Simplifying Algebraic Expressions: (3x + 4x² - 1) + (2x² - 5 - 2x)
This article will guide you through simplifying the algebraic expression (3x + 4x² - 1) + (2x² - 5 - 2x).
Understanding the Expression
The given expression involves combining two sets of terms enclosed in parentheses. These terms are a combination of constants (numbers) and variables (letters representing unknown values) with exponents. To simplify this expression, we need to follow the order of operations and combine like terms.
Simplifying the Expression
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Remove the parentheses: Since we are adding the two sets of terms, we can simply remove the parentheses.
(3x + 4x² - 1) + (2x² - 5 - 2x) = 3x + 4x² - 1 + 2x² - 5 - 2x
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Identify like terms: Like terms are terms with the same variable and exponent. In our expression, we have:
- x² terms: 4x² and 2x²
- x terms: 3x and -2x
- Constant terms: -1 and -5
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Combine like terms: Add the coefficients of like terms.
- x² terms: 4x² + 2x² = 6x²
- x terms: 3x - 2x = x
- Constant terms: -1 - 5 = -6
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Write the simplified expression: Combine the simplified terms.
6x² + x - 6
Final Result
The simplified form of the expression (3x + 4x² - 1) + (2x² - 5 - 2x) is 6x² + x - 6.