Simplifying the Expression: (2b^3 - 5b) - (7b + 3b^2)
This article aims to guide you through the process of simplifying the algebraic expression: (2b^3 - 5b) - (7b + 3b^2).
Understanding the Expression
The expression involves variables, coefficients, and exponents. Let's break it down:
- Variables: The letter "b" represents a variable, which can take on different values.
- Coefficients: The numbers 2, -5, -7, and 3 are coefficients, which multiply the variables.
- Exponents: The number 3 in 2b^3 and 3b^2 indicates the power to which the variable "b" is raised.
Simplifying the Expression
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Distribute the negative sign: The minus sign before the second set of parentheses means we multiply each term inside the parentheses by -1. This gives us:
(2b^3 - 5b) + (-7b - 3b^2)
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Combine like terms: Like terms have the same variable and exponent.
- b^3 terms: There's only one term with b^3, 2b^3.
- b^2 terms: We have -3b^2.
- b terms: We have -5b and -7b, which combine to -12b.
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Rearrange in descending order of exponents:
2b^3 - 3b^2 - 12b
Final Simplified Expression
The simplified form of the expression (2b^3 - 5b) - (7b + 3b^2) is 2b^3 - 3b^2 - 12b.