Simplifying Polynomial Expressions
This article will explore how to simplify the expression (2x^4 - 3x^3 + 2x - 1) - (x^4 - x^2 + 2x + 3).
Understanding the Problem
We are tasked with subtracting one polynomial expression from another. To do this, we need to follow the steps below:
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Distribute the negative sign: The minus sign in front of the second set of parentheses means we need to multiply each term inside by -1.
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Combine like terms: After distributing the negative sign, we will have terms with the same variable and exponent. We will combine these terms.
Solving the Problem
Let's follow the steps outlined above:
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Distribute the negative sign:
(2x^4 - 3x^3 + 2x - 1) + (-1)(x^4 - x^2 + 2x + 3)
This gives us:
2x^4 - 3x^3 + 2x - 1 - x^4 + x^2 - 2x - 3
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Combine like terms:
(2x^4 - x^4) + (-3x^3) + (x^2) + (2x - 2x) + (-1 - 3)
This simplifies to:
x^4 - 3x^3 + x^2 - 4
Conclusion
Therefore, the simplified form of the expression (2x^4 - 3x^3 + 2x - 1) - (x^4 - x^2 + 2x + 3) is x^4 - 3x^3 + x^2 - 4.