(-8+a^2-3a^4)+(-4a^2-4a-2a^4)

Jasonbradley

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Jun 16, 2024

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Simplifying the Expression: (-8+a^2-3a^4)+(-4a^2-4a-2a^4)

This article will guide you through simplifying the given algebraic expression: (-8+a^2-3a^4)+(-4a^2-4a-2a^4).

Understanding the Expression

The expression consists of two sets of terms enclosed in parentheses. Each term is a combination of a coefficient and a variable raised to a certain power. Let's break it down:

• (-8+a^2-3a^4): This part includes a constant term (-8), a squared term (a^2), and a term with the variable raised to the fourth power (-3a^4).
• (-4a^2-4a-2a^4): This part includes a squared term (-4a^2), a linear term (-4a), and a term with the variable raised to the fourth power (-2a^4).

Simplifying the Expression

To simplify the expression, we need to combine like terms. Like terms have the same variable raised to the same power.

1. Combine the a^4 terms:
   • (-3a^4) + (-2a^4) = -5a^4
2. Combine the a^2 terms:
   • a^2 + (-4a^2) = -3a^2
3. Combine the 'a' terms:
   • (-4a) remains as it is since there are no other 'a' terms.
4. Combine the constant terms:
   • (-8) remains as it is since there are no other constant terms.

Final Simplified Expression

After combining the like terms, the simplified expression becomes:

-5a^4 - 3a^2 - 4a - 8

This is the simplest form of the given algebraic expression.