Simplifying Algebraic Expressions: (4a^3 - 4a^2) + (6a^3 + 5a^2)
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the algebraic expression (4a^3 - 4a^2) + (6a^3 + 5a^2).
Understanding the Concepts
Before we dive into the simplification, let's recap some key concepts:
- Terms: In an algebraic expression, terms are separated by addition or subtraction signs. For example, in the expression (4a^3 - 4a^2), "4a^3" and "-4a^2" are separate terms.
- Like Terms: Like terms have the same variable(s) raised to the same power. For instance, 4a^3 and 6a^3 are like terms, while 4a^3 and 5a^2 are not.
- Combining Like Terms: We can combine like terms by adding or subtracting their coefficients (the numerical part of a term).
Simplifying the Expression
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Identify like terms: In our expression (4a^3 - 4a^2) + (6a^3 + 5a^2), we can identify the following pairs of like terms:
- 4a^3 and 6a^3
- -4a^2 and 5a^2
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Combine like terms:
- Combine the terms with 'a^3': 4a^3 + 6a^3 = 10a^3
- Combine the terms with 'a^2': -4a^2 + 5a^2 = a^2
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Write the simplified expression: After combining the like terms, the simplified expression is 10a^3 + a^2.
Conclusion
Therefore, the simplified form of the expression (4a^3 - 4a^2) + (6a^3 + 5a^2) is 10a^3 + a^2. Remember, you can only combine terms that have the same variable and exponent.