Simplifying Polynomial Expressions: (3x^2 - 4x + 8) + (-x^2 - 2x - 8)
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the polynomial expression: (3x^2 - 4x + 8) + (-x^2 - 2x - 8).
Understanding the Concepts
Before we begin, let's quickly review some essential concepts:
- Polynomials: These are expressions consisting of variables and constants combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
- Like Terms: Terms that have the same variable and exponent. For example, 3x^2 and -x^2 are like terms, while 3x^2 and 3x are not.
- Combining Like Terms: We can simplify polynomials by combining like terms. This involves adding or subtracting their coefficients.
Simplifying the Expression
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Rewrite the expression: (3x^2 - 4x + 8) + (-x^2 - 2x - 8)
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Remove parentheses: 3x^2 - 4x + 8 - x^2 - 2x - 8
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Identify like terms:
- x^2 terms: 3x^2 and -x^2
- x terms: -4x and -2x
- Constant terms: 8 and -8
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Combine like terms: (3x^2 - x^2) + (-4x - 2x) + (8 - 8)
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Simplify: 2x^2 - 6x
Conclusion
Therefore, the simplified form of the expression (3x^2 - 4x + 8) + (-x^2 - 2x - 8) is 2x^2 - 6x.