Simplifying the Expression (5p^2 - 3) + (2p^2 - 3p^3)
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the algebraic expression: (5p^2 - 3) + (2p^2 - 3p^3)
Understanding the Process
Simplifying expressions involves combining like terms. Like terms are those that have the same variable and exponent. In our expression, we have:
- Constant terms: -3
- Terms with p^2: 5p^2 and 2p^2
- Terms with p^3: -3p^3
Steps to Simplify
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Remove the parentheses: Since we are adding the two expressions, the parentheses do not affect the order of operations. We can simply rewrite the expression as: 5p^2 - 3 + 2p^2 - 3p^3
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Rearrange the terms: It is helpful to arrange the terms in descending order of their exponents: -3p^3 + 5p^2 + 2p^2 - 3
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Combine like terms:
- -3p^3 remains as is (no other p^3 terms)
- 5p^2 + 2p^2 = 7p^2
- -3 remains as is (no other constant terms)
Final Simplified Expression
The simplified form of the expression is: -3p^3 + 7p^2 - 3