Simplifying Polynomial Expressions: (2x^2 + 2x - 4) + (x^2 + 3x + 7)
This article will walk through the steps of simplifying the expression (2x^2 + 2x - 4) + (x^2 + 3x + 7).
Understanding the Concepts
To simplify this expression, we need to understand a few key concepts:
- Polynomial: An expression consisting of variables and constants combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
- Terms: Parts of a polynomial separated by addition or subtraction signs. For example, in the expression 2x^2 + 2x - 4, the terms are 2x^2, 2x, and -4.
- Like Terms: Terms with the same variable and exponent. For example, 2x^2 and x^2 are like terms, but 2x^2 and 2x are not.
Simplifying the Expression
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Remove the parentheses: Since we are adding the polynomials, we can remove the parentheses without changing the signs of the terms:
2x^2 + 2x - 4 + x^2 + 3x + 7
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Combine like terms: Identify the like terms and add their coefficients.
2x^2 + x^2 + 2x + 3x + -4 + 7
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Simplify:
3x^2 + 5x + 3
Final Result
Therefore, the simplified form of the expression (2x^2 + 2x - 4) + (x^2 + 3x + 7) is 3x^2 + 5x + 3.