Simplifying the Expression: (2n² - 5n - 6) + (-n² - 3n + 11)
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the expression (2n² - 5n - 6) + (-n² - 3n + 11).
Understanding the Expression
The expression consists of two polynomials:
- (2n² - 5n - 6)
- (-n² - 3n + 11)
To simplify the expression, we need to combine like terms from both polynomials.
Combining Like Terms
Like terms are terms that have the same variable and exponent. In our expression, we can identify these like terms:
- n² terms: 2n² and -n²
- n terms: -5n and -3n
- Constant terms: -6 and 11
Now, let's combine these terms:
- n² terms: 2n² - n² = n²
- n terms: -5n - 3n = -8n
- Constant terms: -6 + 11 = 5
The Simplified Expression
By combining like terms, we have simplified the expression to:
n² - 8n + 5
This simplified expression represents the sum of the original two polynomials.