Simplifying Polynomial Expressions
In mathematics, a polynomial expression is an expression that consists of variables and coefficients, combined using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and non-negative integer exponents. A key skill in algebra is simplifying these expressions. Let's explore how to simplify the following expression:
(2x² - 6x - 2) + (x² + 4x) + (3x² + x + 5)
1. Identify Like Terms
The first step is to identify like terms. Like terms are terms that have the same variable and exponent. In our expression, we have:
- x² terms: 2x², x², 3x²
- x terms: -6x, 4x, x
- Constant terms: -2, 5
2. Combine Like Terms
Now, we combine the coefficients of the like terms:
- x² terms: 2x² + x² + 3x² = 6x²
- x terms: -6x + 4x + x = -x
- Constant terms: -2 + 5 = 3
3. Write the Simplified Expression
Finally, we combine the simplified terms to get the simplified expression:
6x² - x + 3
Therefore, the simplified form of the expression (2x² - 6x - 2) + (x² + 4x) + (3x² + x + 5) is 6x² - x + 3.