Simplifying Polynomial Expressions: (2x^3+5x-8)+(5x^3-9x^2-11x+5)
In mathematics, simplifying polynomial expressions involves combining like terms to make the expression easier to understand and work with. Let's break down how to simplify the expression: (2x^3+5x-8)+(5x^3-9x^2-11x+5).
Understanding the Process
- Identify Like Terms:
- Like terms have the same variable and exponent. For example, 2x^3 and 5x^3 are like terms, as are 5x and -11x.
- Combine Like Terms:
- Add the coefficients of like terms while keeping the variables and exponents the same.
Applying the Process
Let's apply these steps to our expression:
(2x^3+5x-8)+(5x^3-9x^2-11x+5)
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Identify Like Terms:
- x^3 terms: 2x^3 and 5x^3
- x^2 terms: -9x^2
- x terms: 5x and -11x
- Constant terms: -8 and 5
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Combine Like Terms:
- x^3 terms: 2x^3 + 5x^3 = 7x^3
- x^2 terms: -9x^2
- x terms: 5x - 11x = -6x
- Constant terms: -8 + 5 = -3
Simplified Expression
Combining all the simplified terms, the final simplified expression is:
7x^3 - 9x^2 - 6x - 3