Simplifying Polynomial Expressions
This article will guide you through simplifying the following polynomial expression:
(2x³ + 7x² + x) + (2x² - 4x - 12)
Understanding Polynomials
Polynomials are algebraic expressions consisting of variables and constants, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication, where exponents of variables are non-negative integers.
Simplifying the Expression
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Identify Like Terms:
- Like terms have the same variables raised to the same powers.
- In our expression, we have:
- x³ terms: 2x³
- x² terms: 7x² and 2x²
- x terms: x and -4x
- Constant terms: -12
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Combine Like Terms:
- Add the coefficients of the like terms.
- (2x³ + 7x² + x) + (2x² - 4x - 12) = 2x³ + (7x² + 2x²) + (x - 4x) - 12
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Simplify:
- Combine the coefficients: 2x³ + 9x² - 3x - 12
Final Result
The simplified form of the expression (2x³ + 7x² + x) + (2x² - 4x - 12) is 2x³ + 9x² - 3x - 12.