Simplifying the Expression: (5p^3 - 3) + (2p^2 - 3p^3)
In mathematics, simplifying an expression means rewriting it in a way that is easier to understand and work with. Let's break down the process of simplifying the expression (5p^3 - 3) + (2p^2 - 3p^3).
1. Identify Like Terms
- Like terms are terms that have the same variable and exponent. For example, 5p^3 and -3p^3 are like terms because they both have the variable 'p' raised to the power of 3.
In our expression, we have the following like terms:
- 5p^3 and -3p^3
2. Combine Like Terms
- To combine like terms, simply add or subtract their coefficients.
5p^3 - 3p^3 = 2p^3
- Remember that the terms -3 and 2p^2 are not like terms and cannot be combined.
3. The Simplified Expression
Therefore, the simplified expression is:
2p^3 + 2p^2 - 3
This expression is now in its simplest form as we have combined all like terms.