Simplifying the Expression: (3a² – 5ab + b²) – (–3a² + 2b² + 8ab)
This problem involves simplifying an expression by combining like terms. Let's break down the steps:
1. 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.
- This gives us: (3a² – 5ab + b²) + (3a² - 2b² - 8ab)
2. Combine Like Terms
- Identify like terms: Terms with the same variables raised to the same powers are like terms.
- Combine coefficients: Add or subtract the coefficients of the like terms.
- a² terms: 3a² + 3a² = 6a²
- ab terms: -5ab - 8ab = -13ab
- b² terms: b² - 2b² = -b²
3. Write the Simplified Expression
Putting it all together, the simplified expression is:
6a² - 13ab - b²