Simplifying the Expression: (5x + x^4) - (3x^4 + 4x)
This article will walk through the steps of simplifying the algebraic expression: (5x + x^4) - (3x^4 + 4x).
Understanding the Expression
Before we begin, let's break down the expression:
- (5x + x^4) and (3x^4 + 4x) are both polynomials.
- Polynomials are expressions consisting of variables and coefficients, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
- We are asked to subtract the second polynomial from the first.
Simplifying the Expression
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Distribute the negative sign:
The minus sign in front of the second polynomial means we need to multiply each term inside the parentheses by -1:
(5x + x^4) + (-1)(3x^4 + 4x)
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Simplify:
This gives us:
(5x + x^4) - 3x^4 - 4x
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Combine like terms:
Identify terms with the same variable and exponent. We can rearrange the terms to group like terms:
x^4 - 3x^4 + 5x - 4x
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Simplify further:
Combine the coefficients of the like terms:
-2x^4 + x
Final Answer
The simplified form of the expression (5x + x^4) - (3x^4 + 4x) is -2x^4 + x.