Simplifying the Expression (-5t^3 + 4t^2 - t) - (8t^2 + t)
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the algebraic expression (-5t^3 + 4t^2 - t) - (8t^2 + t).
Understanding the Expression
The expression involves:
- Variables: The variable 't' represents an unknown value.
- Coefficients: The numbers in front of the variables (e.g., -5, 4, -1, 8, 1) are called coefficients.
- Exponents: The small numbers above the variables (e.g., 3, 2) indicate the power to which the variable is raised.
- Parentheses: The parentheses indicate the order of operations.
Simplifying the Expression
-
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.
(-5t^3 + 4t^2 - t) - (8t^2 + t) = -5t^3 + 4t^2 - t - 8t^2 - t
-
Combine like terms: Identify terms with the same variable and exponent and combine their coefficients.
-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.