(5x^3+7x-8)+(2x^3-5x^2-x)

2 min read Jun 16, 2024
(5x^3+7x-8)+(2x^3-5x^2-x)

Simplifying Polynomial Expressions: (5x^3+7x-8)+(2x^3-5x^2-x)

This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the polynomial expression: (5x^3+7x-8)+(2x^3-5x^2-x).

Understanding the Basics

Before we dive into the simplification, let's review some fundamental concepts about polynomials:

  • Polynomials: Expressions involving variables with non-negative integer exponents, combined with constants, using addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
  • Terms: Individual parts of a polynomial separated by plus or minus signs.
  • Like Terms: Terms that have the same variable and exponent.

Simplifying the Expression

  1. Remove the Parentheses: Since we're adding polynomials, the parentheses don't affect the order of operations. We can simply remove them:

    (5x^3 + 7x - 8) + (2x^3 - 5x^2 - x) = 5x^3 + 7x - 8 + 2x^3 - 5x^2 - x

  2. Combine Like Terms: Identify and group terms with the same variable and exponent:

    • x^3 terms: 5x^3 + 2x^3 = 7x^3
    • x^2 terms: -5x^2
    • x terms: 7x - x = 6x
    • Constant terms: -8
  3. Write the Simplified Expression: Combine all the like terms to get the simplified expression:

    7x^3 - 5x^2 + 6x - 8

Conclusion

Therefore, the simplified form of the polynomial expression (5x^3+7x-8)+(2x^3-5x^2-x) is 7x^3 - 5x^2 + 6x - 8. Remember, combining like terms is the key to simplifying polynomial expressions.

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