%2B(-a-5a%5E2%2B3).jpeg "(5a^2-2a+6)+(-a-5a^2+3)")
Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
In algebra, simplifying expressions means combining like terms to make the expression easier to understand and work with. Let's look at the example:
(5a^2 - 2a + 6) + (-a - 5a^2 + 3)
Step 1: Identify like terms
- a^2 terms: 5a^2 and -5a^2
- a terms: -2a and -a
- Constant terms: 6 and 3
Step 2: Combine like terms
- a^2 terms: 5a^2 - 5a^2 = 0
- a terms: -2a - a = -3a
- Constant terms: 6 + 3 = 9
Step 3: Write the simplified expression
The simplified expression is -3a + 9.
Key points to remember:
- Like terms: Terms with the same variable and exponent.
- Combining like terms: Adding or subtracting the coefficients of the like terms while keeping the variable and exponent the same.
- Order of operations: Follow the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS) when simplifying expressions.
By following these steps, we can effectively simplify algebraic expressions like the one provided.