like terms: We group together terms with the same variable and exponent.
Step-by-Step Solution
-
Distribute the negative sign: (-11x^4 - x^3 - 3x^2 + 10x - 2) + 11x^4 - 5x^2 + 7x - 13
-
Combine like terms: -x^3 + (-3x^2 - 5x^2) + (10x + 7x) + (-2 - 13)
-
Simplify: -x^3 - 8x^2 + 17x - 15
Final Answer
The simplified form of the expression (-11x^4 - x^3 - 3x^2 + 10x - 2) - (-11x^4 + 5x^2 - 7x + 13) is -x^3 - 8x^2 + 17x - 15.