Simplifying Polynomial Expressions: A Step-by-Step Guide
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the polynomial expression (-9 + 2x^7 - x) + (9 + x - 2x^7).
Understanding the Basics
Before we begin, let's refresh our understanding of some key concepts:
- Polynomial: An expression consisting of variables and coefficients, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
- Terms: Individual parts of a polynomial separated by addition or subtraction.
- Like Terms: Terms with the same variable and exponent.
- Combining Like Terms: The process of adding or subtracting like terms to simplify an expression.
Simplifying the Expression
- Identify Like Terms: In our expression, we have the following like terms:
- 2x^7 and -2x^7
- -x and x
- -9 and 9
- Combine Like Terms:
- 2x^7 - 2x^7 = 0
- -x + x = 0
- -9 + 9 = 0
- Write the Simplified Expression: After combining all the like terms, we are left with 0.
Final Result
Therefore, the simplified form of the polynomial expression (-9 + 2x^7 - x) + (9 + x - 2x^7) is 0.
Key Takeaways
Simplifying polynomial expressions involves identifying and combining like terms. This process leads to a more concise and manageable representation of the expression. In this particular case, we found that the expression simplified to zero.