Simplifying Polynomial Expressions: (3x^2 + 2x - 5) - (5x^2 - 4x + 1)
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the polynomial expression: (3x^2 + 2x - 5) - (5x^2 - 4x + 1).
Understanding the Expression
The expression involves subtracting two trinomials. Remember that trinomials are polynomials with three terms.
The Steps to Simplification
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Distribute the negative sign: The minus sign in front of the second parenthesis means we multiply each term inside the parenthesis by -1.
(3x^2 + 2x - 5) + (-1 * 5x^2) + (-1 * -4x) + (-1 * 1)
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Simplify: This simplifies to:
3x^2 + 2x - 5 - 5x^2 + 4x - 1
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Combine like terms: Combine the x^2 terms, the x terms, and the constant terms.
(3x^2 - 5x^2) + (2x + 4x) + (-5 - 1)
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Final result:
-2x^2 + 6x - 6
Conclusion
Therefore, the simplified form of the expression (3x^2 + 2x - 5) - (5x^2 - 4x + 1) is -2x^2 + 6x - 6.
This process of simplifying polynomial expressions is crucial in algebra and helps us manipulate equations and solve for unknown variables.