Simplifying Polynomials: A Step-by-Step Guide
This article will walk you through the process of simplifying the polynomial expression: (3x^2 + 2x + 1) + (2x^2 - 4x - 5) + (3x - 1)
Understanding the Basics
Before we dive into the simplification, let's quickly recap some key concepts:
- Polynomial: An expression consisting of variables and coefficients, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
- Terms: The individual parts of a polynomial separated by addition or subtraction.
- Like Terms: Terms that have the same variables raised to the same powers. For example, 3x^2 and 2x^2 are like terms, while 3x^2 and 2x are not.
Simplifying the Expression
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Identify Like Terms: Look for terms that have the same variable and exponent.
- x^2 terms: 3x^2 and 2x^2
- x terms: 2x, -4x, and 3x
- Constant terms: 1, -5, and -1
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Combine Like Terms: Add or subtract the coefficients of like terms.
- x^2 terms: 3x^2 + 2x^2 = 5x^2
- x terms: 2x - 4x + 3x = x
- Constant terms: 1 - 5 - 1 = -5
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Write the Simplified Expression: Combine the results of step 2.
**(3x^2 + 2x + 1) + (2x^2 - 4x - 5) + (3x - 1) = ** 5x^2 + x - 5
Conclusion
By following these simple steps, we have successfully simplified the given polynomial expression. Remember that combining like terms is essential for writing polynomials in their simplest form.