Simplifying the Expression: (2a^2 + 5a + 3) - (a^2 - 3a - 4)
This expression involves subtracting two trinomials. Let's break down the steps to simplify it:
1. Distribute the Negative Sign
The minus sign in front of the second parenthesis means we multiply each term inside the parenthesis by -1:
(2a^2 + 5a + 3) + (-1)(a^2 - 3a - 4)
This gives us:
(2a^2 + 5a + 3) - a^2 + 3a + 4
2. Combine Like Terms
Now we can combine terms with the same variable and exponent:
(2a^2 - a^2) + (5a + 3a) + (3 + 4)
3. Simplify
Performing the arithmetic, we get the simplified expression:
a^2 + 8a + 7
Therefore, the simplified form of the expression (2a^2 + 5a + 3) - (a^2 - 3a - 4) is a^2 + 8a + 7.