Simplifying Polynomial Expressions
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the following polynomial expression:
(13m^4 + 2) + (m^4n^2 + 2 - 2m^4) - (-13m^2n^3 + 5m^4)
Understanding the Steps
Simplifying polynomial expressions involves combining like terms. Like terms are terms that have the same variables raised to the same powers. Here's a breakdown of the steps:
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Distribute the negative sign: The minus sign in front of the last set of parentheses means we multiply each term inside by -1.
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Identify like terms: Look for terms with the same variables and exponents.
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Combine like terms: Add or subtract the coefficients of like terms.
Simplifying the Expression
Let's apply these steps to our expression:
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Distribute the negative sign: (13m^4 + 2) + (m^4n^2 + 2 - 2m^4) + 13m^2n^3 - 5m^4
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Identify like terms:
- m^4 terms: 13m^4 - 2m^4 - 5m^4
- m^4n^2 term: m^4n^2
- m^2n^3 term: 13m^2n^3
- Constant terms: 2 + 2
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Combine like terms:
- m^4 terms: (13 - 2 - 5)m^4 = 6m^4
- m^4n^2 term: m^4n^2
- m^2n^3 term: 13m^2n^3
- Constant terms: 2 + 2 = 4
Simplified Expression
Therefore, the simplified expression is:
6m^4 + m^4n^2 + 13m^2n^3 + 4