Simplifying Algebraic Expressions: (-x^2 + 3x) - (5x + 2x^2)
This article will guide you through simplifying the algebraic expression (-x^2 + 3x) - (5x + 2x^2).
Understanding the Expression
The expression consists of two binomials enclosed in parentheses:
- (-x^2 + 3x): This binomial contains a term with x squared and a term with x.
- (5x + 2x^2): This binomial also contains a term with x squared and a term with x.
The minus sign between the parentheses indicates subtraction.
Simplifying the Expression
To simplify the expression, we need to follow these steps:
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Distribute the negative sign: The minus sign in front of the second parentheses indicates that we need to multiply each term inside the second parentheses by -1. This gives us:
(-x^2 + 3x) + (-1)(5x + 2x^2) = (-x^2 + 3x) - 5x - 2x^2
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Combine like terms: Identify terms with the same variable and exponent.
- x² terms: -x² - 2x² = -3x²
- x terms: 3x - 5x = -2x
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Write the simplified expression: Combine the simplified terms.
-3x² - 2x
The Simplified Expression
Therefore, the simplified form of the expression (-x^2 + 3x) - (5x + 2x^2) is -3x² - 2x.